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> Even in that case, "Are you around for a call?" gets the point across far better than "Hey, are you there?" Can I ask the difference between these two in pr

> Even in that case, "Are you around for a call?" gets the point across far better than "Hey, are you there?" Can I ask the difference between these two in practical terms? Edit: > the only times someone's been worried about talking over discoverable mediums they've been considering something that's anticompetitive or potentially illegal. Interesting. In my case, it's without fail been circumstances where message control (specifically anti-forwarding) was paramount. I suppose it boils down to differences in our roles.

Arainach 6y ago
"Are you around for a call" tells me that you have something to discuss that you think shouldn't be discussed over IM. In practice, it means something deeply confidential (usually related to HR or legal). "Are you there" means you're an intern or, worse, a full timer who hasn't figured out how to properly communicate yet who has some random question for me that you probably think is urgent but probably isn't.
- eganist 6y ago
  The former I agree with. The latter I've always interpreted to mean the former. I guess this is where our experiences diverge. I've never encountered what you described with the latter; it's always been someone who followed up with a call.