[Brody]

It really depends on the game culture. I think having the *option* to turn those channels off and let the magic take me is awesome. However, I think it's easy (and unfortunate) to underestimate the value of OOC community-building that can come from access to optional OOC channels.

Fact is: IMs exist. People don't always focus on the scene in progress. They're surfing the web, listening to music, talking to roommates, watching TV, cooking dinner. They do stuff that's not the game. It happens. Embrace it.