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<Help>
  <HelpCategory>Quick Start</HelpCategory>
  <CatUrl>kbcat_28.xml</CatUrl>
  <HelpSubCategory></HelpSubCategory>
  <SubCatUrl></SubCatUrl>
  <Topic>
    <TopicId>717</TopicId>
    <CatId>28</CatId>
    <HelpCategory>Quick Start</HelpCategory>
    <HelpSubCategory></HelpSubCategory>
    <Title>Communication: Instant Messages</Title>
    <Content>
<ul>
    <li><em><strong>Instant Messaging from Nametags</strong></em></li>
    <li><em><strong>IMs from Menu </strong></em></li>
    <li><strong><em>Group IMs</em></strong></li>
    <li><em><strong>The IM Window</strong></em></li>
    <li><em><strong>Availability Status</strong></em></li>
    <li><em><strong>Changing Font Color</strong></em></li>
</ul>
<div><strong>Using Nametags</strong></div>
<div>Avatars may communicate with each other privately and over distances via an Instant Message (IM).  To begin an IM with someone nearby, click his nametag, and select the IM option.</div>
<div><img hspace="0" border="0" align="bottom" src="http://trishbaker.com/there/IMTagrs.png" alt="Tag" /></div>
<div><strong>Using the Menu for Single or Group IMs</strong></div>
<div>Instant messages may also be started from the Menu Bar.  Click <em>People&gt;IM</em> to begin the message.  A box will pop-up that will allow you to choose avatars nearby, online, or on your buddy list.  You may select one of the subgroup boxes to IM everyone in a group.  <strong>Note</strong>:  Group IMs are useful in conducting classes and hosting events, however, many individuals dislike being invited to random group IMs.</div>
<div><img hspace="0" border="0" align="bottom" src="http://trishbaker.com/there/IMmenurs.png" alt="Menu" /></div>
<div><strong>The IM Window</strong></div>
<div>When an avatar accepts an IM invitation, an IM window will pop up for both parties.  They may use this box to chat privately.</div>
<div alt="status"><img hspace="0" border="0" align="bottom" src="http://trishbaker.com/there/IMwindowrs.png" alt="window" /></div>
<div><strong>Availability Status</strong></div>
<div>You may change your availability status with the icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. </div>
<ul>
    <li>Avatars in Available mode may receive IMs from anyone except those on their ignore list.</li>
    <li>Away and Do Not Disturb modes block any IMs.</li>
    <li>Buddy Only mode will only allow IMs from those on your buddy list.</li>
</ul>
<div><img src="http://trishbaker.com/there/IMStatus.png" alt="" /></div>
<div><strong>Chat Text Color</strong></div>
<div>To make your text stand out in an IM, you may change the text color.  Click <em>There&gt;Customize&gt;Chat&gt;Chat Text Color</em>.</div>
<div> </div>
<p><strong>More Information</strong></p>
<ul>
    <li><a href="/help/kb310.xml">What is Instant Messaging</a></li>
</ul>
<div>Back to the <a href="/help/kb715.xml">Quick Start Guide</a></div>
    </Content>
  </Topic>
</Help>
