Instant Messaging Etiquette

Do not use icons that make noise or are overly annoying.

Don't be annoying. It's not that hard. And no pitty parties either. "Ohh, I guess you're too busy to talk to me."

Try to actually make conversation. Don't just respond with one word answers. On the other hand, if someone is talking to you like that, they may be too busy to talk or just might not want to talk to you. Take the hint even though they are being rude.

One smiley limit per conversation.

If a conversation dies, you can close the IM box, but you must say good bye if the last IM was within thirteen minutes of signing off of IM that way the person you're talking to doesn't feel like you're being rude.

At least make an attempt at spelling.

Strict five abbreviation (lol, brb, omg) limit per conversation.

Use colors that hurt the eyes sparingly.

If you have one of those viruses that send out links, tell people, so they don't actually click on it!

If you are leaving for longer than three mintues, you should let the other person know. A collective away message that says "brb" does not count.

If someone doesn't respond to you, perhaps they forgot an away message, aren't there, or don't want to talk. It's not a big deal. Talk to them later. Do not leave messages that say something to the effect of "you suck for not being here butthead!"

Say good bye when you are leaving for good. Don't just go. You wouldn't just walk away from a face to face conversation without letting the people know.