What will this trend mean for standard writing? While much of the answer remains to be seen, we are already noticing how standard sentence structure is mattering far less. Dialogue-style writing is replacing formal writing style, requiring readers to create meaning based on the context in which the writing appears. You can imagine a dialogue like the one below between Kim, a project manager, and Lee, an account manager, both of whom report to Chris, a firm vice-president, concerning a request from Pat, a client.
Kim: What did Pat say?
Lee: They're greenlighting the requested revision.
Kim: Did you discuss the rate increase?
Lee: Not yet.
Kim: Then there's no go-ahead.
Lee: They're looking for an exception based on business volume and loyalty.
Kim: They get what they pay for.
Lee: Should we get Chris in on this?
Kim: OK, but you know there's no exceptions. We can't eat the increased work hours.
No doubt, this dialogue will lead to Lee writing an email to Pat insisting on a rate increase, but Kim has made the policy clear through IM. This sort of communication will become, no, has become, more prevalent in organizations. We will always need signed contracts, or at least e-signed contracts, but the basis of much of these agreements is becoming IM.
