If you are just getting started in your own Internet business then you need to understand
basics of email and how to use it in your business. This article will cover basics of common e-mail language, Plus… good, bad, and ugly of e-mail etiquette.Here are some tips about what to say and more importantly what not to say in electronic mail. E-mail is a funny hybrid, something between a phone call and a letter. It's great because it is usually quick and informal, but can be a problem because you don't see person's facial expressions or hear a tone of voice. So, here are a few words of advice:
- When you send a message, watch tone of your language. - Don't use all capital letters, because it looks like you are SHOUTING - If someone sends you an incredibly obnoxious and/or offensive message, most likely it's just sarcasm that didn't come across that way.
There is also something we call flaming. Flaming is pointless and excessive outrage in electronic mail. Unfortunately, this is very common. My advice is that when you receive flaming, instead of responding right away, sit on it, and don't flame back. You will look like a jerk. You will never regret not sending an angry message, but you will most likely regret sending it. People have no idea what you intended to say, only what you did say. Subtle sarcasm and irony are close to impossible to use. If you want to make sure they know you are joking, use a smiley J. (Colon, dash, right parenthesis)
Always keep in mind that e-mail is only relatively private, not totally. You always take chance that your email will be forwarded on to someone else. So never write anything that you wouldn't mind seeing on next message board.
