Communication mashing Nov25 '07

Less like chat

Being "online" used to mean that I was available to chat. I'd log into my instant-message client and set my status, indicating if I was ready for incoming dialogue. I could immediately see who else was online, their statuses, and I could begin dialogue with anyone. I used to equate being on instant-messenger as being "connected," "available," or simply providing my presence to the world.

I enjoyed simply logging into IM, and going about my daily routine. The outside world could "see" that I was online, and ready for communication if necessary. "Drop me a line, sure. I'm always online. You'll see me." Even if I received a message when I wasn't physically at the computer to see it, I could still check in later and notice the message.

These days, this behavior is no longer necessary. In fact, instant-message clients, as we know them, are no longer the "hub" that they used to be. You no longer need to be physically logged-in to your IM client to be considered "online."

The truth is you're always online.

SMS, for example, is the standard for textual communication between mobile devices. Provided the cell network is up, you are always available to send and receive messages. Whether you reply to them or not is entirely up to your discretion, and your availability at the time the message arrives.

The point is, we don't need to physically connect to our IM account to be "online."

Communication crossroads

What if a person wants to communicate with you via IM, of which you are not connected to at the moment? Let's say you're out running errands and you'd rather use SMS for communication, until you get to a computer.

How can someone using IM send you an SMS message? Conversely, how can you send an SMS message to someone using IM?

Even further, let's say you'd prefer all messages get pooled into an RSS feed, so you can check them later when you have time. Again, how can someone using IM update that RSS feed?

The various tools we use to communicate and receive notifications cannot be intermingled so easily. Ideally, we should be able to use the tool of our choice for all incoming and outgoing communication and notifications.

Is there a service that provides this higher level of "communication mashing," with tools such as IM, SMS, web, RSS?

Thankfully, there is.

Providing your presence with any tool

The beauty of services like Twitter is that they combine all current communication forms: IM, SMS, web, RSS, etc. Depending on the tool of your choice, or the availability of said tools, you can choose to monitor and communicate in a more vast and consistent environment.

Send messages using any tool you'd like:

On the road? Use SMS.
Connected to IM? Send an instant-messsage.
On the web? Send a message through a web form.

Receive messages using any tool you'd like:

On the road? Check your incoming SMS.
Connected to IM? Check your incoming instant-messages.
On the web? Refresh the page.
Would you rather not know immediately? Check the RSS feed when it's convenient for you.

So, log out of the "empty room" that is instant-message. Go out and enjoy your life, and use the tools that you find more convenient or practical, and remain in touch with anyone.

Categories: Communication , Instant Message , RSS , Technology , Twitter

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matthom is published and produced by Matt Thommes - an independent publishing enthusiast, mobile blogger, content creator, informative writer, web developer from Chicago. Never one to conform, Matt intends to promote the effect the web has on our lives, in an effort to intensify, instruct, and clarify all that is happening around us.