Which of these statements best describes how the three-step writing process applies to IM?

a. Because there is no planning step and no completing step in IM, the three-step process does not apply.

b. Th e real beauty of IM in the business world is that people don’t have to spend so much time composing; they just zap out whatever is on their minds and get back to work.

c. Th e three-step process for IM works exactly the same way as it does with letters, memos, and reports. Every message requires audience analysis, information gathering, and outlining.

d. IM exchanges should be planned the same way conversations are planned to minimize confusion and the number of messages required. And instant messages don’t have to be great works of literature, but they do need to be effi cient and eff ective, so some degree of care in writing and revising is important.