Yes, definitely, both with people I know and sometimes others. I use only plain text email, not HTML (and I use email software that cannot read HTML email; it w

Yes, definitely, both with people I know and sometimes others. I use only plain text email, not HTML (and I use email software that cannot read HTML email; it will display the plain part if there is one, otherwise the HTML code is displayed without being interpreted as HTML). I run my own email, and when I am at the computer, can see in the status line if there are any new messages (I programmed it to count the number of lines that start with "From " in the mail box file, whenever the file has been modified). However, for open discussions though and other communications, etc. I prefer NNTP. For fast communication of short messages, IRC is good (both for public and for private messages). For an extended private communication with fast messages, if there are only two people communicating (as the role playing game I play currently is since I am the only player other than the GM), a plain direct connection works fine; no specialized software or protocols are needed.