Quick, want to let all your IM friends know that your webcam is focused on a piece of melting ice? Just change your webcam status message. To do so:

Click Messenger and select Preferences.

Click the "Webcam" category.

Enable the option "When I show my webcam, change my status message to."

Enter your status message in the text field (for example: LIVE! Watch my ice melt!).

Click OK at the bottom of the window. Now get back to the show.