Archive for the ‘Instant Messaging’ Category

IM-tiquette

Oct 26, 2008 Instant Messaging

Instant messaging has grown in popularity greatly since its infancy. It started with chatrooms and IRC channels in the 80’s and has grown into a large business with almost every large company wanting a piece (and by that I mean each company is offering its own type of IM client and protocol). With every iteration, instant messaging clients have offered more and more features such as file transfers, voice chat, video calls, VoIP, etc.

Instant messaging has brought the world together and allowed people all over the world to communicate in real time without having to pick up the phone. While this is fine and dandy, one must keep in mind that certain etiquette rules apply to IM’s as well (just like with email and phone conversations).

wikiHow has a great article on How to Practice IM Etiquette. Among the tips listed:

  • Read and Use status messages (there’s a reason developers allow us to set ourselves as “Busy” or “Away”)
  • Use correct grammar (it’s so much easier to read and make sense of what you want when you follow this rule)
  • Give time to respond (IM’s are semi-asynchronous. They’re more real time than email but only when the other person is there and can understand what you are saying.)
  • datm (Don’t abbreviate too much)

Read the article and brush up on your IM-tiquette!

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