E-Mail Netiquette

Introduction to Netiquette:  Netiquette is a combination of the words InterNet and Etiquette.  Over the years, norms of communcation have evolved about how to talk with each other using e-mail, chat (IRC), and even bulletin boards.  Obvious rules of being courteous should be followed.  But it is also good to know a few other conventions.  For example, WRITING IN ALL CAPS is considered SHOUTING - don't use that unless that is the message to be conveyed.  Check out some of the other rules of the Internet road at these sites:

• Kids Pen Pals Netiquette Home Page
• The PC Webopedia - Netiquette

Emoticons, etc.:  One of the added communication tools used in e-mail and chat is the use of typed characters to draw simple pictures.  Supposedly, these pictures can convey the mood of the senders along with their words.  For instance, the three characters :-) when viewed tilting your head to the left, appear to be a smiley face.  Another communication technique is the use of some acronyms that are accepted and commonly understood.  One example is imho = "in my humble opinion".  Take a look at some of these web sites for more examples of emoticons and acronyms:

• WebWorld Guide to Emoticons
• http://www.pb.org/emoticon.html
• http://faculty.web.waseda.ac.jp/vicky/projects/e-mail/emote.html

Return to the e-mail main page.

Contents of this site are copyrighted (2000) by Dr. Blake West, Blue Valley Schools