In terms of posting frequency, this year has probably been the most unpredictable for Fanatic Live. I would blame this on me being busy with my studies, other Web sites, and having bit of a break.
The holiday season is always quiet here, this year is no different. I will be back in the second week of January for some more updates, but until then things will be even quieter while I spend some time away from my computer.
On that note, I am interested to hear some feedback on how often you expect or would like Fanatic Live be updated, as this may help me plan things out for 2007. The poll question for this is now up in the sidebar.
I would personally like to aim for 3-5 posts per week next year, but what I believe to be more important is the consistency of updating (ie. avoiding one post one week, ten posts the next).
Like the last poll, it’s good to hear people elaborate on their vote, please do so by leaving a comment to this post.
Thank you to everyone who visited, read, or commented here this year, it’s been a great 2006 and I greatly value your readership and support.
The first poll I have put up, Are you using Windows Live Messenger?, has come to a close. It ran a little longer than I originally planned (just over one month), but here are the results:
Are you using Windows Live Messenger?
- Yes, I’m loving it. (59% | 382 Votes)
- Yes, but I don’t see the point. (27% | 178 Votes)
- No, I’m not really interested. (7% | 48 Votes)
- No, but I might get it later. (4% | 23 Votes)
- No, what is it? (3% | 19 Votes)
Total Votes: 650
Since this site focuses on Windows Live Messenger, it’s no surprise the results are in favour of going for yes. Altogether, 560 voters are using Windows Live Messenger, and only 90 aren’t using it.
One of the focal points for Windows Live Messenger 8.1 is compatibility with Windows Vista, as there were many reported issues with running Windows Live Messenger 8.0 on Vista.
Having signed into Windows Live Messenger 8.0.0812 on Windows Vista just before, I was prompted with an optional update. Not expecting an update from 8.0 to 8.1 beta, I did some testing, and have come to the conclusion that the Windows Live Messenger team is confident version 8.1.0168 brings enough fixes to warrant an automatic update.
As a side note, the recent update to the Windows Live Messenger 8.1 beta has been made mandatory for those using the previous 106 build by the auto updater.
I have put up a small script in the sandbox which shows two alternate CVR commands sent to the messenger server, the only difference being the version of Windows (5.1 being XP, and 6.0 being Vista).
A new version of Windows Live Messenger 8.1 beta is now available at the usual download location. The build number for this release is 168.
I can’t find any official announcement regarding this update, but I imagine the changes are bug fixes. Nicole has blogged about it at the Windows Live Messenger team Space saying they’ve made changes based on user feedback. Can anyone spot anything different?
A site I have been reading for a while now is Messenger Stuff, another Windows Live Messenger related community and blog. One thing I like about their blog posts is there are quite a few opinion posts, and not just all repeated news.
absorbation writes about chain messages over Windows Live Messenger, those messages that instruct you to send it on to 50 people in 7 seconds or else your dog will die:
I get a message, from someone I have not spoke to in months saying:
“if you love your MUM then send this to TEN people unless your mum will hav an ACC DENT Tonight OR Tomorrow send bac”
How did I reply? Like every geek does, by complaining about the reasoning behind sending one. And the reply I got was on the lines of: I agree, but my mom could die.
I agree with the post entirely, some chain e-mail messages justify their existence occasionally by being funny or cute, but chain messages over instant messaging are pointless and stupid.
If you get a chain IM, perhaps think about whether or not it is worthwhile sending on. Is it blatantly a load of lies? Ignore it! It’s just going to annoy more and more people.