Being new to this mode of conversation, I'm interested to see what folks think. I agree with you however, this isn't a phone call! We don't have to keep "uh huhing" just to let folks know we're still there. And it's okay to take a break to let the dog out, pick up the phone, post to BBB
, important real-world stuff like that. Of course if someone says Hey - you should say Hey back fairly quickly, but if you're involved in something else, let them know you're not completely available for chatting. Most of us are on the computer doing a variety of things from just aimless searching to stuff for work to stuff for family and of course entertainment, too. To expect someone to be at your beck and call (or quack in my case
I've got Adium) is rude. If she wants phone call etiquette, get on the phone, if not, she's got to realize that she's in a room full of people and things that you're involved with so she will be included, but so will the other things/people around.
Just my humble opinion.
Hey - this would be a good poll question.