An instant messaging world
Jacquie Brasher

I reluctantly entered a new-to-me technology arena this weekend. After much persuasion from two college friends in Alabama, I decided to download an instant messaging (IM) system on my laptop. Talk about peer pressure! They were relentless. So I caved in. I had never done the IM thing before, but it was pretty easy to get a hang of it. It's all so weird, though. I mean, communication has really come a long way since the postal service.

By the way, as a side note, let me say that I love the U.S. Postal Service! I don't care if the price of stamps keeps going up. You can't beat sending a card or letter through the mail for a measly 41 cents. When was the last time, in the modern age, you could do anything for 41 cents? It's truly remarkable. But I digress. What I'm trying to say is that letters and e-mail illustrate the difference between getting our newspaper in print and reading us online. Both are wonderful--and each has its unique characteristics but if you're a tactile person, reading a newspaper in actual newsprint is unbeatable.

I understand instant coffee, instant gratification, and instant karma, but this instant messaging thing was new and odd. Still, like a cat on a mouse, I pounced on it with great ease. It turned out to be quite interesting and fun. I had to type fast, which led to some terrible typos, but in the IM World, all is forgiven. Also, because one is typing to two different people at the same time, messages can overlap one another. But like riding a bicycle, once you get a rhythm going, it falls into place.

Now, about those spooky yellow or red Emoticons. I guess they are short for "emotional icons" and can be inserted into each message to convey an emotion. Well, I'm not sure I like those things. They're a little too "cutesie" for me. I prefer to write about an emotion rather than have a Damien-like graphic do it for me. If you're familiar with these things, you'll know what I'm talking about. They remind me of tiny little gremlins. Some are even animated. Freaky things!

Instant messaging with old friends like Keith and Jesse can be funny. Since it's so much faster than e-mail, it tends to be more spontaneous. I found myself typing silly, nonsensical messages. Plus, with old friends, the messages can often rehash "the crazy ol' times" we had in college. I told them I could write a book about college. Keith thought it was a good idea for a second- until he changed his mind a second later. I told him I could conceal all their identities, but where's the fun in that? Keith told me about a new tree house he was building, soon to be featured in Southern Living magazine. Jesse wrote about his bountiful summer garden, creating art, and his new girlfriend, Meg.

I have a healthy respect for technology and its function in today's society. However, there are still some tech things for which I have no use. Someone once observed with amusement that I have a laptop computer, but no cell phone. Well, that's true. However, the laptop was a gift from my mother and as for a cell phone, there are just some conveniences in life that turn out to be invasive. At least with a laptop, I have control over the communication. A cell phone is way too intrusive. I know that eventually I may be coerced to get one, but until then, I'm footloose and cell phone free. Some of us don't like being buzzed, beeped or- worse- serenaded by a piece of metal in our pockets or handbags.- Jacquie Brasher is senior staff writer for The Forest-Blade and may be reached (with or without Emoticons) at jacquie@forest-blade.com

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