(Fwd) Netiquette

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Emailing

 * Subtlety is not communicated well in written form - especially over
   a computer.  Sarcasm, irony, etc. often come across more "mean"
   than you mean.

 * The above applies to humor as well.  Smileys :-), frowns :-(,
   winks  ;-) can sometimes avoid confusion.

 * When being especially opinionated (or flame-bouyant..) It is
   helpful to go take a break before actually sending.  Then, you
   can change the tone considerably. :-) Go get coffee before posting
   something in anger or that might hurt or anger others.

 * Subject lines should be meaningful.

 * References need to be made.  When you answer mail, you have the
   original message fresh in your mind.  When I receive your answer, I
   don't.

 * Do not include the entire article that you are replying to unless
   short.  Cut down the part that you include to the absolute minimum
   needed to provide context to your reply.

 * DON'T WRITE LIKE THIS. Use upper and lower case. This is important.
   Caps looks like you are shouting.  It ticks people off, and you
   don't mean to.

 * Before disagreeing with what the other guy wrote, take at least a
   sentence to acknowledge what he said.  Let people know that they've
   been heard before speaking yourself. (Apply this in real life, too.)

 * Ignore jerks.  The liberal who joins the conservative group, the
   professional skeptic, the nay-sayer.  They can't be convinced, and
   they hate being ignored.  Write to them one-on-one if you must cast
   your pearls.  You won't impress anyone by lampooning a fool.

 * Make an effort to spell words correctly.  Obvious misspellings are
   jarring and distracting to the reader.

 * Just before you post your article, re-read it.  This will ensure
   that you actually wrote what you intended to write.

 * Email is written like the spoken word - quickly and off-the-cuff.
   It is read as the written word - as though it was a considered piece.
   Imagine how you will feel when reading your stuff a year from now.

 * Restrain yourself from sending those chatty "I agree!" messages to
   the entire list.  Especially if there is no context for the new reader
   to know what you are talking about!

 * Let the other guy have the last word.  You write an opinion piece on
   some subject, and another person responds, taking your argument apart.
   You don't have to defend every point publically. Write 1-to-1, or even
   (gasp!) let your ideas stand for themselves.  This is easier to do if
   you take your time writing in the first place.