An illuminating optical system includes a light source that produces a light beam generally parallel to its optical axis toward a pair of fly-eye lenses in optical series for mixing light in the light beam in order to provide more uniform illumination. The system includes placing a sensing device within the ballasting circuitry housing and using a fiber optic conductor to conduct the light into the ballast from an external source. A client view is associated with each separate client and the master view or status reflected to other subscribers or clients in the instant messaging environment is determined by evaluating each of the separate client views.