Communication

No Hello

Don't just say "Hello" in chat. Ask your question right away so the other person can help sooner and asynchronously.

What happens when you only say “Hello”

2010-07-19 12:32:12 you: Hi

2010-07-19 12:32:15 co-worker: Hello.

CO-WORKER WAITS WHILE YOU PHRASE YOUR QUESTION

2010-07-19 12:34:01 you: I'm working on [something] and I'm trying to do [etc...]

2010-07-19 12:35:21 co-worker: Oh, that's [answer...]

Typing is slower than talking; making someone wait to hear the question wastes time.

Do this instead

2010-07-19 12:32:12 you: Hi — I'm working on [something] and I'm trying to do [etc...]

2010-07-19 12:33:32 co-worker: [answers question]

This lets people start thinking immediately, and if they’re away they can answer later.