I have made a decision to sign off from IM during the work day. I may login only if the situation requires I do so(i.e asking someone for programming assistance). I spend too much time on IM. Most of it is work related, but that doesn't mean it isn't distracting. The ping is rarely every regarding the task at hand. It's about a future task, a past one or something totally different. It breaks concentration. That's what email is for. I check it when I am able to read it. I respond when I am able to do so.

I am guilty of being an IM junkie. I know that. I will still login in the evening (work) hours, for now. I may need to go cold turkey. It might be the only way. Great success always follows personal sacrifice. I am willing to give up AIM and MSN. If you really need to talk to me, you know the email address.