Chat, text and messaging etiquette

  1. The most common Chat or Messaging etiquette offenders are those who ignore the status, and just go ahead and start conversing. In fact, these days, very few kind souls actually respect the “Do Not Disturb” sign. The best way in such cases would be to send a “Ping me when you are free or available” sort of a message and let go. This then lets the person know that you want to communicate with him.
  2. You may be available for say 5-10 minutes only, and here you have guys wanting to ask you questions and seek interactive help. Asking “Free for x minutes?” first would be very nice. Or do consider and see if an email would be a better option here. Most such sought-after guys then just always chose to remain offline.
  3. Using Capitals or Caps-Lock is a strict no-no and a sure turn-off.
  4. The impatient ‘nudgers‘. They keep nudging you, not knowing that you may be busy chatting with someone else or busy in some other work. Instant response is what they expect, and if they don’t get it, a nudge is what you get!
  5. Emoticon chatters. They communicate less with words and more with emoticons. Does get irritating at times, doesn’t it!?
  6. Never ending ‘typers‘. All you get to see is ‘…is typing’ sign. Each time you expect that he will hit the send button, you again see the ‘…is typing’ sign. Thinkers? Or just indecisive?
  7. If you have to go away, never leave your PC without a “brb“.
  8. The Insensitives. Respect and understand the other person’s tastes, choices & dislike. Over a period of time, one does get to know the other person’s preferences. There is just no point talking about the pro’s and con’s of Windows with a Mac lover now, is there? (On second thoughts I’m sure he’d love to chat about the cons).
  9. Avoid using too much of short texts. Not many would appreciate a message like – b4, v usd 2 go 2 NY 2 C my bro & his fly, unless of course, you both prefer to use it.
  10. Best not to use sounds if in a public place. Doesn’t a loud mobile user irritate you? The same is the case here! Best to mute your speaker in such times. And hey, it’s alright to break ’em once in a while. I too may have. But best to try and follow them! Any more you can think of? Do add below.