Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette A Guide to Internet Communication

Etiquette … the informal rules of behavior for the Internet. These Internet customs have evolved over time, and help make the Internet a pleasant place. Discussion Groups, chat rooms, instant messaging share most of these rules of conduct with email.

Etiquette – The Basics Get to the point Plain text still rules Abbreviations Smilies

Smilies :-)

Smiley Face

;-)

Wink

:-|

Indifference

8-)

Eye-glasses

:-D

Surprise

:-0

Yell

Email Threads Include previous message when replying or answering Number your points if the email is complex – makes replying easier Remove part of the thread as the email grows.

Email Privacy There isn’t any. Email is not secure. Avoid sensitive information in email Remember an email can be forwarded without your knowledge or consent to anyone.

Flames Use care when replying in email, forums or discussion groups. Your emotions do not transmit in email – they cannot tell you are kidding (smilies help) We can all agree to disagree

Major No-Nos Typing in UPPER CASE Flaming Sending Spam via email or in chat room Forwarding jokes with 200 email addresses at the top of the page… Large File Attachments Forgetting to re-read the email before sending

Other Techniques When mass emailing – use the BCC field Use a meaningful subject Don’t forward virus hoaxes or chain letters Don’t Reply To Spam

Questions?