Disciphering away messages
I'm a rather tough person to get a hold of. My cell phone doesn't always feel the need to notify me when I have an incoming call...or even record me having missed your call...if I haven't left my cell phone in my desk, at work, for the weekend. I have several e-mail addresses, only some of which I use. And I'm really bad at returning messages.
When it comes to IM away messages, it gets tricky. Hopefully this will clear things up.
Away message: working on the impossible
Computer: Mac or PC
Program: google web-based IM
Avatar: not a CLUE!
Likelihood of me replying: Depends on the time. I have this on mostly during work, but will not reply until around 2 pm or later, usually later. If I stop typing, it's because I'm working and away from my desk.
Away message: Mac
Computer: Mac...
Program: Adium
Avatar: default purple flower
Likelihood of me replying: Low. Working on the Mac means that I'm working, and most likely that means that I'm working on something at the last minute, and I REALLY need to get it done. I might also be writing and shouldn't be distracted.
Away message: Available
Computer: Mac
Program: Adium
Avatar: default purple flower
Likelihood of me replying: High. I'm on my Mac, enjoying the fact that I don't have to be connected to anything.
Away message: anything other than the above
Computer: PC
Program: Trillian
Avatar: Teletubby-ish photo of a baby monkey...SHUDDUP! You think it's cute too!
Likelihood of me replying: Medium. Sometimes I leave my PC on while I'm away. Obviously, if it says that I'm buying groceries, that's where I am. If it says that I'm friggin' pissed and gonna kill the next living thing that comes my way (Bill excluded)...you get the idea. Most of the time, I'll respond when I return.