iChat Protocol

[RHPConsult]

I guessing there exist, somewhere out there in cyberspace, a few fairly rudimentary principles of netiquette for e-messaging . . .

• AVOIDING ALL CAPS, for example . . . except in SPECIAL SITUATIONS;
• limiting the inclusion of others' e-addresses when forwarding to 3d-to-nth parties received items of interest, for another.

I'm sure Kelly could come up with a reference or two.

But what about iChat/AIM?

Have any useful suggestions for polite messaging been set-down somewhere, by someone, which would be useful here to cite? Or, would this be a good place to start such a civilizing effort?

[JohnKentucky]

I don't know of any special place or anywhere protocol for iChat/AIM would be..but from my many years of using instant messenger apps, here are some of mine:

1. No all caps..same as what you said.
2. Never give out someone else's ID to anyone else without their consent.
3. Be patient with the person you are talking to...you may have interupted them.
4. That said...let the other person know if you are busy or whatnot.

That's about it for now..I'll add more later if I remember any.

[pendragon]

A tip I got from Al: Before adding someone to your Buddy List, ask them if they mind. After all, some may not appreciate their comings and goings being monitored.

I don't know if that is a protocol, but it seems like good manners.

Harv

[Xairbusdriver]

I guess I really need to "get out more!" I've never understood the interest in these instant messaging things. Dick invited me a couple of weeks ago to join in, but I didn't really have the time. I actually did download a program, but I haven't even unstuffed it yet. Haven't had the time!

And I guess that's the whole point. I assume that one keeps these little programs running in the background when one is expecting or wanting to be or make contact and 'chat.' And that's why I find Harv's comment strange. Why would one not want to be contacted if one were running one of these programs (which apparently broadcasts to the world that the program is running/connected to the web).

Maybe I just don't understand what is supposed to be happening, very likely.

I also have not very fond memories of 'chats' were several people are (generally) talking about some subject, but which can easily get lost in the tangle of comments and answers that are several seconds delayed. An answer or comment about a post several lines up/off the screen can seem way off the current subject. Or a question can easily scroll out of sight before many even see it if one is typing anything (especially with the 2-finger "style!" ).

It may be that for 2 - 4 people and these new programs things are more organized and easy to handle (for some of us ludites). Maybe I'll get around to unstuffing that program and try to figure out how to 'phone home!"

But right now, I have POPMonitor set to check my e-mail accounts every 30 minutes, so I know if I have mail that often. It could just as easily be set to check every 2 minutes. Can't see how that would be much less 'instant' of a system. And one could answer/join in only if one wished. Oh well... got work to do...