Four Golden Rules For Using IMFour Golden Rules For Using IM

Send complete thoughts. No one wants to hear that alert sound seven times because you're so desperate not to be interrupted that you send sentences in pieces. On the other hand ...

Don't interrupt. If it's clear your correspondent is still completing a thought, resist the temptation to jump in. It's frustrating for everyone when conversations break into disjointed questions and answers.

Use the automated "away" message when you won't be responding to IMs. People won't feel ignored.

And, finally, a personal plea. Limit the use of emoticons. Diner waitresses and waiters use them to elicit bigger tips. On the Internet, no one can tip, so why bother?

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