Writing Styles for MSN
MSN stands for Microsoft Network. MSN is now called Windows Live Messenger. The software is free and is primarily used as a communication software. Users can chat, talk to, video conference and send files with other users. The program offers similar functionality to Skype, AIM and Yahoo Messenger.
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Fonts
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Much like with a word processing document, the users of MSN can change fonts. The fonts available are numerous, and include standard computer fonts such as Arial and Times New Roman, among many others. Users can change their font color, font size and script. They can even strikeout or underline. This allows the user to customize their preferred method of communication.
Emoticon
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Emoticons are symbolic facial expressions created by letters and punctuation. MSN has taken this one step further by converting standard emoticons into animated graphics. Standard emoticons are :) for happy, :D for really happy and :( for sad. There are many more emoticons, and they can get quite complex.
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Slang
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People who commonly use online communication methods typically will truncate words, use short versions or acronyms rather than spelling them out loud. Using these types of communication styles helps convey certain emotions, as in the case of "LOL" or "Laugh Out Loud." It can also help convey an urgent message, such as "BRB" or "Be Right Back;" this is often used when the chatter is forced to deal with something away from the computer. There are a number of acronyms for online communication.
Formatting
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When communicating on MSN or online chatting, users will typically develop their own communication style or method. This may or may not reflect aspects of their personality. According to researchers Leonard Shedletsky and Joan E. Aitken, almost all communication via chat is truncated -- that is, shorter than it would be in an email. Part of the reason for this is that communicating only part of an idea may be enough for the other user to understand it. If they do not, there is instant feedback. For example, one user may ask "Dinner at 8?" The other user may respond with a simple "Yes" or if they need more information they can ask for it: "Where? Who is going? Are you driving?" In an email, all the prospective questions of the recipient may need to be answered. For example, in an email the author may ask, "Dinner at 8? I am picking up Tom and Helen and then we are going to that Mexican place on 3rd and Main. Do you need a ride too?" MSN allows users to truncate their online communication.
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References
- Photo Credit typing image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
