Learn

Network Netiquette

Network netiquette refers to the set of guidelines that should be followed as we interact with others online. One way to ensure that our interactions and posts are appropriate is to T.H.I.N.K. before you post.

  • T= Is it TRUE?
  • T= Is it HELPFUL?
  • I = Is it INSPIRING?
  • N = Is it NECESSARY?
  • K = Is it KIND?

If you ask yourself these questions before you post, chances are you won't go wrong. For more direction in appropriate online behavior, you may want to refer to The Core Rules of Network by Virigina Shea.

Email Netiquette

The rules of network netiquette are used for your social media posts, Internet research, and general network interaction. However, most of our personal communication online is found in the use of email. For this reason, email has its own rules of netiquette to ensure that senders and recipients are considerate of one another.

Basic Email Etiquette

Here are some basic email etiquette guidelines:

  • Begin each e-mail with a greeting and identify yourself.
  • Include a subject line that reflects the content of your message.
  • Be clear and concise.
  • Choose words and typestyles thoughtfully.
    • Bold or ALL CAPS look like shouting (called flames).
    • Large font and font colors can be difficult to read.
    • Be careful with words that can stereotype.

Be Professional

Be professional when writing an e-mail. Use proper business English, especially if you are writing to a business person.

  • Don't use abbreviations and use emoticons/emojis sparingly.
    • Often, emoticons/emojis are misunderstood and relay vague ideas.
    • It is better to find clear words to express your thoughts.
  • Address people you do not know as Mr., Mrs., or Ms.

Remain polite.

  • Use please and thank you.
  • Never use offensive language.

Spelling and Grammar

Always use correct spelling. Use you email's spell checker or a dictionary. When in doubt, spell it out!

Always use proper grammar. You can write in a conversational tone, but you should still pay attention to basic rules of grammar.

Watch Your Tone

If your message is designed to vent strong feelings, you can write it. However, do not send it until you have slept on it overnight! Your words might have a different look in the light of day! The next day, if your words still appear rude, you could start a "flame war."

Forwarding Email

Do not forward bogus information or fake news!

  • Search the topic to make sure it isn't a hoax or citing incorrect information!
  • Use sites like Snopes.com or TruthOrFiction.com to verify the truthfulness of the information.

Be considerate when forwarding messages by removing the email addresses at the top, if necessary. By forwarding emails without thinking, you could expose your friends' email address to total strangers.

Attachments

Ask before you send an attachment to someone. Many people won't open attachments because of fear of computer viruses. Viruses can even come disguised in email messages from someone you know!

Photos and Other Large Files

When sending messages with photos, be mindful of the picture's pixel size.

  • Original photo file sizes can be large - 1,000 pixels or greater.
  • Best practice: Minimize/compress the files to no larger than 600 before sending.

Reasons why you should not send large files include:

  • They take a long time to download and that's not respecting recipient's time.
  • They may even max out their inbox, depending on their storage space.

On this same note, be sure to delete old or unneeded email messages. They can take up valuable storage space!

Is Email Private?

Email is not private. Keep the following in mind:

  • Anything you write online can be (and may be) forwarded to others.
  • Do not disclose trade secrets or company-confidential information.
  • Never send the following over email:
    • Usernames and passwords
    • Credit card or other account information
    • Sensitive information

10 Rules of Netiquette

In summary, here are ten basic rules of netiquette:

  1. Include a subject line which reflects the content
  2. Be clear and concise; try to limit words to what can be seen on one computer screen
  3. Do not use ALL CAPS
  4. Use proper business English, no abbreviations, and use emoticons sparingly
  5. Check spelling and grammar
  6. Ask before you send an attachment to someone
  7. Do not send personal information, passwords, or sensitive/questionable information via email
  8. Don't type anything on your screen that you would not tell someone face-to-face
  9. Always minimize, compress, or zip large files before sending
  10. Verify anything you forward as true and delete all of the other email addresses in the heading