E-mail Tips

1. Answer your e-mail politely and as soon as you are able.

Be careful of what you say about others. E-mail is easily forwarded.

Cite all quotes, references and sources and respect copyright and license agreements

Because of the International nature of the Internet and the fact that most of the world uses the following format for listing dates, i.e. MM DD YY, please be considerate and avoid the misinterpretation of dates by listing dates including the spelled out month: Example: 24 JUN 96 or JUN 24 96

2. Be careful when using sarcasm and humor.

Without face to face communications your joke may be viewed as criticism. When being humorous, use emoticons to express humor. (tilt your head to the left to see the emoticon smile) :-) = happy face for humor

3. Address your e-mail letters using the person's correct name and title, such as "Dear Editor", and sign off with a nice closing like "Your Friend, Andrea".

4. Never use all CAPITALS when writing your letters, or signing a guestbook.

It is considered rude on the internet (the equivalent of SHOUTING!) and is hard on the eyes.

Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading.

5. Remember, that while you are basically anonymous on the internet that it doesn't give you the right to be rude or mean.

Don't write anything that YOU wouldn't want to read, or that would hurt someones feelings.

6. Don't use bad language!

If you wouldn't say it to your grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, 3-year-old brother or sister, your Aunt Matilda, or your teacher, then don't say it on-line!

7 . If you're responding to someone's note, cut and paste or quote the key parts of the message to which you are responding, instead of including the entire thing.

Including key parts of the message is needed for clarity.

<*Asterisks* surrounding a word can be used to make a stronger point

8. Make sure you include a subject line that's appropriate for your message.

A subject captures the attention of your reader.

Focus on one subject per message and always include a pertinent subject title for the message, that way the user can locate the message quickly.

9. Never assume your e-mail messages are private nor that they can be read by only yourself or the recipient.

Never send something that you would mind seeing on the evening news.

10 . Never send any chain letters whether it is meant for good or bad luck.

It is a nuisance. Sending them can cause the loss of your Internet Access.