Ten Rules of Email Netiquette

As our society becomes more and more fascinated with social networking, I have begun to see even more abuses of Netiquette. Just as in our everyday lives we try to life by proper etiquette, we must also learn proper etiquette for the computer world. This type of etiquette is known by computer savvy people at "Netiquette". There have been entire books written on this subject and most individuals who use computers for fun and business aren't going to take the time to read a book on this subject. Hence, my reason for developing a list of Netiquette Principles that I feel most people using the internet should be aware of. If we can follow these basic principles of netiquette we can avoid offending someone without even realizing we have done so.



Principle One:



Do not type in all CAPS. This conveys the idea of shouting. If you want to emphasize a point put your words in between *asterisks*.



Good example: *Do not type in all caps when sending a message via any electronic means.*



Bad example: DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS WHEN SENDING A MESSAGE VIA ANY ELECTRONIC MEANS.



Principle Two:



Do not type in Red letters. This also conveys the idea of shouting.



Principle Three:



Always include a subject line and make sure it is appropriate to your message.



Good example: Meeting Tonight on Proper Email Netiquette



Bad example: Important message from Donna



Principle Four:



Always include your name. Not including it is like making a phone call and never identifying who you.



Principle Five:



Check your spelling before you send your message. Bad spelling and grammar causes your message to be lost by the reader.



Principle Six:



Acknowledge you have received an email even if you cannot answer it right away. A simple "I will get back to you on your question before the end of the day" will work wonders for someone waiting on an answer to a question they have emailed you.



Principle Seven:



Don't wander off the subject or *over talk* your message. Messages should be short and to the point. If you want to write a story, then write one and post it on a blog, not in an email or networking group.



Principle Eight:



Remember the difference between Reply to Sender and Reply to All. The only thing more annoying then spam is to have someone reply to the sender of a message and everyone in the group gets it.



If you want to reply to the group select "Reply to All".



If you just want to reply to the sender select "Reply to Sender".



Principle Nine:



Once you click the send button you cannot take your message back. Don't send emotional messages until you have had time to think about the subject.



Principle Ten:



Don't forward chain letters and hoaxes. This is a good way to get your email banned by the receiver. People today, especially in the business world don't want to have their time wasted by these types of messages.



I hope this helps everyone understand proper netiquette a little better. The next time you post a message on a board, social group, or send an email I hope you will keep these principles in mind.



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Donna is an online instructor for two colleges and she received both her B.S. and M.B.A. via online classes. Donna also owns her own business as a Tupperware Director.