Email: Netiquette

  • Do not use different types of fonts, colours, clip art and other graphics in email. Such an approach merely clutters your message and takes longer to send and receive
  • Do not key the message in all uppercase letters. You may emphasise a word or phrase in all capital letters, but use the Caps Lock button sparingly
  • Avoid sending messages when you are angry. Give yourself time to cool down and think about the situation before you send or reply to an email in anger.  Take a walk around the office, drink a cup of tea to soothe your nerves or wait 24 hours to respond.  In some cases, you may want to make a telephone call or have a personal conversation with the person.  You have a more difficult time being angry when you see the person face-to-face or when you hear the person’s voice
  • Answer emails promptly. The general rule is to read and respond to email once or twice a day (depending on volume)
  • Do not send large attachments unless you know the person can receive them