No seriously, I am busy!

The whole IM (instant messaging) revolution is based on NEAR real time communications. It's not real-time, it doesn't guarantee delivery or that the person on the other side have actually received anything. The whole idea is that you may communicate if the person is ready and available to hear from you.

Yes, you can promote your session to a full chat, but that means you received an acknowledgement from the other side that "yes I'm available" and "yes we can chat now". (Also known as "Handshake")

I'm surprised when people see me login on my carputer (some know what that is) or when I log in through my XBOX (yes XBOX will log into your messenger account so your friends can see what's going in) and while I'm in mid-play in a heated online battle with 15 other crazy people trying to shoot me.. I get a cute message from someone saying something stupid! Same when I'm on the highway, connected only do do streaming from my favorite station and NOT to chat

I think it's a good idea to ask if the other person is available and if this is a good time to chat. It's common sense, it's really simple. Especially during work hours. If I'm going to randomize someone and distract them from work, then I should probably as politely if they have a minute and if they're available for a chat or what ever!

And that my friends was my morning Rant, while I wait for my flight to get to Chicago .. It's going to be delayed 10 minutes (or so they say) but I'm not in a hurry, I'm a full day ahead of my appointment here so Hurray! (I still pray that I will get there tonight)