Happy New Year! New attitude? New habits? How about 10 Little New Year's Netiquette Resolutions? Almost every New Year's resolution is based on improving attitudes and changing habits. From loosing weight to getting out of debt to trying to live a happier life, almost each of us has some sort of conversation with ourselves in regard to
New Year and changes we have control to make. If we follow through on 50% of them, we're ahead of pack!
So, here is your online version of New Year's Resolutions. Everyone can improve on their skills, if they are willing. I am constantly working on my grammar and writing style to ensure my points are clear and that my e-mails are received and understood in manner in which they are intended. Remember, perception is only reality online! And, whether you agree or disagree with this topic, perceptions are made all time which are within your control - positive and negative alike.
For whatever reason, these issues in particular, are those that I notice are not practiced on a daily basis. Make a commitment to improve on issues below. It won't hurt; rather it will only add to positive impression you will make with those you communicate with. The perception of type of person you are, and whether you are a fish out of water online or not, will certainly be apparent by efforts made in these areas:
1.I will not forward a single e-mail unless it specifically applies to person I am sending to. I will include a personal note to that person so they know why I am forwarding that e-mail their way. If I must send or forward same e-mail to a group of contacts, I will be sure to put their e-mail addresses in BCC: field to protect their privacy.
2.I will take time to make sure that my sentences are complete, capitalized and include proper punctuation. This goes a long way to making communicating with me easier and has added benefit of helping to avoid misunderstandings.
3.I will not send a large attachment of any kind, even ones I think are very special photos of [insert here: my grandbaby, my child, my pet, my car, my vacation...] until I ask when would be best time to send it to intended party first. This way, I do not fill their e-mail box without notice causing all their other e-mail to bounce. If I do not know how to determine an attachment's size, I'll learn how before I send it by e-mail!
4.Every e-mail I send will be courteous and include a proper greeting and closing which includes my name. My extra effort in this area, when many feel these details are not necessary, will ensure I am viewed as someone who "gets it" and is a pleasure to communicate with.
