thoughts on the news of the day: etiquette

hmmm…..

            It was bound to happen.  Some might say it was way over due.  Dale Carnegie’s long time classic, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” has now embraced the digital age.  In fact, new the revised edition is named, “How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age”.  Isn’t it ironic that the original book used “friends” in the title, and, thanks to facebook, “friends” has a whole new meaning these days.  The book gives information about how to behave in an eWorld which, in my opinion is long overdue.

            Another classic self-help classic has also been revised.  “Emily Post’s Etiquette: Manners for a New World” addresses electronic communication of all kinds.  For example, the book encourages readers not to text in theaters because the light from the phone is distracting to other patrons.   It also reminds us to remember that our boss owns our email, so it is wise to take care what we say there.  A lot of what she says in the book is common sense, but it is valid, nonetheless.  

            I think it is important to watch what we say in email because it can easily be misinterpreted.  Abrupt, terse emails can be construed as distant and insensitive when really the writer might have just been in a hurry.  But still, the damage has been done.  I make it a rule never to write an email in response to an emotional issue.  It’s better to pick up the phone and talk; or even better yet, walk down the hall and talk to the person face to face.

            All that to say; it’s never too late to learn good manners.

            hmmm…..