DISQUS

the MARTINI SHAKER: Is it time for IM to go?

  • chris · 1 year ago
    Hmm. I see Twitter and IM as two completely different mediums that aren't really interchangeable. Twitter's a lot more about broadcasting en masse whereas IM is all about conversations. Twitter's DMs and @'s are way too cumbersome to have an IM-style conversation. I do, however, have Adium update my IM status with my most recent 'tweet' for some hybridization (triple word score.)
  • jwopitz · 1 year ago
    I have found myself recently trying to get people to use Skype for skype-2-skype conversations. Now its not as easily accessible for those with limited bandwidth, firewall issues, or limited hardware (like no mic) but those issues are becoming more and more non-issues.

    The time I can take to say something and have a truly dynamic conversation vs. typing is rather small. And unlike a phone, I don't have to cramp my neck into weird positions and use only one hand. Also the screen collaboration plugin (YugmaSE) is awesome. IM just seems to be more of a pesky distraction more than a means of communication now.
  • Rolf · 1 year ago
    I ditched IM a few years ago, but after I got a job I found out there were good reasons for returning to it. I'm even considering putting it on my businesscard. The main reason is that it is a very good mix between e-mail and phone. It is easier to leave messages than on phone, but not as lettery as an e-mail. I can simply leave a "hows that file coming along?" to a coworker, or a "dinner at five?" to my girlfriend, and theyll respond when they have a free moment. It is also faster than e-mail, and when you work in an open landscape, it is much more suited for personal chats than a phone. So I think the technology will live on and improve.
  • Douglas Karr · 1 year ago
    Go? No. I think they should actually be combined. Imagine having a heated twitter conversation that you could just click 'start a meeting room' where skype, video or IM would start up. I think it would be a great enhancement. As well, IM should integrate so that you can IM to Twitter or vice versa.