Usage

1. common "talking" syntax:
    -  "..." at the end of a line suggests you have not completed a thought
    -  "."   at the end of a line suggests you have finished your thought
    -  "?"  suggests a question
    -  '!"   suggests a an exclamation
  ( while seemly basic the use of the above help other participants feel more connected to the conversation ) 

2. Try not to "double", i.e. speak at the same time as someone else.  A combination of the above
    syntax and the guidance of the facilitator should help keep this problem to a minimum.

3. Choose a "nickname" that is related to your name, easy to type, and which will not generate
    confusion with other attendees. Example E-CONF team member names are DaveG, BobD,
    dickriddl, and CharlesL. Nicknames must be short and it is helpful if they don't contain spaces.

4. Use "whisper" (Microsoft Chat) or "/msg" to send messages to individual participants if your
    comments are not intended for all attendees.

5. Keep in mind that logs of chat sessions like tape recordings of meetings represent something
    beyond minutes.  Use of these logs should be carefully considered and all participants should
    be aware that logs are being made available.

6. In large meetings, some "short-hand" way of recognizing individuals may be necessary.  One
    One approach is to use the "Q" or "C" signal.   When an individual wishes to talk, they can either
    type a single "Q" or "C" to signal to all that they have a question or comment respectively.  The
    facilitator can keep a list and recognize individuals when it is their time to speak.  The facilitator
    may choose to allow questions first (before comments) or to take speakers in order, or some
    other scheme appreciate to group dynamics.

Abbreviations

The following abbrevations are often used in chatting to save keystrokes.

<BG>  -  (BIG) grin see <G>
BTW   -  by the way
FWIW - for what it is worth
GA      - go ahead
<g>     - grin
<G>    - (big) grin see <BG>
LOL    - laughing out loud
ROFL  - rolling in floor laughing