Instant Messenger (o/t)

[scott8]

This may be somewhat surprising in this day and age, but I have never used any type of instant messenger.

However, as I have developed poker relationships it has become apparent that my game can only be helped by discussing key hands right after they happen.

So what do I need to do?

I don't have an AOL account, I do have a hotmail address.

I'm not sure if you can only talk to people on AIM (I know some lingo [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]) if you yourself are on AIM, or what.

Basically, I'm asking if I need to open an AOL account, if most people run both MSN and AIM or what.

Also, if there is anything else that I should have learned about this last decade.

Thanks in advance,

SC