This document provides guidelines for proper email etiquette. It discusses keeping messages concise and to the point using plain text. Abbreviations and emoticons can help convey tone. When replying to emails, it's best to include the previous message for context. Threads should be trimmed as they grow to avoid large files. Sensitive information should be avoided as email is not secure and messages can be forwarded without consent. Raising emotions should be done carefully, as tone does not transmit clearly. Major taboos include typing in all caps, flaming, spamming, and large file attachments.

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?