What are the rules for using IM in the workplace?

What are the rules for using IM in the workplace?

Some working environments function off IM. Everyone communicates around the office via IM, so if you're IM is HoneyBunny87928, you probably want to make a new IM just for work that says your first name and last name, and just keep it simple and only have your work people on that list because you don't want an embarrassing screen name that you made in sixth grade. If you are going to use your screenname, put up an away message that says "At work." You don't want to be having eight million conversations with people at work all flashing up, all making noises while you're trying to do work. It's distracting for you, it's distracting for your productivity and you don't want someone to walk by and be like, "Why's everything flashing on his screen." So try not to have that many conversations with people while you're at the office besides with people who are at the office. If you need to, that's fine, but just make sure it doesn't happen all the time.