The power of IM

Re: 'IM me' (Jan. 29)

Dear Editor:

There is so much more instant-messaging can do. Back in 2001, before my real estate life, I published an article in a national e-business magazine about what I called "Interactive Commerce."

The article was about using IM and other technologies to add "interaction" to your Web site while still keeping the interaction informal and anonymous (something early house hunters like).

Lately I have written about how to add instant-messaging to your Web site for free using Microsoft Live Messenger embedded in you Web site. I have been using this for over two years now.

I essentially am logged into my account whenever I start up my laptop and if a Web visitor has a question they just choose "Chat" on my site. There is nothing to install or download on the client's side.

And because you can have up to three people logged in to the same account, you give out the login to your agents who use it when they are the "agent on duty."

Barrett Powell
Southern Advantage Realty/RSA Consulting
Pittsboro, N.C.

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