Is LL going to get rid of IM?

If it wasn't for the OpenSpace mess, I suspect the discussion here would look a lot more like the latest SLIM blog entry. This is the Next Big Thing from LL, a new instant messaging system based on the Vivox protocols instead of the SL ones.

I'm not the only one who has questions about why LL is creating a new instant messaging system outside Second Life that runs in parallel with the SL system. Once the Vivox client becomes standard, why will they need an IM system going through SL any more? Given that the impact of groups on IM is one of the frequent reasons given for the group limitations, perhaps they plan on getting rid of the in-world IM completely.

That might even make sense.

What do other residents think?

I do not like the sound of that.

I doubt it. There's too many people, including myself, that won't use SLim at all, for a number of reasons. Some will refuse to use external apps that want their SL password. Others won't want a thing to do with a primarily Voice chat system.

I am amazed at what a wildly obscure installation it is(LL's side). Without thorough knowledge on the subject, but with nix experience, there are soooo many simpler ways to do this.

I crave an app for my itouch, looks like i will have to write it(or try).

I am one of those that will be using this piece of software because I can use it on the go with my laptop that does not do SL. since Ive already installed it on my main computer the slim client now has all my freinds in it. But I will say this Ive tryed talking to a couple of people and it seems that they also need this to talk with me. but this is improvment for when I am on the move and want to keep in touch with certain people

Yah, like, they could just provide an XMPP gateway for IM on their own servers, and you could use *any* jabber client to log in as (say) "Argent.Stonecutter@jabber.secondlife.com".

Or they could provide a web-based interface.

I'd prefer Jabber, though.

Right, so you're not any better off than if you set up accounts on a jabber server and used iChat or GAIM to talk to them.

In fact, if someone like XStreetSL set up a "jabber.xstreetsl.com" I'd use it. They already have a mechanism for setting up an account associated with an SL account, and it'd be MORE convenient than LL's solution.

Hmmm... I see an opportunity.

Politics. Vivox wrote this I think.

No source no fun =/

No, SLim was created because people requested it. Like it says in the Blog Post, The Main Client remains just that, The MAIN Client. They're not gonna get rid of IM =]

I'm one of the people who allegedly requested it, and this sure ain't what I requested. IT doesn't even begin to deal with my problem... access to IM from behind a firewall.
The whole point to First Look is that it's a FIRST LOOK at a future MAIN client. Once they have migrated this from First Look, why do they need to keep two sets of IM code in the client?

I thought Slim was just like Violle it just provides another way to communicate
when you can't be online with your regular computer or for those who don't
have ability to be on compatible computer to do all the things regular viewer does..

I'm not sure I understand, do you mean removing IM from the SL viewer and making it a standalone client? So we'd have to switch windows just to carry on a private conversation?

It doesn't make any sense at all to me.

I personally would love to see IM mode go. It's ironic that a messaging mode that's meant to help connect people ultimately turned me into a recluse. haha

But LL would never remove it because some people like having the ability to send IMs inworld. There's many people that are new to Second Life and have a lot of enthusiasm for making new friends. Although looking back I can see that I've never been a big fan of IM mode, even when I was new.

Its something I will never use and I will never turn on voice. Its my preference. As far as being able to IM from outside SL I have no need for that, SL is fun but it cant replace my RL. When I log out of SL I want to be out of SL.

Just as voice had very little impact on text chat - I don't think this will impact IM's.

Personally I'd like to have IM's upgraded so that we can assign different color text to different groups, client side. It might help remind us which window we're in.

I like instant messaging except when I want to be left alone.
Although I rather have them get rid of group instant messaging.

I maxed on my bandwidth limits so I'll definitely be using the SLim extensively rather than going online just to get in contact with my friends. Wildblue. In case you're wondering. :|

So if you wanted to contact someone who is in world, but not in chat range, you would need a seperate program, that you would have to go outside of SL to use so the recipient can go outside to read the message????? Or am I missing something?

EDIT: Or what Milla said.

Color would help.

What I do now is undock the IM windows for the 2 conversations that I'm nearly ALWAYS in, and always put them in the same position on my screen. Then I close the remaining window that has tabs for all the other IMs, and just monitor them via the local chat scrolling in the bottom left.
.

This is Halloween, not April Fool's day, y'know.



I'm pretty sure inworld IM will stay. It already is fairly tightly tied with inworld voice. I could see replacing their homegrown IM/Presence server with a third party one inworld, but I cannot see getting rid of it completely.
.

Some people like AIM but it didn't hurt AOL. Oh wait...

Huh... like I want another IM program. To be honest, I'm tempted to only use SLim to handle customer support. I wouldn't want to HAVE to log it in just to be able to chat when I'm already in SL.

I'm very tempted to give SLim a try.. but do have to wonder if it's as resource intensive as SL?

Or make groups only able to message from the group founder/leaders, and announcement only. But then how would people get back to the person with any questions if they can't privately IM back.

(ETA: and come to think of it, why do all groups type out 'announcement only, no chat' when they IM? They can already send announcements yet most groups do BOTH? Others are always tempted to chat in the group IM no matter how many times the leaders say 'announcement only.' And what's its purpose since the leader can just send out a group announcement - though those get old too, I'm sick of getting things I want to hear about capped because of 10 announcements a day from some places.

Why not just disable group IM altogether. I've left groups because some send out several IMs *and* announcements per club shift. Do they not realise some people belong to a full 25 groups?)

Maybe it's just meant as a run alongside type of thing, not to replace current IMs. IMs have their place. Imagine the level of text noise without it?

Like when people decide to pex in a public sim...(look up urban dictionary for pexing).

So long as there is a method for sending an IM etc I am happy. This probably kicks me out of the geek club but hey, I can't code I don't belong there.

Wow I am so out of touch ... spose I best start catching up with some of these threads.

***edit but I agree with the post above - group IM should be opt in per group as it is for group notices - the only groups I want group IM for is my little unit of two for my own land group and for the ones specifically created as a group chat in the real sense of the word (like Chicken Run II ... when guys? when is the next one?). I'm afraid I don't want spamming with the various commercial ventures or RP groups without discretion! Like most people, it turns me away as a customer.

I don't know I am not much of fan for login and get non-stop group announcements
every few hours a event is happening I wish there was better way to communicate than
that.
Sometimes I would like the option for my im's to go private mail box though sometimes.
I can't code either. I just doodle textures and prims, take lot of sl nap breaks, meditate on wl sky but there is nothing more distracting then ding of a im when you're trying to figure out something or relax.
My friend use Violle on his cell phone its cool to see tiny SL not really sure exactly
truthfully what Slim does.
Violle you can't buy, touch or build anything but it does have cool little building mini game
and you can talk to others and login briefly and wonder around SL for short periods of time before you crash for inactivity.
I did hear though the newer version of SL viewer came out you could disable
group im but I haven't tried it.
I know they changed recently so even when you on busy mode you still get group
announcements which is annoying as heck.
I avoid groups and joining them but sometimes is nice to belong to certain ones
and hear announcement reminders but sometimes it just way too much.