How to Text: Boomer Edition

Welcome to the world of text messaging. If you're reading this on a paper printout, then you're in luck! You already have a good grasp of fundamental communication skills, which we can apply to more advanced technologies.

When you participate in a text conversation, such as SMS or Slack or Facebook, then each message you and your partners send to each other acts as a little, digital equivalent to an good old fashioned letter. Just like a paper letter, the recipient may receive the letter at any point throughout their busy day. A message can arrive during work hours. A message can arrive while driving. A message can arrive when the device battery is low. And just like a paper letter, the recipient may choose to wait some time for the right moment to find the words and respond. If you don't get a response to your message immediately, don't fret. Wait a few minutes (work messaging), a few hours (friends and family), a business day or two (strangers).

Unlike paper letters, text messages do not require an introduction or signature with each submission. Please, don't post "hi" or such greetings as a message. This carries no actionable information for the recipient. "Hi, what?" Start your message with its intention directly. You can use "I feel...", "I think..." statements to help guide your conversation. For example, "I think we should get Chinese food." Above all, don't repeatedly spam us with vague messages like "hello". You wouldn't send a paper letter that only said "hello."