I hardly ever plug Datamation stories in this blog, but there's a good one today about the professional hazards of email.

Among the most common email blunders are 1) trashing a colleague or business contact and then accidentally sending the email to them, 2) hotheaded responses, and 3) divulging confidential information under the mistaken assumption that no one else will ever read it.

There are others, but Sharon Gaudin's article covers those well. It also made me think about another form of electronic communication that has infiltrated the workplace: instant messaging. According to this Network World article, 26 percent of workplace email users also use IM at work. I know there are numerous articles out there on IM etiquettte, but here are some rules I think are worth following:

1. Don't pounce on somebody as soon as you see them fire up their IM, even if it's a cheery "Good morning!" It's like being accosted by an overeager co-worker as soon as you step out of your car in the parking lot. Give people a little space.

2. Believe it or not, IM messages don't disappear into the ether. So don't say anything stupid, offensive or illegal, or it can come back to bite you.

3. Don't overuse IM. It can be very intrusive and a time-waster, and many people get caught in endless IM volleys.

4. Like gossip and slander, viruses and worms can be spread via IM. Don't send attachments.

5. Supervisors, don't use IM as a spy tool. It only generates resentment, plus workers can rig their preferences to fool you.

6. Workers, don't rig your preferences. No one believes you've been online and working for nine straight days.