Instant Messaging

Well, I deliberately skipped the Instant message lesson, in terms of trying it. (I did read the instructions and followed them to the point of conversation.) I tried IM several years ago with my daughter, when she was in school at Pullman. We thought we'd save money on the phone bill, so made elaborate preparations by email to try IM. It was terrible!!! It didn't flow the way conversation between us did. Writing a statement or question, then waiting for a response, while thinking of all the other things I should have added to the original message was too frustrating. And, we had none of the nuances and connectedness of voice. After about 10 minutes, I messaged that I was calling her, and we abandoned IM. And in some ways this is funny, because I use snail mail regularly to family and friends and enjoy that very much. For me, writing a letter involves focusing on the recepient, relating the little things about life, and the tactile connection to paper and pen. I can also include photos, newspaper clippings or other little things in that envelope. So IM seems to be the worst of email and phones, with none of the redeeming qualities of either.