1) Proof-read for both content and style before you send. No one likes to read sloppy thinking or writing.
2) Edit judiciously if you are quoting someone else. If you are following up or responding to another's message, delete all but the lines you are discussing, but do keep the attributions so people know whom you are following. Many people are reading their e-mail on slow modems and perhaps paying toll charges; time is money.
3) Use a good subject line. Watch out for "thread drift" which means that the subject line no longer matches the content of the message.
4) Respect confidentiality. People will write things privately or even on a list that they may not want broadcast to a larger group. Always get permission before reposting someone else's message. By the same token, if you are sending a message to a group of people, use the blind carbon copy feature for your distribution list so your recipients won't see each other's e-mail address.
5) No shouting please. Capital letters are considered SHOUTING which is rude. If you wish to emphasize something use *the asterisk* to highlight the important word.
6) Flame with caution. A virulent, personal attack on someone in a forum, newsgroup or list is called Flaming and you should do so at your peril. Some groups ban it altogether; on others you may be attacked for being a meanie. On the other hand, sometimes it is warranted, but be prepared for the consequences.
7) Understand the difference between private e-mail and a group posting. There is nothing more embarassing than sending to an entire group a message meant as private correspondence. Double check your address line before sending.
8) Lurk before you post. On any list, forum or newsgroup, it's a good idea to read for a while before posting; each place has it's own ethos and it's own lead posters.
9) Be aware of different computer formats. ASCII is the universal computer language so if you are sending a file, that's the only format you should use. Also, make sure your e-mail has hard carriage returns (most mailers handle this automatically).
10) Finally, be aware that anything you write is beyond your control once you hit the send key. It might end up in someone's web page where it can be accessed by any number of people or forwarded to another list. While it's common courtesy to get permission to repost, it doesn't always happen.
Revised December 7, 1998