The Sametime Commandments a.k.a. Sametime EtiquetteThe Sametime Commandments a.k.a. Sametime Etiquette

With Lotus' restoration of the Sametime brand to the vaunted enterprise instant messaging and collaboration platform, I thought I would share with you our "guidelines" for instant messaging usage.  With no further ado, here are the Sametime Commandments.

1.)  I will keep it casual. Instant messages are not replacements for serious, face-to-face communications. Don't use instant messages to be confrontational. For example, IMs are not the place to break up with a paramour, criticize a colleague, or reprimand an employee.
2.)  I will respect the fact that there are other forms of communication other than IM.
3.)  I will not bother others to ask about the whereabouts of other people, unless it is urgent.
4.)  I will not send stupid links via IM that waste everyone's time.
5.)  I will try to indicate my complete presence information to the extent possible.
6.)  I will knock before entering and ask if that person can chat.
7.)  I will be brief. Don't substitute IMs for a telephone call or e-mail.
8.)  I will not message someone repeatedly when they don't respond.
9.)  I will set my availability status to change automatically when I am inactive for more than 10 minutes.
10.) I will try to abide by the above.

The above is Basex' unofficial "policy" for the use of instant messaging.  We find it useful - and I hope you will too!