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 isnt 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
Dont forward virus hoaxes or chain letters
Dont Reply To Spam

Questions?