Instant messaging someone is just like any other normal ordinary means of communication. The only difference is that people try to get in touch with each other by means of the Internet. And just like the telephone, a connection can be established even if the other party may be on a location far away.

Through the Internet, the PC can be used as a valuable tool of communication through instant messaging. And since it was established, this means of connecting with others online has become wildly popular and may be a very essential part on the online world for years to come.

Good communication always depends on observing proper etiquette. Without it, even an ordinary conversation may easily get out of hand. The proper observance of etiquette while communicating with someone ensures that information is shared in the most proper way. The same goes with using instant messaging when getting in touch with someone online.

Proper instant messaging etiquette has become an important part of every online user behavior. In fact, it is required in most online communities since its observance would provide the only means of making communication an important part of the process.

Even during the early stages of online instant messaging, proper etiquette has already been developed and improved year after year after year. Today, most online users, especially those who frequently use instant messaging online on a regular basis, have known these simple IM etiquette by heart. Here are some that every IM user should know.

Ask permission first. In trying to establish a connection with someone on an instant messaging service, it is important to get the permission of the other party. One can start out with simple messages like, "Care to chat?", "Are you available?" or "Do you have time to chat?". Only if the other party responds positively should one proceed going into conversation with the other party.

Keep your messages casual. Instant messaging was not meant to be formal. It is a means to have real time conversations with friends or even colleagues at work. Friendly messages should always be the norm and it should not be a means to replace real face to face communication with other people.

Think short. Since instant messaging is usually text-based, it is always important to keep your messages brief and to the point. Instant messaging was developed using text that allow only a limited number of characters per message. Brevity is important in this type of online communication. At most, try sending your messages in thoughts that can be put together in a single sentence.

Don't use IM jargons too much.  You might have known some jargons by now that are frequently used in instant messaging. Common acronyms such as BRB (Be Right Back) or LOL (Laugh Out Loud) may easily be recognizable today and may be used as part of your IM message. But stick only with the common terms and do away with the others. Remember, IM is used for communicating and not to confound the other party with your knowledge of IM jargon.