Mastering Intranet and Internet Technology

* Write useful subject lines that describe the main theme of your message

* Restrict the number of topics in each message, preferably to one. Use subdividers if your message must contain more than one subject.

* Keep your writing brief.

* Use quoted text carefully, walking the line between preserving context of the thread and minimizing message length.

* Use white spaces to break up your text.

* Use ASCII characters to denote emphasis (i.e. *asterisks* and >>wickets<<) rather than your e-mail reader's internal fonts or HTML (unless you're in an environment where everyone has access to the same font set).

* Don't assume everyone understands abbreviations, acronyms, slang and regionalisms.

* Be careful with sarcasm and subtle humor; one person's joke is another person's insult.

* Double-check your messages before sending.

Two overriding points I try to make clear in my classes:

1. Many netizens speak English as a second language, making clarity and attention to grammar paramount.

2. Don't feel pressured to respond to a message immediately; if asked for information, better to dig a little and make sure you're providing the correct answer than to shoot off something that may be wrong.

	Last Update: 24/11/98	Web Author: Geoff May
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