Instant messaging is becoming increasingly commonplace in offices around the country, and generally speaking, I think it’s a useful addition to the IT productivity tools that are available to us; Like email for communication, the Internet for research and Solitaire for keeping the brain in tip-top shape. I used it in a customer meeting once, and the instant response I received from head-office impressed the client almost as much as my dazzling presentation. So much so they decided to buy more products from us on the spot. So I’ve always had a soft spot for IM.

It does however have it’s drawbacks.

On Friday I received the following IM:

Dave: Do you need that report before lunch?

Dave: Just I was hoping to go to the pub because the weather is nice

Dave: It is a nice day after all

Dave: What do you think?

Dave: Angry?

Dave: I know you can see this, can I go to the pub?

Dave: Everyone is going to the pub in a minute

Dave: Is it alright if I go too then?

Dave: Angry?

Dave: Why are you ignoring me? Lol!

He’s right of course, I have been ignoring him. I don’t like Dave, as he’s very stupid, he spends most of his days here completely bewildered, much like Jade Goody at a Mensa conference.  The ‘Lol!’ was the last straw. I stand up from my desk, look Dave straight in the eye and put on my best serious-business-person face. (more…)

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