Text messaging is rapidly becoming a popular form of business communication. Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the unwritten rules of commercial SMS. So I write them down. Here are the rules:

1. do not issue a question you can find on Google.

For example, if you have a smart phone, there is obviously no reason to send text messages to others for directions.

2. don't use SMS to send spam messages.

I don't know about you, but if I receive spam messages, this will become the last time that the company or the person will be allowed to contact me.

3. don't make any short messages.

You will never know if there are any unsuitable people to see your hair from the shoulder of the receiver.

4. don't send the wrong number by mistake.

If you type the phone number, check the number again and again before sending it. The best way is to copy and paste each other's phone number.

5. don't use SMS to tell complex things.

The purpose of SMS is to deliver short messages through small screens. Complex content should be delivered by e-mail.

6. don't write short messages in capital letters unless you are really annoyed.

If you must emphasize a word or phrase, you can use asterisk, for example, "I * * * * is not sure."

7. don't text while driving.

Sending text messages will increase your chance of fatal car accidents by 23 times, which is almost the same as that of drunk driving.

8. do not text messages after drunkenness.

Texting after drinking too much is one of the best ways to destroy your credit or, worse, to ruin business relationships.

9. do not use incomprehensible abbreviations.

Umytnkevry1udrstndswtyrsingbtmabnt. what does that mean?

10. don't use SMS to avoid telling bad news to your face-to-face.

You coward!

11. do not text messages during face-to-face meetings.

When you do this, other people are always thinking, "Damn, I really want to grab the phone from him and throw it away."

12. don't send pure courtesy messages.

Is this really necessary, or does it only add to the mess of the recipient's screen?

13. don't try to express subtle differences in text messages.

SMS is not suitable for showing subtle differences. Be clear and not smart.

14. don't expect the other person to return messages immediately.

This sounds crazy, and the other party may be doing something more important than it is important to send you a text message.

15. do not send text messages to those who may have gone to bed.

The same rule applies to phone calls: don't text messages between 9 pm and 7 a.m.

16. never use acronyms like "LOL" in text messages.

Of course, unless you want the other person to think that your vocabulary is still at the age of 12.