Are you already using "GMail":http://gmail.com/, arguably one of the best webmail interfaces available to date? Google has introduced "Google Talk":http://talk.google.com/. By downloading Google's IM client, you can now use your GMail user name and password to communicate via text or voice with other GMail users. If you don't feel like using Google's client, their IM system is written using the "Jabber":http://jabber.org/ protocol, so any Jabber client, including "Gaim":http://gaim.sf.net/, can be used.
Just look for your favorite IM client on "Google's List":http://www.google.com/talk/otherclients.html and follow the instructions. Then, look me up: *revjim @ gmail.com*
With the right people pushing this the right way, you may be able to get rid of hotmail and MSN Messenger in one beautiful sweep. And, with Google leading the way wrapped in open protocols, the Mac, Linux, and whoever else people can play along too — without having to cheat to get there.
And, of course, if Google wanted to keep their "why delete anything" philosophy, I'd like to see all of my Google Talk IM conversations inline with the email (offline messaging?) conversations that GMail stores for me. Talk about powerful.
Make the koolaid taste really, really, good, and even I'll drink it.
