Electronic List (E-list) "Netiquette"
- Make the subject line of your message as clear as possible so that your readers will know what the message contains; but also keep it to only one line.
- Good example - "Subject: Project-based learning or skills-based learning?"
- Poor example - "Subject: Debate continues"
- Poor example - "Subject: The pros and cons of project-based learning vs. skills-based learning from an academic and practitioner perspective"
- Make your message brief
People who have many e-mail and e-list messages appreciate concise writing. When you do have a long message, indicate that in the subject title in parentheses.
- Example - "Subject: Review of standardized tests (long message)"
- Include your "signature" at the bottom of your messages.
Your signature footer should include your full name, email address and any other contact information you wish to share (phone number, fax number, mailing address, etc.).
- Do not use all caps.
Using capitalized words on electronic lists is considered to be like shouting at someone. You might use *asterisks* or >emphasis marks< around a word to make a stronger point.
- Be careful in what you say about others.
Electronic messages are easily forwarded. Don't say anything you wouldn't want to see quoted in the newspaper!
- When reacting to someone else's message, address the ideas, not the person.
Angry, sarcastic or antagonistic messages are called "flames" and flaming someone is bad netiquette.
- Be careful when using humor, and especially avoid sarcasm.
Without face-to-face communication a witicism may be misunderstood as criticism. "Emoticons" (tiny pictures made from ordinary ASCII characters that are meant to be looked at with your head tilted to the left side) can be used to put a personal "face" on your messages. e.g. a "smiley" :-) or a wink ;-) or a frowning face :-(
- Avoid acronymns.
Acronyms can be used to abbreviate; however, messages that are filled with acronyms can be confusing and annoying to the reader. If you do use an acronym, use the whole phrase the first time with the acronym in parentheses. Examples:
- in my humble/honest opinion (IMHO)
- by the way (BTW)
- Massachusetts Coalition for Adult Education (MCAE)
- Be respectful of others' different opinions.
Electronic lists brings people together from around the country and the world. Don't assume that everyone shares the same views or background.
- Don't include obscenities in your messages.
- Don't forward messages without asking first.
It is rude -- or worse --to forward someone's personal e-mail message, or message to a private or closed electronic list, without that person's permission. Forwarding a message from a public electronic list, however, is acceptable practice; it is courteous to let the author know you are doing this.
- Don't send commercial advertisements or chain mail to an e-list.
- Don't attach files to messages sent to electronic lists. Often they can't be posted. Instead, paste the content into the body of the message, but be sure it is in ascii/text format, or some recipients may not be able to read it.
- Don't share copyrighted materials.
Not everything on the Internet is "fair use." You are liable for any copyright infringement you make.
This Netiquette Web page was developed from several other published netiquette lists and Web pages by . It was last updated on 01/01/06