[macspoofing]

There's another reason for 'hello' ... it's a way to make sure you have the other person's attention before launching into a topic or question.

[JimDabell]

That’s exactly what’s rude about it. Don’t make sure you have their attention. Just send the actual message.

If it’s urgent enough that the actual message isn’t enough, “Hello” isn’t going to cut it either.

[macspoofing]

I didn't make a value judgment on the practice, but it is a reason why you may get a "hello" message.

[CGMthrowaway]

That's only rude sometimes. We don't typically talk to other people in real life without confirming their attention (e.g. via eye contact) first.

[macspoofing]

>That’s exactly what’s rude about it.

By the way, I also hate the "hello"-only message. I am, however, guilty of writing "Hey. Do you have a second to chat" - typically in cases where either through chat or video conference I want to go through something that is more involved, and I also want some confirmation of understanding and acknowledgement.

[vel0city]

If the notification bubble just says "hello" it's on the bottom of the stack of my priorities. If it's "hey, this alert came up..." then it's actually going to flag my attention.

If you want my attention give me a reason to give it.

[lcnPylGDnU4H9OF]

That’s a poor reason; I just say “hi” back and tab out until there is another message. They capture my attention with details.

[kevindamm]

If the conversation needs that, many think that indicates it should be an email, or a meeting, not a chat.

[dosnem]

No way that makes sense. Email is for external conversations. Meetings are hour long.