If You Send Files by Instant Messaging, Describe Them
Most people are sensibly paranoid about files coming in by whatever means, however. So, to make the transfer as painless as possible and to avoid having your file rejected:
- Run a virus scanner over the file, especially if it's not a plain document you have just created.
- Inform the prospective recipient about the incoming file:
- Let them know what you are sending and why.
- You can give them an idea about the file size, too. It may not be opportune to send 1.5 GB of video footage if the other person has to leave in a few minutes.
- Respect it if the other person prefers to receive the file as an email attachment.
The recipient may prefer email for archiving reasons, to be able to download at the best time or because a firewall prevents them from accepting IM file transfers, for example.
