[This article is a reprint from earlier posts for various Second Life blogs. It is currently part of The Stepz Book. More information about The Stepz Book can be found via the sidebar at far right. The article has been altered in each of its publishings to fit the particular blog, as it has been to fit Traci's Dream in this instance...]
When you write as much as I do and try to be funny, you often get chided for lack of respect for targets of your writing. I’ve decided to post an SLEttiquette Tip here, and do it in as loving a manner as possible, to hopefully be a force for positive change in Second Life.
What makes this post relevant? Lately since I've started advertising my services as a stage performer I've begun to attract the inevitable crowd of stalkers. The original point of this post was to get girls to band together and cause our less genteel admirers to try just a little harder to make our lives better. (Feel free to post the text of the tip below on your profile, just like I have).
When you send your opening Instant Message, don’t expect that you will get the receiver’s Instant Attention. They may be doing any of a million important things, or they may be away from the keyboard. Here is an example of a “bad” opening message, or one that can lead to a bad feeling (and in my case a quick trip to the ‘mute’ button):
Jerk McGee (9:01): Hey Traci
Followed by….
Jerk McGee (9:03): So not talking to me anymore?
And then of course…
Jerk McGee (9:07): well I hope you got what you needed from me. You suck. Goodbye.
Now Mr. Jerk McGee, you probably didn’t realize that I was laying on the couch from 9:01 to 9:07 with horrible cramps (sorry for the TMI loyal readers). When I returned to the keyboard at 9:09 to see you reveal your true nature I muted you forever.
So, my friend Jerk, there would have been a better way to message me. This is actually taken from a real opening IM from a man who knows how to treat a dancer:
Lonny Lubitsch (6:23): Hey Traci, long time no see.
Lonny Lubitsch (6:26): Hope all is well, I miss you. Where are you dancing now? I’d like to come by and see you. Let me know when you think you might be free, I’d like to sit and chat for a bit, maybe get a dance or two. :)
Lonny knows that sometimes I’m busy, that he may not be the center of the universe at all times I’m logged on and that he’s going to get a return call from me the moment I can sit up straight again.
So here’s the full text of your SLEttiquette Tip of the Month:
"When you send your opening Instant Message, don’t expect that you will get the receiver’s Instant Attention. The receiver may be busy, and hope that you will leave a message. This should not be considered to be a personal snub..."
SLEttiquette: IM Hygiene
