E-mail Etiquette: Netiquette
author: Chris Pirillo, 1999
presenter: Jason Wheatley
ENG 393
June 15, 2009
Overview
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What is Netiquette?
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Who needs it?
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Do’s and Don'ts
– Typeface/Structure
– Length and Content
– Forwarding
– Attachments
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Review

Questions
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Reference
Netiquette
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What is it?
–
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“Short for network etiquette, the code of conduct regarding
acceptable online behavior…commonly used in reference to
popular forms of oniline communication…” (“netiquette”)
Who needs it?
–
–
Everyone!
From novice to veteran email user, all should be aware of
common courtesies of computerized communication
Do’s and Don’ts

Typeface
–
–
–

DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS
Okay for emphasis/headings
Otherwise seems like yelling
Structure
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Avoid abbreviations unless receiver is familiar

–
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Use blank lines to separate paragraphs—do not use Tab to
indent
Use descriptive subject lines

–
Ex: Can you send that file in a .jpg instead of a .gif?
Ex: “Re: Meeting June 15” v. “What’s Up?”
Keep signatures down to 4-6 lines (name, title, company,
contact info, maybe a quote)
Do’s and Don’ts

Length
–
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Be brief
Avoid run-on sentences
Do not exceed 76 lines per paragraph (60-65
recommended)
…not too brief

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Avoid one-liner replies like “what?”
Content
–
–
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Don’t write “angry emails”
Use a quote from previous message when
replying
Use spell check! Avoid misuse of grammar

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Ex: then him and me went to the park……..we
had a good time.
If trying to be funny/sad, use an emoticon:

Ex: , 
Do’s and Don’ts

Forwarding
–
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Strip any unnecessary/personal info from
sender before forwarding—Ask sender’s
permission to forward on message
Check your sources!

–

Could be distributing a virus, or just
annoying people with junk-mail
Do not forward forwarded messages
unless absolutely needed
Attachments
–
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Use wisely, make sure file is clean
Ask receiver’s permission when sending
large files
Conclusion
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“Don’t Re-Write the Rules”
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–
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Netiquette is for everyone
Based on systems compatibility and tested, effective
communication skills
Mind the Do’s and Don’ts
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Typeface/Structure
Form/Content
Forwarding/Attachments
When in doubt, ask the receiver
Questions?
Reference
“netiquette”. Marketing Terms.com. 9 June
2009.<http://www.marketingterms.com/dictio
nary/netiquette/>
Thank you!