Waving hi, came over from the Ante Up Losers, Panacea Bang. You mentioned you always have Skype open, and check email once or twice a day.
I check emails before and after work, similarly, but I haven't used Skype in that way, only as a work-related phone contact window, can't use that one for this purpose. Not sure if I'd need to sign up again under my gmail address??
Chat windows can be great for brainstorming realtime, but not as easy for really busy people with chaotic schedules (not like anyone we know...)