The Golden Rule of Chatting

Chatting online has never been easier. With the many and varied chat software, chat rooms and sites dedicated solely to the world of chatting, the different possibilities available for this online, real time communication is virtually endless. How this translates to new users is that no matter what their motivation, reasons, desires and interests in chatting, there will be a venue available to them. But, because of the many choices on hand it may prove difficult for a new user to best choose what fits his or her needs. For example, a new user may ask, “What is the best site to use?” or “What chat software is most downloaded and used?” or even “How do you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger that you are not even looking at or hearing their voice?”. Although there are many who no longer consider such questions because they are either chat veterans who know the ins and outs of basic chat knowledge or they are persons who have at least found a chat site or chat room that they feel comfortable using, the fact is that there are certain chatting rules that never go out of style. No matter where an individual is in his or her chatting experience, there are certain do’s and don’ts that are always worth reviewing in order to make the experience of chatting the best that it can be.

Choose your name wisely. This is important for many reasons, and not just for those new to the chatting scene. Just as truck drivers are identified by their CB radio “handles,” so too are chat room members identified by their chat names. Your name can either attract the attention of those you wish to form relationships with, or it can act as a signal to them that you are not the type of person for them to converse with. Choose an online name like you would name a pet: have fun but not too much fun, and take it seriously but not too seriously. This especially relates to seasoned users, for as humans are prone to change so should your chat name be changed. For example, in college you pickup the nickname “Tony the Guzzler.” You think it’s great and everybody begins to know you by that name. You graduate and begin looking for a job; at your first interview you introduce yourself as Tony the Guzzler. Not a smooth move. As a chatter ages and changes, so too should the chat name evolve.

Do not automatically assume that sharing photos is a great step towards chat friendships and relationships. Before you post a link to your photo, use caution and consider a few things: does the person that you are sending the photo to really want to receive your photo, can that person be trusted with that photo, and will that person mistakenly confuse your act of trust and friendliness with a blatant come-on? Sending a fellow chatter a self-portrait is the equivalent of giving your in-person friend a 5x9 glossy of your self. In that context, consider if the recipient will appreciate the gesture or not.

And finally, watch what you type. Of course that seems obvious, but unlike in-person conversations the chatting that takes place between you and other chatters is recorded. That means that any flippant remark that you may make is in writing. You should then take full advantage of the ability that chatting gives you to consider your words before you type them. That way, any misunderstandings or misinterpretations can be well avoided.

After considering those few tips, one more thing is imperative: chat with others in the way that you wish to be chatted with. Consider it the Golden Rule of Chatting!