Instant messaging

Posted by rae in software
at 11:28 am on Thursday, 18 December 2003

I am at work and while I’m waiting for a DVD to burn, I’m chatting with Luisa on MSN. I just paused and realized that this is a fundamental difference from how things were when my parents were working (circa 1970 say). The closest approximation is talking on the phone, but.. that just isn’t the same. An internet chat is much easier and less intrusive to your work.

Email is up there, too of course, but chatting is a much more intimate contact. Once video is well integrated with it, I suspect internet chat will end up replacing the telephone in many ways. When will we see the first IM client that records video messages when you’re away? ICQ already records text messages when you’re not logged on. I doubt the central servers could handle the storage for saved video, so you would have to have some sort of “answering machine” running to accept messages when you’re not logged on, probably running at home, while you might connect anywhere.

Another bright idea from ReidLabs, Inc. :-)

  • vic
    I don't see IMs replacing calls at all. IMs are convenient, but they're still pretty impersonal in a way. Plus someone going AFK is ANNOYING. Yes, IMS are free and calls long distance may cost money, but with VoIP programs out now, it's probably best to keep IMs to people you don't really have anything to say to, and reserve voice chats/phones for people closer to you.

    http://t1-t3-dsl.com
  • Depends on the context. As you say, quick chats from work are perfect. And across continent is great too. I have a friend in California who I haven't talked to by phone in over a year, but I've talked to him (for example) three times in the past three weeks, by keyboard or audio iChat. I'm really hoping some friends in Britain upgrade their Mac soon.

    That said, my problem is the awkward ending. Keyboard or A/V, it needs to be easier to say "Gotta go now!"
  • Luisa
    I notice, however, that chatting through the internet takes a whole lot longer than a phone conversation. I find that aspect somewhat annoying. I also can't seem to ignore a chat notification if I'm in the middle of something, so for me, it's just as intrusive as a phone call (often more so). (Which is why the only person who has access to me at work is Reid.) However, it's a lot more private, which I like.

    Funnily enough, I usually don't like chatting when online at home (where I should have more time!) I usualy choose not to sign on to ICQ. I find my time on the computer at home isn't leisurely. I'm often on for a few moments (checking e-mail), on my way to doing something else.
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