Patent ID: 8458252

Claim:
A method for minimizing the time required to initiate an instant messaging session, comprising: receiving an initial instant message for a new instant messaging session; counting a total number of words contained in said initial instant message, wherein said counting said total number of words contained in said initial instant message does not count at least one predetermined word indicated by a target user to be excluded from said counting; determining, responsive to said total number of words contained in said initial instant message, whether said initial instant message has insignificant content, such that if said total number of words contained in said initial instant message is less than a threshold total number of words then said initial instant message is determined to contain insignificant content; in the event said initial instant message is determined to have insignificant content, providing a first type of notification to said target user; and in the event that said initial instant message is determined to have significant content, providing a second type of notification to said target user.