E-mail can be impolite both intentionally and unintentionally. Here’s how to make sure you’re only rude when you intend to be.
Write a clear subject line for every message. E-mail without a subject line is hard for recipients to categorize and may not get the attention it deserves.
Don’t attach files to your messages unless you’ve confirmed in advance that the recipient will be able to easily open the attachments.
Check your in-box regularly if you’re giving your e-mail address to friends or business contacts. It’s difficult to carry on an e-mail conversation with people who only collect their messages twice a month.
Don’t write messages entirely in capital letters. IT’S THE E-MAIL EQUIVALENT OF SHOUTING AND IS VERY RUDE.
Use the telephone if the information you need to convey is critical.
Don’t send a message to a long list of recipients who don’t need to hear from you, or sign up others for a regular mailing list without first getting their permission. Also, double-check the address on responses to group mailings to make sure you’re replying only to the author, not the entire group.
Don’t pass along chain letters. E-mail chain letters are both illegal and annoying.