Thanks to a suggestion by DogAddicts (http://jtirregulars.blogspot.com/2008/08/you-know-what-would-be-nice.html), I finally got serious about checking out Google Talk, an instant messaging program from the same people who gave us this blogging site and format.
You can download it here: http://www.google.com/talk/
It appears to be a relatively easy to use instant messaging program. I used the same login info as I do here. It allows you to instant message (IM) other users who are online when you are (and aren't cloaked - sometimes all of us need a little anonymity), and to leave private messages (PM) for those who aren't online, like I did for kkdither in the picture above. You type in your message at the bottom of the box on the right and hit enter. Apparently, you can also leave voice messages if you have a microphone hooked up. Uh-oh, that opens up a whole world of devious possibilities in my brain . . .
The program is set by default to start when Windows does, but that's easily disabled in the settings. It also adds yet another obnoxious icon to the plethora cluttering your system tray.
In a way, this allows you to see who's online (per DogAddict's original suggestion), but only those who are logged onto Google Talk and want to be seen. It does allow us to leave private messages for each other, though, and even to instant message. For now, I'm going to let it load when the computer starts because otherwise I'll forget to start it when I come here. If you decide to install the program, add me to your friends requests and I'll accept. Btw, if someone obnoxious starts pestering you, you can block them.
If this catches on, fine. If not, c'est la vie.
EDIT: 9:00 PM - Sorry folks, but after further review, it appears that this program does NOT allow for private messaging, i.e., leaving messages for others. It works for instant messages fine, if you're into that.
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24 comments:
Cool idea, but I think I'm not doing something wrong or my identity has been taken :( how many lizardmom's can there be????? I'm too tired to fight it tonite, I will try tomorrow
It did say something about not being able to log in more than one place at a time, seems odd
It's still in beta. You think it's safe to use?
Oh, thanks for taking my thoughts into consideration.
:)
I've used some beta stuff that was fine and other stuff has crashed my system. I haven't had any problems with this yet, but I'm disappointed that it doesn't allow for the leaving of messages for each other, other than actual voice messages. It'd be weird to go that route: everyone gets a microphone for their computer and we speak the messages we want to leave for each other.
Are you there now?
You should have heard that private message orbs left.... for shame! just kidding.
If you aren't in online status, you get an email which appears to be a voicemail. when you download it, it is blank. Not cool.
Orbs and I tried the instant message thing. We are too old. Can't type fast enough to make it worthwhile. Kids have us beat there, for sure.
You don't have to download the program. You can use the online version. The webpage is here: Launch Google Talk Gadget (No Download Required!) You can just click on it and a pop up message window appears.
This seems kind of clunky to me. Drew tried to chat with me, but we somehow didn't connect and missed each other.
Well,I'm up and running. Not exactly sure to I'm doing.
kk,I got your messsge,but I can't send you any thing
ookayyy...
It's not taking my login name or my password
Says they aren't right.
I've had this name at google for a long time! How can it be wrong?
poop.. I d/l it too.
Please note that you can enable the chat capabilities of this program without actually installing it on your computer by clicking on the "Launch Google Talk Gadget" link on this page: http://www.google.com/talk/
I think I'm going to let it autoload for the time being. I'm usually not into instant messaging, but it might be fun to see what happens. I am nowhere near as fast on the keyboard as some peole are, especially kids.
someone try again. I just noticed that my status somehow reverted back to busy.... maybe that is why your message didn't go though drew? Were you hitting enter after typing? Bunch of old farts, need teens to teach us how to do this new fangled stuff..... geeze!
I'm way too slow in typing(all thumbs).
kk,it's here that you are using chat in Gmail or is using another chat program. (exact words)
I'm so confused!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm there.. I think.. but there is nothing.
IS this a public chat? There is nothing there.. just a blank page.
ok, I'm a dork.
I am used to one or two kinds of chats.
I can't figure this out..
Finally got drew chatting. We tried through my personal blog page. Success. Nice chatting with ya drew. It is time to sleep now.
DA, we will have to work on it... it isn't really that hard. I didn't download anything. Maybe that is the way to go??? Sounds like having the program is more trouble than the online version?
I think we got it figured out. Thanks kk!
Dang, I missed all that.
DA, sorry I didn't get around to helping you last night. By midnight, my brain was almost fully dead. I got your "add" request and entered you in.
No, it is not a public chat. That is what is kind of nice. You can see which of your friends are online and chat with them privately.
It works, it might catch on as Mr. "c'est la vie said".... : ) Maybe we can try today sometime? I'll chat with ya for a bit!
I think I'm too old for this new stuff :( I deleted it the download, may try the other option, but have a worse than killer migraine going on,
my computer screen is on the darkest setting it will allow and all my windows are covered, I feel like a night creature, the house is to dark!
I use yahoo messenger, I know it well and you can chat, voice chat and leave offline messages. If anybody is interested in hooking up that way if they don't get along with the new one, my id on there is lizard_mom (surprise, surpise, hey?)I"mi going back to bed and see if I can knock this headache out, maybe I'll try the link when I get up again...... it's just nice to have a fall back on plan too :)
lizardmom-I use yahoo messenger as well. It's nice to have a few options. My id is in my profile.
I also have Yahoo Messenger. orbscorbs is my ID, but I keep appearing as "Orbs Corbs" online. I dislike that space between the words. Anyway, I had no paticular preference for Google Talk other than the hopes that it would somehow integrate with our platform and/or give us the opportunity to PM, leave private messages for each other. Instant messaging is not my forte, either. It would be nice to have one-click capabilities to PM, but we don't.
Having a chatroom on the site would be ubercool. It'd be nice if you could set it like the comments: anyone or anyone with an ID or only members of the board. People with insomnia could log in at 3 a.m. and chat with other irregulars.
sounds like it would be cool orbs, we could have a nightly irregular insomniacs thing going on :)
I did download this. Anyone want to chat, hit me up lol loring_lisa@yahoo.com
Lisa
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