Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with im

Can I get a high-res version of a Yahoo IM emoticon?

deeper red — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 11:14:13 -0800

Where can I find a high-resolution (ideally scalable) version of the Yahoo IM :x (love struck) emoticon?

Email-2-IM ?

nagalr — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:58:25 -0800

Hello.. I need to receive notifications about new Email's on my IM app. (using gmail, IM: MSN, Yahoo, AIM, GT, ICQ... all)
Is there an email-2-IM gateway as part of a free service?
Maybe other Solution that can help me receive 'Live' notifications?

Thanks,
Ron

How to delete an IM on Skype before it is received? [AccidentalInappropriateMessageFilter]

anthropomorphic — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:29:41 -0800

My boyfriend Skype-IMed his mother a very dirty greeting that was meant for me. It still shows the circling icon that I think happens when you try to send a user a message when the user does not have Skype running at the time. Is there any way to delete this before she gets it? He's freaking out, as you would too, if I told you what he just told his mother.

How do I stop getting AOL IM's texted to my phone?

TwilightKid — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:00:58 -0800

I'm on a Mac and I use the program Adium to access my AOL IM account. I also have a Blackberry Bold....At some point, I decided to try the feature of connecting my AOL IM account to my cell phone which would allow me to receive IM's on my phone even when I am logged off from the service...Now I don't know how to make it stop.. I don't recall actually when or how I set this feature up....I originally set it up when I had my iphone.

So, I have basically when through every possible Adium option, as well as looking through my AOL IM program on m blackberry and even logging on through AOL IM on the computer... I cannot figure out how to remove my cell phone number from this process. I want to stop being texted with IM's on my phone..... I have the app for AOL IM on the phone now, so I do not need this other feature...

Much thanks for any guidance...

Can you send an IM to a phone using AIM?

Flood — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:24:03 -0800

Is it possible to send (and receive) IMs to cell phones, using AIM? I have an iTouch. I downloaded AIM into the iTouch. The AIM product description on the app download page seems to suggest that the AIM can be used to send and receive IMs with cell phones - as long as the iTouch is connected to a WiFi signal.

Is this possible? I can't seem to get it to work. Can anyone help?

How do I use AIM on an iTouch to send an IM to a cell phone?

2 Domain, 2 Server Redundancy with Jabber/XMPP?

d7415 — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:50:46 -0800

I'm looking to set up an XMPP/Jabber server with minimum hassle, with one major requirement: I want to run the service for 2 domains across two servers, each acting as backup/redundancy for the other. Ideally, I'd also like an easy admin interface and transports to other Major IM networks (e.g. MSN).

Thanks for any help.

Dumass Think Mix Tape Will Re-spark Relationship

Carbolic — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:26:03 -0800

I had a very deep relationship with a woman a couple of years ago. She ended it and my reaction, to say the least. was not the best (no violence or threats). I've had a number of short lived overtures from this lady over the last year (yesterday was the latest - call in to rescue her at 2:30 this morning.) and have apologized for my past behavior.

For whatever insane reason I now think the perfect mixed tape might do some good. Just something to send her that might emphasis how wrong I know I was and how much I'd like to try again. I come up with Al Green songs (So Tired of Being Alone, etc.) If we ever reconnect it will be a slow process.

What would 37-ish year old women recommend that I include in such a mix?

Thanks folks. I really think we're close but she can't quite get past the way the initial breakup went. I expect comments along the lines of DTMFA and am willing to listen so long as they include the mix tape suggestions.

What are words for..when no one speaks them anymore

spicynuts — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:57:46 -0800

Need an iPhone app that can fully replace texting. My phone bill was WAY too high this month. I have several friends that are extremely important to me that refuse to actually talk on the phone. All of their communication is via text if not in person. This has taken a huge toll on my iPhone bill the last month or so. Is there an iPhone app that will allow me the same instant communication without the others having to have the same app? Do thinks like Beejive do this? Ideally I'd like to be able to use something like IM but that wouldn't require all of my friends to be logged into IM to get in touch with me via text-like communication. What's out there?

Dating Metadata?

Anonymous — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:13:56 -0800

I'm a playa. Well, not really. But how do I keep track of people I talk to from dating sites - what IM client do I need? I message people on dating sites and Myspace and they (occasionally) give me their screenname - usually AIM or Yahoo. My memory isn't the greatest, so now I have a long list of screennames of people that I don't remember. To help, I've started tagging the "alias" or "nickname" with the screenname of the site the person belongs to, but it's not enough. If someone doesn't sign on often, I find myself asking the same boring questions (name, location, etc.) every time, and it doesn't really help making any kind of meaningful connection with people.

Obviously, besides talking to less people, my solution is a database-based IM client. I tried keeping a plain text file, but it was too ponderous to keep up with. Right now I'm using Digsby IM, and it's nice, but doesn't seem to fit the bill. I need something that can quickly and easily store data about each person I contact, and add to as I learn more about them. Having it be searchable would be nice too. Does such a thing exist? I know there are ways to do this with the official AIM and Yahoo clients, but they seem like afterthoughts.

If anyone has encountered this problem or have any other ideas (besides reminding me that I'm spreading myself too thin and meaningful relationships are formed through communication blah blah blah), I would love to hear them!

Forcing a persistent AIM logon?

kalapierson — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:41:37 -0800

Is there a way (with any IM client) to force a persistent logon for an AIM account, even when one doesn't have the sustained internet connection that would actually let one stay logged on? (In order to accept messages that will be "held" and displayed the next time one's IM client starts up?) I needed a two-way sms-to-IM service (one that can both reach and be reached by mobile phones and other sms-sending devices -- an incoming sms is converted into an IM, and an outgoing IM to the mobile's number is converted to an sms).

I found AIM is great for this (it's the only free, reliable, ad-free and cruft-free, two-way service of all the services I tested) -- EXCEPT for the fact that it only works when one is actively logged into AIM with a sustained internet connection, which I often don't have. The AIM account can't accept incoming sms messages as IMs unless the AIM user is actively logged in at the time the sms is sent. In other words, the incoming messages aren't accepted and "held" until the next time the user signs in -- instead the sms sender receives a bounce message indicating the AIM user is unavailable.

Is there any way, with any IM client, I could force a persistent connection to AIM even at the times when I can't be actively logged in?

(Currently, the IM client I'm using is Adium on Mac OS 10.4.11.)

Where can I find statistics on the number of users for different instant messaging networks (aim, yahoo, google talk, icq, msn and so on) over time?

nolnar — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:03:58 -0800

Where can I find statistics on the number of users for different instant messaging networks (aim, yahoo, google talk, icq, msn and so on) over time? Not much extension is needed. I could just add that I'm looking for statistics that can:
- show what is the most popular IM network right now
- show what was most popular 5 years ago
- ideally show a graph that compares the user base of the networks over time

Ah, to be connected anywhere, anytime!

Bakuun — Sun, 04 May 2008 18:59:10 -0800

Looking for a relatively simple mobile IM device, that will allow me to be connected regardless of wifi availability. A bit confused about options - it seems a Blackberry is the most perfect fit. Or is it? My sweetheart is now an unfortunate 6000+ miles away - a marine stationed in Okinawa. The 16 hour time difference we have (I'm in southern California) makes the moments when our schedules align all the more precious, and we're jumping on those moments as fast as they come. He's looking into a PDA/Blackberry to stay connected via IM throughout his day, and after some consideration, I thought of doing the same. Not having to be chained to the computer desk to message him sounds absolutely wonderful.

I'm not concerned with voice (and voice plans, at that) - just something that would allow me to continue using Windows Live messenger whenever I'd like. I currently have a (rather old) cell with a plan from Sprint, and it's used only in "emergency" situations - an agenda change, "I-got-here-safe" notifications, etc. As I'm not a big phone chatter in the slightest, my only concern is the IM capability of a device and its potential monthly cost.

Am I right in thinking that a Blackberry would be best, or might anyone have an even better suggestion? If the former, I'd really appreciate help in narrowing down a good (basic?) model, and possibly a plan that fits the need without burning a hole in my pocket.

Thanks for readin'!

What IM client makes this sound?

Nelson — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:24:22 -0800

What IM client makes this sound? I'm trying to identify a glitch that's in the leak of Portishead's album Third. On track 5, about 2:14 into the track you hear a strange sound. It sounds a lot like an IM client's new message alert, but I'm not positive. I don't think it belongs in the music, it's way out of context. You can hear the whole track here.

(I'm asking for my blog, which I'm politely not self-linking here.)

Stop repeating yourself, iChat! Stop repeating yourself, iChat!

bjork24 — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:07:47 -0800

Why does iChat send URLs twice? Whenever I send a URL to someone, it shows up twice on the recipient's side. Is there a way to stop this annoying repetition? My friend uses Digsby, and my wife uses gTalk, and it does the same thing on both of their respective IM clients.

What I send:
http://ask.metafilter.com

What they get:
http://ask.metafilter.com http://ask.metafilter.com

I'm using iChat 4.0.2 on Leopard, FWIW.

Please hope me!

Instant message help

mr. creosote — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 07:00:36 -0800

Need help finding a quick and easy instant messaging (IM) program. Which IM program is best? I currently use Trillian but am a bit distressed over its bloat issues, which makes me concerned over security and CPU consumption issues. It also has a very confusing interface. Are there bloatless alternatives out there that are not loaded with malware? Payware is ok. I plan on using YIM and maybe AIM.

Also I want to start leaving my IM client up 24/7. Are there security issues I need to be aware of, such as payloads someone could send over IM, or a vulnerability with my IM port being open constantly and visible? I already know not to run executable programs.

AOL IM clients no longer working, but only at home. Could it be my router?

kdern — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 04:53:58 -0800

AOL IM clients no longer working, but only at home. Could it be my router? On my Mac, I use both ichat and Adium for AOL IM. I can't get AOL IM to work on either one when at home any more. I can access GoogleTalk with either client, but not AOL. When I use the same network on the wireless network at work, I can access AOL IM on Adium on my Mac with no problem.

Another family member in the house has a PC, and she uses Trillian. She also can't access AOL IM lately. This has been going on for about 2-3 weeks. Once in blue moon it works, but 95% of the time, we can't connect.

Note - We can both connect via Meebo from home with no problem.

At home, I have a cable modem connected to a wireless router. It's worked fine for the last 2 years.

Pidgin Users

LoopyG — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 20:58:28 -0800

How do I make Pidgin let me have separate users? I recently switched my parents to Ubuntu. On Ubuntu Gaim/Pidgin is the default IM client. I use Pidgin as well, but I only have one account setup for it on my machine. However, my parents have several users using the IM client on their machine.

What I am looking to do is setup something like on AIM for windows where you can sign off from one account and sign onto another account. All I can seem to figure out is to have multiple accounts be logged in simultaneously, which is not what I want.

What are your suggestions for multiple users using the same Pidgin client on the same computer? Should I be switching to a different IM client?

Which IM account is most appropriate for business use?

Argyle — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 14:25:55 -0800

I am considering giving out my instant messenger in my work email signature. The question is "Which IM account is most appropriate for business use?" The big three IMs are AIM, Yahoo, and MSN. I also run GTalk & Skype, but don't seem to have as much traction as the big three.

Thank you for your advice.

Don't want to work... want to get paid for chatting instead!

spotty_dog — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 08:42:17 -0800

Anyone know of any good internet based IM sites... My friend is leaving work in a few weeks, and as he is up to date with all his deadlines he has not a lot to do about the office. He is wanting to chat with friends online but most of the IM based websites he tries are blocked by the I.T department (fun ruining scum they are).

We have tried the obvious ones that show on google when searched for example emessenger and meebo but to no avail.

Anyone have any ideas?

AOL IM unwanted sound

sandra194 — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 06:51:11 -0800

Don't want that sound when sending an AOL IM response. I have looked all over the AOL IM software preferences to get rid of the sound that happens after you type a message/response to your buddy while chatting in the IM window. When you hit return--there is an odd sound that you hear over whatever else you are listening to on the computer.

How can I turn this sound off? I can't find it anywhere!

Character at a time chatting?

dmd — Mon, 21 May 2007 13:29:05 -0800

What happened to character-by-character chat? I miss the intimacy, subtle nuances of meaning, and most of all the ability to interrupt one another and complete one another's sentences that was inherent in old-school unix 'talk'. How can I replicate this nowadays? Rejected answers: (1) iChat on a local (BonJour) network. I want something I can talk to people in other locations with, not someone sitting next to me. Plus, iChat sends a few words at a time, not a character at a time, which ruins the effect of intimacy. (2) Actually installing and using talk/ytalk. I'd like to do this with someone who'd probably balk at installing new software, much less dealing with unix. So, web/ajax based solutions greatly preferred.

Any tools to manage status for multiple messaging clients?

fsmontenegro — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:30:08 -0800

Are there any Windows utilities that manage the status information for multiple IM clients? Skype, MSN, Yahoo... I have used many IM clients over the years, including Trilliam, Miranda, as well as the "default" ones from MSN, Yahoo, etc... Because of the need for "advanced" features, I end up relying more on the standard clients rather than the cross-platform (Trillian, GAIM, Miranda, ...) ones.

Is anyone aware of a tool (Windows preferred, Java is OK) that will manage JUST the status information on multiple clients? I'd like something that I can select my status (online, away, busy, ...) and have that use each client's API to set the client status transparently.

Any ideas?

Yahoo Messenger pop-ups?

kapec — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 10:46:14 -0800

What are the implications of and best response to unsolicited Yahoo Messenger pop-up messages? I get pop-up messages from Yahoo Messenger instant messaging service (or was it Hotmail?) asking for permission for others to see me online, to be
"visible" while I am online. How do these people get my contact information. Would I in any way compromise my security if I allow them to do this? What
sort of contact does it permit and how could I find out more about these people and their contacts before I reply (like they seem to be doing and what do they know about me??)

Chat without IM software?

foxinthesnow — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 15:33:31 -0800

Is there a website that people can use to chat and IM without actually using the the IM software? I thought I had read about such a site in an article about teens outsmarting the filters on their school computers, but I cannot remember what the site was called. Does this ring a bell with anyone?

Can I get away with IMing at work if I stick to Gtalk?

Anonymous — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 20:08:28 -0800

Chat-at-Work-Filter: In my line of consulting I end up working at a number of client sites where the client's IT department has succeeded in convincing management that Instant Messaging is the devil... I work a LOT and therefore being able to trade a few lines of text with my girlfriend or a coworker / friend on the other side of the planet is sometimes a welcome reprieve, however I also don't want to get my employer in hot water, much less lose my job.

My question is this: how does Gtalk (not the actual stand-alone application but the embedded version, in Gmail) work? Will IT gurus at the client(s) be able to see that I am chatting, or is it different from your normal IM clients (aim, msn messenger, et. al.)?

I've had speculations from friends/co-workers either way, ranging from:

...my guess with gchat is that IT can see packets of data going back and forth from my IP to gmail.com, but since gchat is run on Java, it's not possible to monitor the actual messaging that goes on...

to:

I know that they use the Jabber protocol which would be easily identifiable in a network trace.

Does anyone know how the magic actually happens? Am I safe? Should I avoid it? Any input is appreciated.

cantheyseemechatting at gmail (where else?)