Netiquette IQ Core Rules for IM

I have written or had on my blog Netiquette rules for texting; Below is an article for Netiquette on IM. They are similar but there are some subtleties for each. I also do not agree with the author published below implies that IM lingo can be used.

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Office Netiquette: Instant Messaging

by Beverly West
Monster Contributing Writer  nonster.ca
The use of instant messaging (IM) is on the rise in the workplace, and many experts believe that it will eventually replace email as a corporate communication tool.

Instant messages, or IMs, allow coworkers to exchange information in real time. Yet IMs also present a way for employees to waste time on involved personal conversations. Also, IM technology tends to be insecure and therefore has the potential of leaving corporate networks vulnerable to viruses and hackers. So while most companies are reluctant to eliminate instant messaging altogether, some have also been slow to embrace it -- and even slower to develop clear policies about its use or misuse in the workplace.

Instant Messaging Best Practices

Since many companies have yet to formalize their rules of netiquette as it relates to IMs, an unsuspecting employee who uses instant messaging can wind up in hot water. Fortunately, there are some general standards and practices that are beginning to govern the world of instant messaging. Here are some suggestions from admins who regularly use instant messaging at work:

Use Your "Away" Status Message: "If you just leave your portal open all the time, you can get distracted easily with the constant pop-ups, and it can get very difficult to focus on the tasks at hand," says Jason Bergund, who relies on instant messaging to coordinate complicated activities between a suite of editing bays and their production teams for his job in New York City. "I custom-design my status messages to let people know when I’m busy, at lunch, on a phone call or working on a detailed document -- so they know that I’m busy without my having to respond to each and every instant-message query right in the moment."

·  Keep It Professional: "Instant messages can get really lengthy, because they offer such an easy way to communicate," says Dana Bilbao, who works in production for a Los Angeles-based entertainment company. "Also, conversations have a tendency to get intimate very quickly, because instant messaging can almost be like talking to yourself." Bilbao restricts her instant-messaging sessions to pertinent information, and she politely bows out when things start to get too personal.

·  Avoid Talking About Confidential Information: "When you’re instant messaging, always be aware that you’re on an unsecured line," says Richie Fusco, an office manager for a securities firm in New York City. "I’m always careful not to discuss confidential or sensitive information over an instant message, because it’s just too easy for pirates to hack into old conversation logs. And I always make sure that my virus and spyware protection is up to date."

·  Follow Company Policy: "Make sure you know your company’s IM policies, if there are any," cautions Bergund. "Many companies, particularly companies in which large numbers of people in different locations have to coordinate their activities, understand that instant messaging is a great interoffice tool. But I’ve also worked at companies that really frowned on it." Find out if your company has applicable rules and adhere to them. And if a company policy doesn’t exist, use common sense, and don’t push the envelope.

Quick Guide to Common IM Lingo

·  BRB: "be right back"

·  BTW: "by the way"

·  CYL: "catch you later"

·  IMO: "in my opinion"

·  LOL: "laugh out loud"

·  NP: "no problem"

·  TTYL: "talk to you later" 

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In addition to this blog, I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, "Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:

 www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki

 If you would like to listen to experts in all aspects of Netiquette and communication, try my radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ Rider University and  PSG of Mercer County New Jersey.
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