Instant Messaging Etiquette

• Inquire
  It is simple etiquette to inquire if the person on the other side has time to chat. To do this you can send a simple message like Hi, can we chat? If the person on the other side replies in the negative, it is important to respect their decision and try another time.
• Keep your messages brief
  Instant messages should be short and sweet! If you find that you would like convey more in a message then it would be better to either pick up the phone or switch to email.
• Be careful what you write
  Instant messaging is similar to placing words in a place for all to see, it is thus better to write messages that portrays you in a good light. Remember that instant messages can be saved and forwarded!
• Keep the message informal
  Using IM to break up with a boyfriend, reprimand an employee or criticize a colleague is a strict no-no. If you need to do any of the following, be brave and tell the person what you feel about them face-to-face.
• Do not BUZZ
  It's a big NO NO. You should not Buzz your Seniors (in office) and people elder to you. It's shows disrespect.
• Use jargon sparingly
  Everyone who uses instant messaging may not be comfortable with jargon and abbreviations. It is thus important to first gauge the situation and use jargon appropriately.
• Use emoticons to express yourself
  If you want to display some emotion use the emoticon. Cute, funny and sad – you can display any emotion using this feature.
• Avoid careless writing
  Be careful while writing messages because typos are a real turn off! Also remember not to criticize another person's typing.
• Be careful when multi tasking
  Often communication skills are taxed when you carry on more than one IM conversation, or a phone conversation. It is better to do one action properly rather than ruin all of them.
• Use message alerts
  Use the instant messaging alerts to let others know when you are going to be out of touch. You can let your creativity flow to make the messages more informative. Go ahead and have some fun!
• Follow the code of conduct
  Use the instant messaging service appropriately. Do not use another login id to spy on your friends. If you do not want to be disturbed, it would be better for you to avail of the services that are offered on IM.

Mobile Number Portability

Here is a Step By Step Approach on Switching your Mobile Operator while retaining the same Phone Number.

• Subscriber sends SMS to Donor (existing operator) on '1900'
• You should send an SMS – PORT <10 Digit Mobile Number> to 1900. For example – PORT 9884098840 if your mobile number is 9884098840
• Subscribe receives a 8-digit Unique Porting Code (UPC) from '1901'.
• Subscriber to visit the operator's (Recipient) store and fill up a 1-page application form mentioning the UPC and may be required to show the SIM card for authenticity. May have to pay migration fees (maximum of INR19) depending on Recipient's policy. Will be issued a new SIM card by the Recipient.
• Subscriber will have to apply for all value-added services including Ring tones, Voice mail activation etc. For all purposes the Recipient to treat it as a new application. So none of the existing services will be automatically transferred.
• Recipient informs the Donor about the customer's decision to switch
• Donor likely to check with the Subscriber on the reasons for the switch and may try to retain by offering some attractive schemes
• If Subscriber decides to stay and not switch then will have to submit a cancellation request within 24 hours to the recipient by visiting the store and hand over the new SIM card.
• Donor will get 24 hours to either retain or arrange to port the subscriber. If Donor fails to inform clearing house on either action the process to switch will commence automatically at the end of the 24-hour deadline.
• The switch over to take place between 10pm and 5am. The subscriber to remain disconnected for a maximum of two hours.
• Recipient to start the mandatory subscriber verification procedure.