ETTIQUETE@email.com
Email Ettiquete
Presented by Troop 806, B.S.A
Written by Scoutmaster, Steve Shapiro
Be brief and concise. People should be able to print out most email messages on only one page.
Check for errors. Do not spend excess time on spelling, punctuation and grammar, but check for obvious errors. Use a spell checker if you have one.
Be careful using pronouns. Are you sure the reader of your message will understand. If you send me a message that reads "He will be there at 6:00". I may not know who he is.
Sign your name. No one remembers who GalacticWarrier@aol.com is. Either type your name manually at the bottom of the message or use a manual FROM: line at the top of your message.
My standard closing is:
Regards,
Steve Shapiro
scoutmaster@troop806.org
www.troop806.org
When you reply to a message, it’s best to send back the original text with your comments embedded within. (Using the REPLY command usually does this automatically).
Use an appropriate subject line to identify your message. This is a good place to put URGENT or other such words.
Put a TO: or DEAR, line in your email message. This is important if the email address you are sending to may have more than one user.
Attachments are great for sending documents, graphics files, etc to others, but not all email supports attachments. Limit the size of attachments to less than
1 MB if at all possible.
Emoticons (sometimes called smileys) are cute, but use them sparingly. :-) Same goes for cute quotes at the end of all your messages - ok, but use them sparingly. Leave them both off for real serious business.
Use * for italics. Example: I thought I told you the meeting was on *Monday*. This is a good way to show emphasis when you can’t use itlaics or underlining.
Or use your email editor in "HTML" mode to send more than just plain text.
Don’t use all caps. It sounds like you’re shouting.
Good example: Don’t push the red button. IT MIGHT EXPLODE!
Bad example: MEETING NEXT WEEK. CALL WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE.
Check your email frequently. It doesn’t do any good if I can send you a letter just as fast. Most people can get away with every other day, Troop officers, Troop Guides, Patrol leaders should check daily.
Reply to email directed specifically at you. No one knows if you really read it or not if you don’t reply! Usually, you should not reply to email sent out as a mass mailing unless you feel you should, but remember NOT to "Reply to All" or you will generate perhaps hundreds of extra copies. Don't contribute to Spam!