“Netiquette” for Email

Netiquette? What is netiquette? Netiquette is an informal set of rules about how to communicate online. Email is the major tool for communication on the Internet. It is important to understand how to write effective email. Here are a few suggestions to help you send a better message.

1. Subject lines – The subject line helps the reader focus on the enclosed message. Subject line should not be a complete sentence but a brief description of the contents. Make sure the words are specific not vague.

2. Keep Messages Short – People find it difficult to read large amounts of text on a computer screen. So, keep your messages short!! Paragraphs should be kept to a few short sentences.

3. Grammar and Spelling – If you want the reader to take you seriously, please, remember to check your grammar and spelling. The reader may get the wrong impression if you send your messages full of errors. They may ignore the content because it has too many mistakes.

4. Avoid using all capital letters – In the Internet world using all capital letters is the same as SHOUTING! Your reader will think you are mad at them if you use all capital letters. Avoid using caps unless you really are shouting.

5. Add a little of your personality – Remember, the other person cannot see your body language so use emoticons to add your feelings. You can use “emoticons” or a “smiley” to show your feelings. The most common is the J meaning “I’m happy” or the L meaning “I’m sad”. Here is a website where you can find Free Emoticons to spice up your messages. :-D

6. Use abbreviations – Internet users have created their own shorthand to keep messages short. Using these will help you speed up your messages. My favorite abbreviation is ROTFL which means, “rolling on the floor laughing” or IMHO which means “in my humble opinion”. This shorthand is easy and fun. To learn more abbreviations go to Internet Abbreviations and Chat Shorthand.

7. Create a signature – Always use the same information at the end of an email. Include your email address or create something special to add to your signature. You can add an image or a quotation. Just make it special. ;-)

8. Attachments – It is very frustrating to get an attachment and not be able to open the document. When you send an attachment make sure your receiver has compatible software. They will then be able to open and read your document.

9. Tone – Be aware of formality in your messages. If you are writing to a friend your tone should be chatty and informal. If you are writing to the president of a company use more formal language. If you send a message with a formal tone to your husband, he’ll wonder why you’re mad at him. Be careful how you use tone in your emails.

10. Proofread your email. – It is much easier to correct errors before you hit the send button. Check to see if you have made your point? Did you include a signature? Is the language formal or casual? Proofreading will help avoid confusion on the other end.

Avis Horowitz

Elective #4

SLM 521 – Spring 2006