I kind of like ICQ, its small, not too flashy and over the top like MSN. We have an IM system at work, just a contacts list you right click a name and select chat, and off you go, just type and communicate; no pictures, no emoticons, no funny animated question marks or pictures appearing when you type certain combination of letters. I like that system I find it useful and less contrived. Some of the MSN stuff, seems to get in the way of real communication, instead of chatting I'm looking for cute little pictures that I can substitute instead of using words. Perhaps I just need some time, its like learning a new language, at least with the straight text chat facilities I feel a little more comfortable, but hey I'm not saying I couldn't learn to speak fluent MSN, after all my 12 year old appears to have mastered it over night
