Email Etiquette

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Perception is the only reality online!

One of the primary reasons for creating this site is my dismay at how many folks do not seem to care about how they will be perceived. I have concluded it is that they must not care or they simply are unaware of these issues because there are tons of resources online to give you the basics if you look for them and take the time to read them. So many onliners take no care in the choice of words used, or how the content of their email will reflect on them. Nor do they seem to care how they will be perceived by the other side. Judging by the reaction of some visitors who have been sent to this site, (rather than admit they were participating in a medium they did not yet totally understand, they have hissy-fits and send flames and make threats) some onliners seem to not want to put the effort forth to improve themselves or to learn the necessary skills to be perceived favorably and use technology properly.

To make boastful claims that one has the "right" to say and treat others any way they like further solidifies the reason why these personalities were probably pointed this way in the first place. So, if you are one of those who do care, one of those who can put your ego on the shelf for a moment and realize we all make mistakes, have more to learn or who up until now have underestimated the importance of these issues - read on. ;-)

• Start your email with brief and concise Subject: which accurately portrays the content of your email. The Subject: field is not the place to ask questions or to contain your only comments while you send a blank email. You also want to refrain from using an old email message and hitting reply to type about a new subject because you didn't add your contact's email address to your address book. That is viewed not only as lazy but as inconsiderate for the person on the other side because the Subject: field does not reflect the new conversation.

• Always start your email with "Hello", "Hi", "Dear" or whatever you are comfortable with and works for you and the name of the person you are emailing. Use a greeting that reflects your personality.

  When you make a phone call you always say "Hello" to the person who picks up the phone. A little idle chit-chat asking how the other person is, what is new, etc. then ensues. I am not suggesting that you have paragraphs of senseless chit-chat before you get to your point, just that you show some interest and courtesy to the person on the other side included within a nice greeting. You may think doing so to be trivial or time-wasting when online, however, this is how a civilized society communicates with one another and how relationships are built. Little touches such as this will ensure the recipient looks forward to seeing your name in their inbox. To just blurt out your demands or questions without a greeting comes off as demanding or bossy.

As a courtesy to your fellow Netizens, mind your manners and be nice.