I never used away messages on AIM - I'd just sign offline (AIM for the longest time didn't support offline messages) what I miss is being away conceptually.
I remember the time before everyone had cell phones, when I might be out all day (as a late teen, and a little older - I didn't get a mobile phone until 20), and I'd have a couple bucks in quarters if I needed to phone home (or anyone) and had my important phone numbers memorized. I also had a pager for a while, so if someone really needed me, they could page me, and I could call them back when I was near a phone.
When I was driving, I was away, on my bike? away, out for a walk? away - while I could check in with people if needed, I wasn't constantly reachable.
Now there are half a dozen ways anyone can reach me, at any time, and for a variety of cultural reasons, if I'm offline for more than a couple hours - I have people who will be concerned.
I remember the time before everyone had cell phones, when I might be out all day (as a late teen, and a little older - I didn't get a mobile phone until 20), and I'd have a couple bucks in quarters if I needed to phone home (or anyone) and had my important phone numbers memorized. I also had a pager for a while, so if someone really needed me, they could page me, and I could call them back when I was near a phone.
When I was driving, I was away, on my bike? away, out for a walk? away - while I could check in with people if needed, I wasn't constantly reachable.
Now there are half a dozen ways anyone can reach me, at any time, and for a variety of cultural reasons, if I'm offline for more than a couple hours - I have people who will be concerned.