Explore the critical role of interaction protocols in distributed and concurrent systems through this insightful conference talk. Delve into the parallels between social etiquette and system communication, examining how protocols form the foundation for quality attributes like performance, resilience, and security. Learn about the evolution of communication in biology and society, and how these concepts apply to software development. Discover the importance of proper protocol design, including binary codecs, versioning, and synchronous vs. asynchronous communication. Examine common pitfalls and "snake oil" protocols to avoid, while understanding the significance of feedback and recovery mechanisms. Gain valuable insights into the scientific approach to protocol development and the relevance of Conway's Law in system design. This comprehensive presentation offers a unique perspective on creating effective, efficient, and well-mannered distributed systems.