rant by request: instant messenger

[keryx]

I just re-started using IM a few weeks ago, since a few critical things had to happen before I could really get behind instant messaging, namely: having my own laptop connected to a speedy wireless network.

Now that I have that, and the novelty is starting to wear off, I can say this without a doubt: instant messaging is stupid. Yes, I realize it's an efficient means of getting quickly in touch with someone who can be counted on to be online, and that it allows you to have simultaneous conversations with 10 people if you want, while you download music. It's faster than email. It's easier than text messages on your phone (which are also stupid, but no one asked me to rant about that).

But. It's stupid. As a medium, it limits the types of conversation you can have, a fact that few people who use it seem to realize. It's great for quick q&a kinds of things, for planning a get-together, for entertaining quips, and nothing else.

Just to tie this in some way to what petite_tadpole asked for, here are my thoughts on people who don't follow implicit IM etiquette, for instance leaving a conversation mid-flight: so what? What function does telling someone that you're about to stop sending them entertaining quips really serve, other than to verify that you've not just been shot?

None. None at all. Thus, IM is stupid.

This rant has been intentionally inflammatory and may or may not reflect my actual opinions. Just assume it does, and if I've said something you dislike, that I'm talking about you.

Comments

[snidegrrl.livejournal.com]

my experience from having this kind of conversation on IM is from back when i was in relationships that were CONSTANTLY in trauma. ahhh dramatic youth. also there were a few times when i was trapped on overnights.