ICQ is an Internet messaging tool that allows you to maintain a list of contacts, see who is online at any time and send them messages. You can download this program and check it out at the ICQ home page.

One ICQ feature lets you indicate to everyone else when you’re busy or unavailable. It also allows you to type in a message to let others know what you’re doing or why you’re not available. Instead of the default “away” messages or the same old “brb” or “dinner” messages, Digeri and I started playing around with amusing, profound and/or confusing messages. So it went back and forth and we got a bit carried away. The result is the collection of messages you see below.

Morton’s Away Messages

Digeri’s Away Messages

The ICQ “flower” and “away” icons are © ICQ LLC.