Comments on: How To Re-name MSN Messenger / Windows Live Messenger Buddies

By: Darius Wey

Darius Wey — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 06:17:07 +0000

I tried Live Messenger’s renaming feature, and unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the sweet spot. On odd occasions, some renamed contacts would revert to their handle, and that just made the contact list “messy”. This is partly the reason why I prefer to use third-party IM clients: e.g., Trillian (PC) or Adium (Mac). Renamed contacts actually stick.

By: Jason Dunn

Jason Dunn — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:21:04 +0000

Well, you’re one of them Neil, but not the only one. What client are you using? In Windows Live Messenger 8.0, I see:

Name - [personalmessage]

So I can see both, all the time. Are you using the corporate Communicator client? I betcha’ it just sucks is all.

By: Neil

Neil — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 16:11:56 +0000

Hahaha, I bet I was one of the main culprits for this, Jason The problem with the personal message approach for people like me is that there’s only one place in the UI to see it: at the start of the IM conversation. That’s so hidden that it’s useless.

Neil (currently “Now Registered Level II”, but who knows what tomorrow brings!)

By: bradrian

bradrian — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 03:25:40 +0000

It’s probably little or no consolation to know that I was unaware of this little trick, but I’m really glad you shared it. I currently have about four “Daves” on my list, and they often change their names to cutsie little mini-blogs like you mentioned. This was a big help!

Brad “LCD” Adrian