The document discusses acronyms, defining them as words formed from initial letters of compound terms. It notes acronyms are informal and not acceptable in all situations, but common to use in informal emails, texts, and discussion boards. Examples of common acronyms are provided like BRB, AFK, LOL. Formal presentations, emails to professors or employers, and legal documents are identified as unacceptable places for acronyms. The document was created by a group that communicated via email and conference calls to discuss appropriate use of acronyms.

1. Cyber Buddies Virginia Texter Jennifer Stearns Deborah Childs

2. Introduction Acronym: A word formed from the initial letter or letters of each of the successive parts or major parts of a compound term (Merriam-Webster, Incorporated, 2011)

3. Appropriate use of Acronyms “Be sensitive to your group’s own micro-culture and norms as they develop during the course (Piskrich, 2004, p. 137).” Acronyms are an informal addition to communications and are not acceptable in all situations. However, it is a good idea to know some common acronyms.

4. Common Acronyms BRB-be right back AFK- away from keyboard BAK-back at keyboard LOL-laughing out loud ROFL-rolling on the floor laughing IMHO-in my humble opinion GMTA-great minds think alike BTW-by the way

5. Unacceptable Use of acronyms A formal slide presentation An email to your professor or potential employer Resumes and legal documents

6. Acceptable use of Acronyms Informal emails Text messages Instant messages Informal discussion boards

7. Conclusion We communicated through multiple e-mails We met on Elluminate and by telephone conference call Meeting times: Elluminate, 12:00 p.m. on 2/9/2011, and Conference call on 2/7/2011 Meetings attended by Virginia Texter, Jennifer Stearns and Deborah Childs

8. For more information: Web slang, lingo, and acronyms used in chat rooms, instant messages, and text messages Top 50 Acronyms Parents Need to Know