Now that I’m back in the office after two weeks of conference it’s time to get caught up with Nebraska Learns 2.0. Today: IM.
Instant Messaging is something that I find I don’t use all that much. Granted, all of my co-workers in my department do so I find myself using it more and more. It’s not that I don’t like IM, I do find it useful from time to time, but I just forget to log in. Then, while logged in (via Meebo of course) I forget to set my away messages when I leave my desk. I’m trying folks, I really am.
Maybe my problem with IM is that while logged in, if someone sends you a message you’re expected to drop everything and respond immediately. With e-mail and twitter I can respond when I want, not when they want.
On the other hand, I do see the usefulness of IM especially when it comes to reference services. I’ve even used MSN messenger on my smartphone to contact the Commission’s reference desk to ask a question.
So, my rambling on this topic just shows how mixed my feelings are. Hopefully it’ll click in my brain one day and I’ll never want to live without it again. Then again, maybe not.
I am just starting to get into the swing of things with IM. I *much* prefer a desktop client over Meebo, and part of that is the status messages- I can have it automatically mark me as away if I am not active for a set amount of time. Plus, it’s just more useful outside the browser.
Status messages are also really useful for announcing “I’m here, but busy.” For instance, at home, I’ll put “doing homework” so people know I’m on, but busy. Or I’ll say “here, but busy, please leave a message” so people know I might not get back right away. That way, I have the choice, and they’re aware of what’s up.