I'm convinced that there is an entire sub-culture in IM away messages. As some of you know, I very much enjoy psychology and sociology, so I find the social (or is it non-social?) element of away messages quite intriguing. One of my favorite "categories" of away messages are the sarcastic, scathing social commentary kind. I recently had the pleasure of making a new acquitance that has transferred from the real world into the virtual, and I have to say that this person's taste in away messages is excellent. I'm sure he didn't come up with this one, but it sure made me laugh: [slightly edited for language]
New Rule: The more complicated the Starbucks order, the bigger the jerk. If you walk into a Starbucks and order a "decaf grande half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one Sweet-n'-Low and one NutraSweet," ooh, you're a huge jerk.
No offense to the Starbucks lovers out there, but that just made my day. (I don't drink coffee at all.)
What's your favorite sub-culture of away messages? Or do you think my away message sub-culture theory is a big load of you-know-what?
I like your "I fell asleep at XX:XX:XX" message. I find them to be exciting, varied, and always intellectually stimulating.
My favorite is "Be back Later. Washing my cat"
Saw this one: "Going to 7-11. Be back later. Much Later. Maybe never".
Another: "Family all died in a fire. Be back much later. If you're a cute girl, I'll be right back"
Merry Christmas to all!