Despite how carefully I try to type and phrase things, it’s always amazing (in a bad way) how much gets lost in IMs. Something is unclear to someone who then makes an assumption, and after another 2 messages everyone is on a completely different page. It’s kind of why I prefer email since people tend to be a little more methodical in how they phrase things, provide details and context, etc. IMs get blasted out at the speed of thought, which isn’t always good for written communication.