Wednesday, July 20, 2011

thoughts on the news of the day: email etiquette

hmmm…..
            There’s a little article on the internet today titled, “8 Rules of Email Etiquette.”  Probably a whole book, or at least a very long email could be written on the “Don’ts” of email.
            The rules in the article are excellent, but there are a couple of email rules that aren’t listed that I would like to suggest.  First, please be careful about forwards.  Not everyone on your email list wants to read the Fw:fw:fw: your great aunt sent you.  In my own case, I receive so many emails that if Fw: is the first word listed in the Subject line, I usually delete it without reading it.  So, please if you are forwarding a cute photo or meaningful poem, take time to personalize it for the person receiving it. 
            My second rule of etiquette is please be careful about inflammatory, political and religious forwards.  First of all, don’t assume that your political or religious views are the same as everyone on your email list.  It is unlikely that they are.  Also, many of the outrageous emails floating around are hoaxes.  So, please check it out thoroughly and make sure it is true before sending it out as correspondence. 
            Email is a wonderful tool.  It allows for speedy communication with an easy trail of written correspondence.  It is a great way to keep up with family and friends.  I love using it for sharing information with groups of people when phoning could take all day. 
            But be careful with it; it can backfire when it is not used in careful and discreet ways.
            hmmm…..
                       

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