I have been using Skype for quite a while. For those of you who have been sitting in a darkened room for a while, Skype is a FREE internet phone system. Yes, I said FREE!! I use it to call my Publisher in the UK as well as others I know across the US.
It has cool stuff like Skype IN and Skype OUT that lets you use it like a real phone too. (But that costs of course)
Anyway, I went to their site (haven't been there in a while) and I noticed that they have some new cool stuff (Plug-ins and things). Included in this is the ability to show my status right on the website (Upper left hand corner). When I change my status, it will change on the site. So if you see me online, feel free to send an IM or Skype Call (Although I don't usually have a headset plugged in)
Anyway, Cool Stuff. Check it out.
Doc