Windows Live Messenger Chat Widget

Joining fellow chatting services such as Meebo, Windows Live Messenger has added functionality that allows you to share your messenger status with the universe. No more need for costly and messy smoke signals!

Users can view your status badge without having to install Windows Live Messenger themselves. But only if you let them. This feature will only work if you activate it on your profile. Additionally, you can fine tune who sees the badge, eliminating random messages from people you have no interest conversing with. When some random you don’t know sends a message, their status will appear as “stranger.”

The badge can by placed on your Web sites or blogs, letting folks know when you’re in the mood for a little chat on chat action or not.

Other cross-platform chatters include:

easymessenger
ebuddy
ILoveIM
mabber
KoolIM

Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. Other speakers include Morin Oluwole (Facebook), Tim Devane (bitly), and SocialTimes' writer Devon Glenn.   Register now.