We do it all of the time... why is it a terrible idea?

well from a human resources standpoint it seems easy to say things you can't take back easily - in a conversation that could become

contentious. Most of the time it could be fine ... and fun. But e-mail it is easier to "Save as draft" - in IM it is rapid fire. I have a

bit of a legal mind, and I always think of worst case scenarios.

Part of it is that I personally could get into trouble because I can have a bit of temper and I have enough of a problem not having a

"Save as draft" on my mouth.

We all work together in one big room, no cubicles, just have our desks around the outside of the room... IM is a great way for us to chat

without disturbing others

For most people I guess it is fine if you are just doing it to get answers easily then I guess that it is fine.

I've been here since August and even when things are contentious, we all respect each other very highly and give each other the space

that we need

But I think my current work environment is the exception, rather than the rule

... and I count myself incredibly lucky for that.

Codemonkey, yeah I think that is a different work situation. More tech savvy people are going to use it more wisely. But there are some

who I don't really trust with such types of communication. And not having the ability to realize that the conversation could be recorded...

I always treat my conversations like they could be saved for future reference. I like drafting things and then checking them later for

accuracy. Gee, I think I have worked for too many lawyers. Right after college I worked as the executive assistant to VP of Finance and

the General Counsel if a college. First taste of the legal world. And I have no intention of being a lawyer for so many reasons.

Yeah, people don't think before they put something in writing... at least on the Internet

we used to do software migrations on conference calls - IM was the way to have a side conversation

I message with a small group of people who work offsite and need my expertise in little doses. I get so much email I would lose their ?s

well I guess it isn't too bad... It's just a horrible method of communication for an impulsive person like me with th \e attention span of a

squirrel on crack

Well, yeah, I'm that too, only a butterfly on crack. Which is why I use it only with that one team

a butterfly on crack - does that look like a humming bird?

Until it splats and collapses, yeah :/