E-mail Etiquette: Netiquette

author: Chris Pirillo, 1999

presenter: Jason Wheatley ENG 393

June 15, 2009

Overview

What is Netiquette?

Who needs it?

Do’s and Don'ts– Typeface/Structure– Length and Content– Forwarding – Attachments

Review

Questions

Reference

Netiquette

What is it?– “Short for network etiquette, the code of conduct regarding

acceptable online behavior…commonly used in reference to popular forms of oniline communication…” (“netiquette”)

Who needs it?– Everyone!– From novice to veteran email user, all should be aware of

common courtesies of computerized communication

Do’s and Don’ts

Typeface– DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS– Okay for emphasis/headings– Otherwise seems like yelling

Structure– Avoid abbreviations unless receiver is familiar

Ex: Can you send that file in a .jpg instead of a .gif?– Use blank lines to separate paragraphs—do not use Tab to

indent– Use descriptive subject lines

Ex: “Re: Meeting June 15” v. “What’s Up?”– Keep signatures down to 4-6 lines (name, title, company,

contact info, maybe a quote)

Do’s and Don’ts

Length– Be brief– Avoid run-on sentences– Do not exceed 76 lines per paragraph (60-65

recommended)– …not too brief

Avoid one-liner replies like “what?” Content

– Don’t write “angry emails”– Use a quote from previous message when

replying– Use spell check! Avoid misuse of grammar

Ex: then him and me went to the park……..we had a good time.

– If trying to be funny/sad, use an emoticon: Ex: ,

Do’s and Don’ts

Forwarding– Strip any unnecessary/personal info from

sender before forwarding—Ask sender’s permission to forward on message

– Check your sources! Could be distributing a virus, or just

annoying people with junk-mail– Do not forward forwarded messages

unless absolutely needed Attachments

– Use wisely, make sure file is clean– Ask receiver’s permission when sending

large files

Conclusion

“Don’t Re-Write the Rules”– Netiquette is for everyone– Based on systems compatibility and tested, effective

communication skills– Mind the Do’s and Don’ts

Typeface/Structure Form/Content Forwarding/Attachments

– When in doubt, ask the receiver

Questions?

Reference

“netiquette”. Marketing Terms.com. 9 June 2009.<http://www.marketingterms.com/dictionary/netiquette/>

Thank you!