NETIQUETTE-ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS ETIQUETTE
By Denise Anne Taylor

Welcome to the Internet! The idea of being able to type a message into a personal computer, and send it off anywhere in the world at the click of a button, is truly exciting. However, with that capability comes responsibility and guidelines that help to maintain order in a very fast moving environment…the Internet. This column will focus on "Netiquette" which is electronic communications etiquette for the Internet.

E-mail is short for electronic mail, and it is a fast and easy way to reach family, friends, and co-workers at lightning speed with a message that is transferred from one computer modem via a telephone line to another computer. It is can save time and money! Therefore, we must take a moment to learn Internet etiquette basics to ensure that we make a great impression, and there is not miscommunication on the other end.

Here are a few key tips you can follow for successful communication over the Internet:

1. Be Brief and Clear. Write less than you would actually say in person. Keep it simple. If your E-mail is over 100 lines, type "long" in the subject header.

2. Avoid Explicit/Vulgar/Obscene Language. It is very easy for the recipient to save or print the message you send. If you do not want the message to haunt you…refrain from this type of language in your E-mail.

3. DO NOT SHOUT IN E-MAIL OR OVER THE INTERNET! By writing a message in all capital letters it indicates you are shouting to the reader and it is hard to read. Refrain from using all caps unless you need to make a specific point.

4. Do not send anything via E-mail that you would not want to see in public. If you are sending an emotionally charged E-mail, wait to forward it on to the recipient. First, send the E-mail to yourself. Wait a day or two. Re-read the E-mail, and then decide if you really must send it. Remember, it cannot be erased; it can be printed and saved for a later date. Be sure you can face the consequences.

5. Do not send or respond to "flame" messages. A "flame" message or "flaming" is sending or receiving hateful E-mail.

6. Never send chain letters; they are forbidden on the Internet.

7. Be clear about your subject heading. Make sure your subject heading reflects the content of your message.

8. Check grammar and spelling. E-mail is sometimes sent quickly and in haste, be sure to double check grammar and punctuation. Quick and easy is not an excuse for sloppy.

9. Do not send mass, unsolicited E-mail. It is rude and does not reflect favorably upon you.

10. There is no privacy! Privacy for E-mail is not ensured. Be aware of what you send with your name attached.

If you follow these simple suggestions you will be on your way to successful electronic communications! The rules are always evolving as the technology advances, so remember to use common sense and good judgment.

If you have etiquette questions or comments about this column, write to Denise Anne Taylor at P.O. Box 748, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303-0748 or via e-mail at dataylor@passportforsuccess.com.

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