Do business users need etiquette lessons for Instant Messaging? The Finishing Academy and Microsoft seem to think so. Silicon Web Watch reports that they produced a Business and Communications Etiquette Guide.

Penny Edge, managing director of The Finishing Academy in Cheshire, said business and communications etiquette is evolving as technology and social acceptance change but many of the same old principals should remain.

She told silicon.com: “There do need to be benchmarks and rules. I think people are a bit lost with how to communicate with people.”

Edge explained etiquette is about using communications methods people are comfortable with. She said: “It’s really respecting the people you’re dealing with.”

I’m not so sure people actually need lessons or a guide to tell them how to properly use IMs. A little constructive criticism should all be that’s needed if someone should make an IM faux pas.

Though on second thought I did have to place a few restrictions and instructions on my contact page because of IM misuse.

What do you think? Is it silly to instruct users on IM etiquette or is it overdue?

[IM users to get etiquette lessons]