What is IM?

(Instant Messenger sort of ICQ, MSN or Miranda) allows you to instantly communicate tete-a-tete with other members on the site when they are online. IM is available to both Classic and Premium members; however they have different levels of access to this feature. Only premium members can initiate conversation and invite other members to chat. Classic members have to be invited by a Premium member in order to participate in instant messaging. IM allows sending video and audio provided you have a web camera and a set of headphones with microphone.

How do I start instant messaging?

If you are a Premium member, you will be able to see the links Invite to IM on other members profiles (unless they are offline or have turned IM feature off, for details see below). Simply click on the link and wait until the member accepts or denies your invitation. If the invitation is accepted, a chat window pops up on the screen. You can talk with only one member in one window; no more members can join you. You can also invite several members to IM and hold several conversations simultaneously, each in a separate window. If you are a Classic member, you cannot initiate conversation with other member even if he/she is Premium. You can be contacted via IM by a Premium member though.

How do I know Im invited to IM?

If someone invites you to IM, a window requesting your permission will pop up in the left top corner of the screen. Click on Accept to start conversation or on Decline to deny it.

Can I turn IM off?

If you are a Premium member, yes. If you do not wish to be invited to IM at all, you may turn IM off or on, in case you change your mind. Go to your profile area on the site, select Profile options tag and click on Turn IM off or Turn IM on respectively. Once IM is turned off, no one will be able to invite you to IM while you will still have ability to initiate IM with other members. If you are a Classic member, you cannot turn IM off.

How do I send instant video/audio from my web camera?

Click on the icon showing camera above the text input field. A square box will appear in the right bottom corner. Click on this square to send video from your web camera. Another member can accept or deny viewing your video. You can stop sending video at any time by simply clicking on the box showing your video. Audio will be sent automatically with the video stream if you have a microphone.

How do I view/hear instant video/audio sent by another member?

If a member wants to send you instant video from his/her web camera, you will see a window requesting your permission. Click on OK or Cancel accordingly. You can stop receiving the members video by clicking on his/her video box. You will be able to hear audio automatically along with the video stream provided the member you are talking with has a microphone working and you have a set of headphones.

What software do I need to be able to use IM?

We recommend you to install Flash 7.0 or higher.