Timeline for When is it acceptable to use Internet abbreviations such as “u” or “r”?

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Dec 21, 2010 at 20:27	comment	added	Joost Schuur		I'll admit I was thinking of employees talking to clients and not amongst themselves, but the same applies for both. By abbreviations, I was referring to shortening individual words down. Nothing wrong with shortening multiple words when it's universally recognized, like IM or BTW, although 'CU' (see you) and 'IDK' (I don't know) is too far for me. There's a line between an accepted abbreviation and 'SMS speak' that I personally never cross.
Dec 21, 2010 at 14:48	comment	added	Mr. Shiny and New 安宇		I guess I disagree with you that it's never OK to abbreviate. Surely I'd personally never use "u" or "r" as abbreviations. But "business communications" is a broad category, from formal communications from a business to the customers, to instant messages between employees. The same level of formality is not required for these. At least, not in most Canadian or American workplaces that I've experienced. In the old days everyone wore a suit and tie to work, that has been relaxed too. (I just noticed that your own post uses "IM", a clear abbreviation that doesn't seem too informal).
Dec 21, 2010 at 10:40	history	answered	Joost Schuur	CC BY-SA 2.5