|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
|
|
|
Please Support Our Advertisers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Understanding Email Netiquette
Copyright (c) 2004-2023 Trevor Johnson
In life, it is the moral responsibility for the elder to teach the younger, or for the experienced to teach the inexperienced. In internet life, the same moral responsibility applies in regards to correct use of email.
One large difference is that, in internet life, it is very often the younger who are the experienced. The current waves of growth in internet usage, the new users, are largely from the older generations.
Accordingly, it becomes the responsibility of the experienced users to educate and train newer users in the correct usage of email. One simple way of imparting this education to lesser experienced internet users is to politely refer them to this article, either on the page you are currently reading or at http://BestPrac.Org/articles/netiquette.htm
The internet life carries it's own versions of courtesy, privacy and security issues that all users need to know. Hence a new word has entered the vocabulary - Netiquette. (Internet etiquette.)
For example:
In internet and email culture, ALL CAPITALS IS AKIN TO SHOUTING and is universally seen as rude and impolite.
New email users often forget to include a brief "Subject" line on their emails, or do not understand the importance of it. Ordinary postal service "snail-mail" does not ordinarily require a heading about the contents of the letter on the outside of the envelope - though most posted periodicals and many commercial accounts nowadays do identify the contents or level of importance on the outside of the envelope. Email, however, operates very differently from snail-mail. Never omit a subject line, and keep your subject line brief and relevant. Without a subject line, your email will probably be seen as yet another junk email and be deleted unread by the intended recipient. More commonly, it may not even reach the recipient at all. Many ISPs filter suspicious looking emails and delete them without delivery. A blank subject line to an email filter is like waving a red rag in front of a bull.
Never send emails to people you do not know without their express permission. Only send email to people who you know, or who have clearly indicated that they want to receive correspondence from you. Violation of this act of Netiquette can land you in all sorts of trouble. You will be labelled as a spammer. In some states or countries, you risk being charged with criminal or cival violations of the law for sending unsolicited email. Even in countries or states where there is no specific law prohibiting unsolicited email, it is regarded as bad manners and offensive. If you check with your ISP, you will almost always find that they reserve the right to terminate your internet connection if they receive complaints about you for sending unsolicited email.
Even when sending email to people that you do know, only send them what they are likely to want. Not everyone you know wants jokes or other "chain email" forwarded to them. Not everyone shares your sense of humour or has the time while connected at work to be reading frivolous emails. If you like forwarding jokes or other "chain emails" to your friends, check with them first to be sure they are happy to receive them.
Think before you type. Type, then think again. Unlike face-to-face or voice-to-voice communications, the easily and quickly typed email can all too easily be a source for expressing your feelings in the bluntest of ways. Similarly, the hastily written word may lack feelings and not express the emotions that can be sensed with eye contact or voice modulation in other forms of communications. It is too easy to forget that there is a human at the other end - not just a computer. You can very easily damage your own reputation and destroy friendships with thoughtless emails. Once an email is sent, you cannot retrieve it. The damage is done.
While to the experienced user all of the above is simply common sense, as the old saying goes "Common sense is not really all that common." These basics are not innate within the human sole. Newcomers need to be taught.
When to use To:, CC: or BCC:
Another vital area of appropriate email usage goes beyond merely being courteous in your communications - the correct use of To: or CC: or BCC when adding recipients to the email your are sending.
All popular email software and all web-email accounts give you a choice of these three different ways to add a recipient for your email. (Sometimes you might need to check your software menu and enable BCC as a visible option. It is not a visible option by default in all email software, unfortunately.) Your choice has vital privacy and security implications, so it is important to know which to use and when.While "To:" is self explanatory, a brief definition and history of CC: and BCC: will help you understand their correct usage.
CC: is a term from old fashioned typists. It stands for "Carbon Copy". In days of old, prior to photocopiers or word processors with laser printers, copies of letters were made by inserting two sheets of typing with a sheet of carbon paper in between into the typewriter. When a secretary typed a letter that was meant for one person though another person (other other people) was to receive a copy, and the first person was to be informed that a copy was being sent to another person, the typist would add a line under the signature at the end of the letter, along the lines of:
CC: Joe Bloggs.
Jane Smith.
This convention alerted to direct recipient to the fact that the letter had also been sent to other specific people.
If you did not want the direct recipient to know that copies were sent to other people, you'd simply not include a CC: line at the end of the letter.
BCC: stands for "Blind Carbon Copy". It is the electronic equivalent of sending a letter to multiple people without a CC: line. It means that people receive the email without any trace of who else is also receiving it being revealed.
Given those definitions, there are simple guidelines as to when you should use To:, CC: or BCC: in the emails that you send:
If your email is being sent to just one person or email address, place it in the "To:" section.
If your email is being sent to more than one recipient and all the recipients truly need to know who else is receiving it, put all the addresses in the CC: section.
If your email is being sent to more than one recipient but there is no urgent reason for all the recipients to know the names and email addresses of everyone else to whom it is being sent, put all the addresses in the BCC: section.
(Some email software requires at least one address to be placed in the To: section. If yours insists on this when you are trying to send a CC or BCC email, put your own email address in the To: section.)
Understanding these basic principles of email usage has many benefits. It preserves the privacy of your contacts. It prevents lists of names and email addresses being sent to strangers when someone you send an email then forwards it to others. It helps to prevent viruses, worms and trojans being accidentally spread by your friends with out-of-date antivirus programs.
Most of all, it shows the people with whom you communicate that you are sensible and responsible in your online behaviour. It shows that you take their privacy and security seriously. It builds trust in your communications.
|
Trevor Johnson is Chairman of the internationally active Anti Spam organization BestPrac.Org (http://www.BestPrac.Org) which promotes internet industry standards of Best Practice for the Prevention and Elimination of Email Spam.
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Computers Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Trevor Johnson
Oxygen Therapy For Weight Loss?
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2008-01-10 |
Word Count: 688 |
Page Views: 4064
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.67
Oxygen or Ozone Therapies are used by a number of alternative
medicine practitioners around the world. It is more popular in
Europe than in the USA. Practitioners are also found in Canada
and Mexico. Despite being banned in some countries and certainly
debunked by large sections of the - conventional - medical
profession, there is plenty of evidence that oxygen therapy
produces health benefits for many conditions far cheaper, much
faster and without the side effects of patent drugs.
The Resurgence of Scrabble
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2008-01-08 |
Word Count: 466 |
Page Views: 3895
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.71
Today, Scrabble is not merely just a board game. It is an
internationally competitive - mind sport - with an active
competitive circuit, Scrabble Clubs, National Associations and
World Championships.
Overweight - Answering Your Critics
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2008-01-03 |
Word Count: 789 |
Page Views: 3295
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.00
There are those that walk amongst us who have followed all the
advice, diligently dieted and exercised with genuine effort for
long periods of time, yet still fail to lose their excess weight.
Even more heartbreaking for those of us who genuinely struggle
with obesity are the accusations of sloth and laziness from those
thin people who eat junk all day long and show no physical sign
of their own gluttony.
Overweight - Answering Your Critics
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2004-09-30 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1957
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
There are those that walk amongst us who have followed all the
advice, diligently dieted and exercised with genuine effort
for long periods of time, yet still fail to lose their excess
weight.
Even more heartbreaking for those of us who genuinely struggle
with obesity are the accusations of sloth and laziness from
those thin people who eat junk all day long and show no physical
sign of their own gluttony.
The Resurgence of Scrabble
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2004-09-22 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1878
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Invented and designed by Alfred Butts during the great depression
and originally known as *Criss-Cross Words*, Scrabble was renamed
into the board game we know today in 1948.
Understanding Email Netiquette
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2004-09-14 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 1999
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
In life, it is the moral responsibility for the elder to teach
the younger, or for the experienced to teach the inexperienced.
In internet life, the same moral responsibility applies in
regards to correct use of email.
One large difference is that, in internet life, it is very often
the younger who are the experienced. The current waves of growth
in internet usage, the new users, are largely from the older
generations.
Oxygen Therapy For Weight Loss?
Written by: Trevor Johnson |
Distributed: 2004-09-06 |
Word Count: 0 |
Page Views: 3836
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.00
The chemistry sounds very straightforward. Human body fat is
a combination of three elements - hydrogen, carbon and oxygen
molecules (plus other substances that are stored within the
fat cells).
All of Author's Articles on this site: Trevor Johnson Articles
Most Recent "Computers" Articles
To IPhone Or To IPad, That Is The Question
Written by: Dawn Carey |
Distributed: 2011-06-24 |
Word Count: 658 |
Page Views: 6052
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 0.25
If your iPhone experience has ever left you wanting more,
then the iPad may just be the scratch your itch is looking
for.
Are Alienware Gaming Laptops Worth Buying?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-12-09 |
Word Count: 540 |
Page Views: 8860
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.00
Alienware laptops have gained a large devoted fanbase, but
are these high-priced gaming laptops worth buying? Discover
why there are many angles to this question which you must
consider before buying that Alienware laptop.
Learn How to Identify, Diagnose and Replace Damaged Laptop LCD Screens
Written by: Erwin Leona |
Distributed: 2010-10-26 |
Word Count: 508 |
Page Views: 5917
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.20
Consumers with broken laptop screens will usually take their
computer to an electronics repair store or replace the
laptop altogether. A broken laptop screen still has a
perfectly functioning machine underneath and with just a
screwdriver and a manual you can replace the screen yourself
and save. This task is much easier than it sounds and the
job can be done in less than an hour with the proper set of
instructions.
Is The Apple IPad The Perfect Student Laptop?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-08-03 |
Word Count: 816 |
Page Views: 6104
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.17
Will the new Apple iPad turn out to be the perfect student
laptop? Only a close examination of the iPad features (and
missing features) will give you the answer.
Is Nvidia Optimus The Future Of Gaming Laptops?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 874 |
Page Views: 5521
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
New Nvidia Optimus technology gives you switchable graphics
for enhanced visuals and longer battery life for your
laptop. But what will this new Optimus technology mean for
the future of gaming laptops?
Has 3D Gaming Finally Arrived?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 970 |
Page Views: 5503
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 1.71
Dazzle them and they will come, or will they? We all know
the new 3D technology as seen in the popular film Avatar has
everyone enthralled, but will 3D have the same impact on
computer gaming? Are we on the verge of a visual gaming
revolution?
Roles and Responsibilities of a SAP MM Consultant
Written by: Varsha Vilankar |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 1255 |
Page Views: 12938
| Votes: 63 |
Rating: 2.90
Everyday there are thousands of people who discover the
prospects of a career in SAP. However, lack of knowledge
often takes them to mushroom schools that have sprung up due
to the high demand of SAP training. Varsha has attempted to
give an easy to follow roadmap that is drawn on a timeline.
Following this roadmap will ensure that students don't end
up as hit-and-run victims of mushroom schools that are run
by unethical businessmen and not educators. Midst of the
weakening economy and employment uncertainty, the last thing
you want is for someone to rob you of your savings and
precious time. Read this article to stay in touch for an
amazing career in SAP.
New Trends In Gaming Laptops
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 695 |
Page Views: 6071
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Just what are the latest new trends in gaming laptops? Will
greater portability and 3D features become the latest trends
in gaming laptop design... read to find out.
Gaming Laptops Goes Mini-Me (Dell Intros Alienware M11x - The World's First Gaming Netbook)
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-02-10 |
Word Count: 601 |
Page Views: 5019
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
The whole concept of a gaming netbook is an intriguing idea
- take your gaming with you, no matter where you go. But can
the Dell Alienware M11x, which is being described as the
World's First Gaming Netbook, really capture the hearts and
pocketbooks of serious gamers?
Gaming Laptops - 5 Reasons To Put Them On Your Christmas List
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2009-12-30 |
Word Count: 840 |
Page Views: 5024
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.00
The Holiday Season is just around the corner and everyone
will be considering what to give as gifts this Christmas. If
you have more than a little cash to spare and you're
operating in a Non-Scrooge mode, here are 5 reasons why
giving a gaming laptop should be high on your list.
Most Viewed "Computers" Articles
SAP HR Training
Written by: David Sholmire |
Distributed: 2008-04-30 |
Word Count: 716 |
Page Views: 16731
| Votes: 82 |
Rating: 2.26
Learning SAP HR or (new name HCM - Human Capital Management)
module is not difficult at all if you have a qualified and
experienced instructor who loves to teach; If you have the best
of material that is geared towards certification; If you have
system that is carefully tweaked for optimal performance and if
you have an environment that is conducive to total learning.
Roles and Responsibilities of a SAP MM Consultant
Written by: Varsha Vilankar |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 1255 |
Page Views: 12938
| Votes: 63 |
Rating: 2.90
Everyday there are thousands of people who discover the
prospects of a career in SAP. However, lack of knowledge
often takes them to mushroom schools that have sprung up due
to the high demand of SAP training. Varsha has attempted to
give an easy to follow roadmap that is drawn on a timeline.
Following this roadmap will ensure that students don't end
up as hit-and-run victims of mushroom schools that are run
by unethical businessmen and not educators. Midst of the
weakening economy and employment uncertainty, the last thing
you want is for someone to rob you of your savings and
precious time. Read this article to stay in touch for an
amazing career in SAP.
Are Alienware Gaming Laptops Worth Buying?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-12-09 |
Word Count: 540 |
Page Views: 8860
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.00
Alienware laptops have gained a large devoted fanbase, but
are these high-priced gaming laptops worth buying? Discover
why there are many angles to this question which you must
consider before buying that Alienware laptop.
How To Choose The Best Student Laptop?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2007-07-20 |
Word Count: 861 |
Page Views: 7312
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 1.00
This article lists the different factors which make up the
perfect student laptop. If you're considering purchasing a
student notebook or laptop in the very near future, read this
article first...
2008 Application Development Trends: 'Building for Change' To Accommodate Today's Shifting Business Conditions
Written by: Anne Sych |
Distributed: 2008-02-06 |
Word Count: 441 |
Page Views: 7238
| Votes: 18 |
Rating: 2.28
Software developers and businesses alike can expect to see
significant changes in the year ahead in how applications are
developed. Research analysts are projecting that 2008 will
reveal a shift in the conventional development process, resulting
in more flexible solutions that can evolve with a company's
changing needs.
Top 5 Gaming Laptops - Quick Roundup
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-11-10 |
Word Count: 1313 |
Page Views: 6869
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.64
In the market for a gaming laptop? Here are 5 Top Gaming Laptops
you might want to put on your short list. Quick round-up of the
latest gaming rigs...
CISSP Advanced Security Certification Can Lead to a Lucrative Career for the Committed Computer Security Professional
Written by: Frank Pines |
Distributed: 2009-07-07 |
Word Count: 623 |
Page Views: 6625
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.14
Within months of 9/11, computer security became one of the
hottest career choices in Information Technology (IT) departments
around the world.
Is The Apple IPad The Perfect Student Laptop?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-08-03 |
Word Count: 816 |
Page Views: 6104
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.17
Will the new Apple iPad turn out to be the perfect student
laptop? Only a close examination of the iPad features (and
missing features) will give you the answer.
What Do Chuzzle, Jewel Quest And Fairies Have In Common And Why Are They So Fun?
Written by: Jon Wuebben |
Distributed: 2006-06-15 |
Word Count: 770 |
Page Views: 6089
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 1.90
Three of the most popular online games out there, Chuzzle, Jewel
Quest and Fairies, may appear to be quite different, but in
reality, share a very similar game architecture and strategy
component. What's different?
New Trends In Gaming Laptops
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 695 |
Page Views: 6071
| Votes: 2 |
Rating: 0.50
Just what are the latest new trends in gaming laptops? Will
greater portability and 3D features become the latest trends
in gaming laptop design... read to find out.
Highest Ranked "Computers" Articles
Overclocking And Gaming Laptops: Getting Higher Performances For Less Money
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-08-14 |
Word Count: 710 |
Page Views: 4304
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.33
Many gamers and computer enthusiasts use "Overclocking" to
achieve higher performances from their computers for less money.
Learn about overclocking and discover how you can also get higher
performances for less money...
What Is The Difference Between Netbooks And Laptops?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2009-10-21 |
Word Count: 698 |
Page Views: 5529
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 3.00
What are the main differences between netbooks and laptops?
Which one should you buy? If you're considering buying a
laptop in the near future, read this informative article
first!
Are Alienware Gaming Laptops Worth Buying?
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2010-12-09 |
Word Count: 540 |
Page Views: 8860
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.00
Alienware laptops have gained a large devoted fanbase, but
are these high-priced gaming laptops worth buying? Discover
why there are many angles to this question which you must
consider before buying that Alienware laptop.
Roles and Responsibilities of a SAP MM Consultant
Written by: Varsha Vilankar |
Distributed: 2010-04-20 |
Word Count: 1255 |
Page Views: 12938
| Votes: 63 |
Rating: 2.90
Everyday there are thousands of people who discover the
prospects of a career in SAP. However, lack of knowledge
often takes them to mushroom schools that have sprung up due
to the high demand of SAP training. Varsha has attempted to
give an easy to follow roadmap that is drawn on a timeline.
Following this roadmap will ensure that students don't end
up as hit-and-run victims of mushroom schools that are run
by unethical businessmen and not educators. Midst of the
weakening economy and employment uncertainty, the last thing
you want is for someone to rob you of your savings and
precious time. Read this article to stay in touch for an
amazing career in SAP.
Microsoft Excel For Online Marketers
Written by: Joe Cleland |
Distributed: 2008-10-07 |
Word Count: 749 |
Page Views: 4190
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 2.71
Many folks mistakenly believe that Microsoft Excel is strictly
for accountants and bookkeepers, but it is really so much more.
The fine programmers at Microsoft have tried to think ahead to
how people would like to use spreadsheets, and they incorporated
most of that additional functionality into Microsoft Excel.
Maintaining and Troubleshooting Your Laptop Battery
Written by: Bill Platt |
Distributed: 2008-06-17 |
Word Count: 1038 |
Page Views: 6000
| Votes: 21 |
Rating: 2.67
The actual life of a laptop battery will vary with computer usage
habits. For most users, it is not uncommon to experience
differences in battery life, of anywhere from just under one hour
to over two hours in each sitting. If you are experiencing
shorter battery life cycles, say 10 to 15 minutes, it may not yet
be time to order that new battery.
The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) Certification Will Prove Your Worth
Written by: Frank Pines |
Distributed: 2009-07-15 |
Word Count: 500 |
Page Views: 5681
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 2.67
Are you looking for a career in Information Technology? The Check
Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) certification is a
good choice to add to your credentials as a Network Security
specialist. The CCSA has not only become a highly recognized and
sought after credential to help you get the job, it verifies your
knowledge and improves your practical application skills to help
you keep the job.
Top 5 Gaming Laptops - Quick Roundup
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-11-10 |
Word Count: 1313 |
Page Views: 6869
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.64
In the market for a gaming laptop? Here are 5 Top Gaming Laptops
you might want to put on your short list. Quick round-up of the
latest gaming rigs...
Toshiba Infuses Gaming Laptops With Triple Nvidia GPUs
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2008-12-18 |
Word Count: 597 |
Page Views: 4731
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
Toshiba stirs up the laptop gaming world with the first laptop
sporting triple NVIDIA GPUs or graphics cards. Have the best of
both worlds - powerful gaming performance and quiet operations in
one gaming laptop... read more.
What Makes Online Games more Fun?
Written by: Jon Wuebben |
Distributed: 2006-05-25 |
Word Count: 679 |
Page Views: 5255
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.50
Role playing games, puzzle games, traditional games like chess
and backgammon - they are all becoming big in the online world,
with more and more people playing every day. So, what makes
online games more fun and what are the specific benefits one
can enjoy?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1273
Total Views: 5299
Article Rating: 1.85 of 5
Votes Cast: 13
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2008-01-15 10:24:00
Internal ID: #5603
|
|
|
Home