Email Tips

E-mail is an informal method of communicating, but some basic rules of style or Netiquette (network etiquette) are expected.

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Some Dos and Don'ts

• DON'T TYPE IN ALL CAPS. This is perceived as shouting.
   

• Use emoticons (smileys) when trying to convey a tone of voice :-)
   

• Limit line length to 60-65 characters across. Otherwise some e-mail programs will wrap the text at wrong points or not wrap it at all.
   

• Consider carefully what you write; it's a permanent record and can be easily forwarded to others.
   

• Write succinctly. Don't waste bandwidth. E-mail may be inexpensive to most, but not to all.
   

• Don't attach large files (over 50K) without getting permission from your recipient first.
   

• Don't attach files for posting to discussion groups.
   

• Turn off e-mail formatting (non-ASCII) when posting to a discussion group.
   

• Don't send entire web pages to a discussion group, just the URLs (http's).
   

• When sending a web site address, always type it in the form of "http://..." because some e-mail programs will permit the user to click on a web address to go right there. Without the "http://" prefix these programs will not recognize it as such.
   

• Don't blatantly promote your business by posting an advertisement to a discussion group, unless it is clearly an accepted use and you have cleared it with the moderator (if there is one) first. Otherwise, you are "spamming."
   

• Write descriptive subject lines. Many busy people will only open messages with captivating subject lines. Think creatively.
   

• Don't quote back an entire message when only responding to one or two points. Delete the excess and make a note at the very top before starting the quotes. Some e-mail programs will automatically set up to quote the original message when replying and put you at the end of that message. This is very annoying to your recipients.
   

• When forwarding messages, put your comments at the top of the message.
   

• Don't overuse acronyms like BTW (by the way) or IMHO (in my humble opinion). Not everyone is experienced with this jargon and they may not want to admit their confusion - possibly losing your point.
   

• Do not forward personal e-mail to a discussion group without getting the author's permission first.
   

• Read over your e-mail before you send it. Although e-mail is a more informal method of communication than writing a letter, be sure you make your points clear and concise. Use a spell checker if available.
  
  See Email for Newbies  for detailed information.