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Email Etiquette (Netiquette) Netiquette refers to Internet Etiquette, the do's and don'ts of online communication. Netiquette covers both common courtesy plus the basic rules of Cyberspace. Although many Internet messages may be short and informal, its wise to follow the basic rules of good behavior: Do "spell check" any emails you send. Your spelling, grammar and punctuation will reflect upon you personally. Always proofread before you send just as you would a letter or memorandum. Do add a "signature" to your emails that includes your name, company, phone number and anything else you think is necessary, but keep it brief! Do send an auto-response when you will be away which lets people know why you are not responding to emails. Do follow the Golden Rule of every e-mail: adhere to the same standard of behavior online that you would follow in real life. And never put anything in writing that you dont want to see on the cover of The New York Times! Do make yourself look good online just as you would in person: respect other people's time and privacy, always be considerate of others and don't abuse your power! Do remember that D does not mean Delete. E-mails have proven to be "discoverable" in a court of law so be careful about what you represent. Do respond to emails within 24 hours just as you would a phone call. Your readers will appreciate a timely response and the subject matter will not be forgotten. Do type in a subject with your e-mail. Likewise, if the subject changes, so must the subject line. Do use a colon and a right parenthesis together in an informal e-mail. This is interpreted as a smile :-) .This, however, is not recommended for sending formal business e-mails :-( Do use asterisks around words to emphasize that word, like italics. Simple text e-mail cannot *see* italics but they can read asterisks. Dont type your comments entirely in capital letters; this is the equivalent of shouting and is considered offensive. Don't pass on jokes or confidential materials. It's in poor taste, plus they may contain viruses which may diminish the value of a friendship not to mention their hard drive! Don't try to advertise or sell anything via-email. This is like sending someone unsolicited junk mail and is often referred to as "spamming.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
