IM status in fast-user-switch-applet is redundant

[Mark Grandi]

Binary package hint: fast-user-switch-applet

The IM status icon for the fast user swtich applet is reundand, and i can think of no logical argument of why it was even included in the first place

In every IM program for linux that I know, they have their own tray icon. Why do we need to have a second icon, telling us the status that the original program's tray icon already tells us? it just clutters things and adds unneeded complexity to the applet. It is no longer 'fast user switch', but rather 'fast user switch/logout/set your IM status here" applet

And yes, pidgin can be configured so you can remove its tray icon, but 99% of the time you need it. Why? to set custom status, to exit the program, to actually minimize it to the tray, and to summon it back to the desktop after its minimized to the tray.

So why have it? the attached screenshot shows that its just a waste of space having two things tell you the exact same thing. Not to mention that the squre/triangle/circle just looks ugly.

I would like to see this feature removed, or at least having the option of disabling it. (as in a actual GUI option, not editing a key in gconf as the ordinary user will not think to look there).

[mihai.ile (mihai.ile)]

I can report the same redundant icons on the panel and it does not make sense...

[Sebastien Bacher (seb128)]

the notification area icon is not displayed by default on jaunty

[Mark Grandi (markgrandi)]

Um, no. I am using jaunty final, and there is still no way to disable the redundant IM status in the fast user switch applet.

[James Putt (jamesputt)]

If you don't like the presence info, you can turn it off using gconf-editor. The option is found in / -> apps -> fast-user-switch-applet and is show_presence_info.

[James Putt (jamesputt)]

Gah sorry Polygon, I replied to your comment as opposed to your original report. Though hopefully the long term solution will be a reintegration of people and the desktop.

[Mark Grandi (markgrandi)]

that is not a solution, what if the normal joe user doesn't like having their status there? are you really expecting them to know and toggle a gconf key to turn it off? the easiest solution is just to have a checkbox there. On , you get the status, off, you don't. simple.

[Nicolò Chieffo (yelo3)]

Isn't the pidgin icon disabled by default? The applet now is the only source of IM status in the panel

[Chris Coulson (chrisccoulson)]

Yes, the pidgin icon is disabled by default in jaunty, so this bug report is redundant