Does everyone know the difference between an e-mail and IM?

[Seen the light]

I'm constantly seeing them confused on TV and even on this site. Just a quick refresher for those that aren't as technologically up-to-date as some: An e-mail is basically like an electronic letter. You can get them through Yahoo or Gmail or many many many other places. An AOL instant message is when you are communicating directly with someone simultaneously. It's more of a real-time phone call using words using the AOL Instant Messenger program. I think some of the confusion comes from the fact that things like Yahoo and AOL have both e-mail systems AND instant messaging systems. For example, I could send someone an e-mail through aol.com and then instant message them using AIM (AOL Instant Messenger). Two different ways of communication there.

Just for those who don't know. I figured there are some here that don't want to admit they don't know the difference and that's okay. Just trying to spread the knowledge around.

[Catherine Vincent]

1. Of course we do. Who do you think we are....freepers?

:)

[Seen the light]

2. Nothing wrong with not knowing

I think the difference is important to the Foley case though and I hadn't seen anyone here directly state what the difference was. Just trying to help.

[Dora]

3. Thank you for the clarification.

I know I know people who are unclear on the difference.

[wakeme2008]

4. Problem with MSM... Most ppl understand email and "chat" but not all

understand the difference between IM and email.. If they just called it Chat I think more people would get it.

[Suich]

5. Some of the talking heads I've seen on TV

don't know the difference at all!

Idiots.

:hi:

[DURHAM D]

6. Amen - I have been wishing since last Friday that the MSM

would start their conversations with an illustration.

Most folks over 60 don't have a clue (unless they talk to grandchildren with IMs).