What are good manners for Instant Messages (IMs)?

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

So I've been IMing with people more and more recently, and I'm noticing that I'm finding it difficult to have good manners. People IM me all the time, at all hours, and when I least expect it, and I always feel like I have to respond then and there or I'm being rude. Also, people tend to go on and on with instant messages, and I find myself often typing "I have a phone call, brb" or something similar and then not going back to the IM chat, which also makes me feel like I'm being rude.

Is this the normal way people chat on IM, or am I being rude and pissing off all my friends? WHat is the definition of "good manners" on IM?

[sakabatou]

1. When your away turn you IM to busy or away

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. I have one suggestion........

When you come online, and you don't wish to do any IM'ing........

Turn it off....

If someone here really wants to talk to you, they can PM you and ask...

Or, if they aren't here on DU, and they call up for a chat, don't hesitate to tell them you're busy or you just aren't in the mood or whatever.....

I'd handle it the same way I would if someone called me on the phone, and I didn't want to talk at that time....

[Rabrrrrrr]

3. I firmly believe that good manners always apply in all situations.

If you can't talk/chat with someone, be honest - "I can't talk right now".

You don't have to give them an excuse as to why; and, if they are people of manners, they won't ask you why, they'll simply accept that you cannot talk/chat, and perhaps ask you when they might try again, in which case you have all authority to give them a time, or to say "I don't know". And, as before, if they are people of manners, they will not ask you why or force you to defend yourself.

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

4. Sounds like

good advice

[deadparrot]

5. Away messages...

:hi:

[TimeChaser]

6. Keep up a constant away message

Or put yourself on invisible :D