text message tact | jan 16, 2009

New technology unfolds at an increasing pace – the latest being text messaging. A little is fine and sometimes very useful, but please use technology with etiquette reservation. Foremost, a text message should only be used if you have already developed a relationship. Just getting to know someone? Pickup the phone or email – it’s flattering. Beyond common sense points, consider: 1] The recipient’s setting. A quick distraction is fine, but repeated is disrespectful. 2] If conversation is takes more than 2-3 messages, do it live. 3] Send short questions or requests – Yes, no or quick simple reply. Please keep the human in technology.