But with instant messages, the sender is in control, unless the recipient dodges messages electronically. Just as you can turn off the ringer on your phone, you can turn off your instant messages, keeping everyone or just certain people from getting through. But just as with a phone that is never answered, people will wonder why you are not available for instant messages. Another strategy is to tell your computer to respond to instant messages by sending a message saying you will be back later, which also can irritate people trying to reach you. It violates the basic courtesy of not shoving yourself into other people's faces.
Instant messages come blaring into the space, and it's an invasion.
So they are going to great lengths to hide from a form of electronic communication that should, in theory, make their jobs easier. It took years, for instance, for telephone etiquette to become ingrained in people's minds. Bacal, by the way, refuses to use instant messages. Many new users may not understand how to address people politely using instant messages. Instant messages were not nearly so intrusive before they moved into the cubicle.