Email Etiquette

1. Email Etiquette A Guide to Internet Communication

2. 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.

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

4. Smilies :-) Smiley Face ;-) Wink :-| Indifference 8-) Eye-glasses :-D Surprise :-0 Yell

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Questions?