Tech tips from the etiquette experts

From The netiquette of working life by Maija Palmer (February 7, 2012 Financial Times) - - tech tips from the etiquette experts:

• Don't communicate electronically at the expense of personal interaction.  There is a reason people often need to discuss things face-to-face - - human contact still matters.
• Avoid typing your message in capital letters because CAPS ARE THE EQUIVALENT OF SHOUTING.  Also beware of anger and frustration in the choice of words.
• People in the flesh deserve more attention than a gadget, so whenever possible turn off your phone in social situations.
• Don't put your phone on the dining table, or glance at it longingly mid-conversation.
• Think of your texting as a conversation: If you would respond in the conversation, then respond in the text.
• Don't post minute-by-minute updates to your relationship status.  Out in the real world, relationships are subtle, complex and dynamic.
• Unlike in email messages, it can be permissible to write real-time messages entirely or mainly in lower cased.
• It is acceptable to use standard IM abbreviations, but be prepared to explain any that the other person doesn't understand.