My idea is simple: build a unique abstract "megagui" that integrates all the features (Personal Image, Nickname, Personal Message, Status,...). Each "protocol" will enable the widget that represents a feature i.e.: MSN -> Personal Message supported? YES -> ENABLE INPUTBOX ON MAIN GUI; TALK -> Personal Message supported? NO -> DISABLE INPUTBOX ON MAIN GUI; MSN -> Avatar supported? YES -> enable personal image widget; IRC -> Avatar Supported? NO -> disable personal image widget; In order to make it _REALLY_ functional all the widgets has to stay in main window because the user wants to have a visual-feedback. You'll say to me "It's chaos", and i'll reply "it's true!" indeed i made a mockup: to make everything clean in Gnome Style you can make a Tabbed Panel with the protocol icon (or simply text) to switch between the GUIs. Why this?Empathy gui is really UGLY...You cannot distinguish between a friend connected with msn/jabber/talk (and this abstraction is not good). Hoping that you'll agree with my proposal. Thank you for your attention. Orfeo aka Otacon