Email and posting on the web etiquette
Thursday’s Management Idea for Successful Graphic Designers
It never fails to amaze me that people still don’t get that type can convey feeling and emotions. And once it’s on the internet, it can be there forever. AND, you can’t take it back.
Consider this: TYPING IN ALL CAPS SEEMS TO SCREAM AT YOU AND MAKES ME THINK YOU ARE MAD AT ME! It’s also makes it harder to read than let’s say, sentence case.
And you never know where your email, comment, or blog post may end up. So beware!
Here are some of my rules for writing emails and/or replies / comments on the web:
- DO NOT CAPITALIZE AN ENTIRE PARAGRAPH! Unless you are very, very angry!
- Avoid over-using punctuation!!!
- Pay attention to your spelling and grammar
- Be quick about it! Don’t make your answers long-winded!
- Always re-read before clicking send or submit!
- Don’t overuse abbreviations or emoticons (some people might not know what you are talking about!)
- Don’t pass on chain letters, PLEASE!!!!!
- Don’t spam
- Don’t quote / report things without the other person knowing
- Don’t claim its urgent if it’s not. It’s like crying wolf! Eventually, I won’t believe you!
- The subject line should always be about what the comment / email is about!
- No run on or long sentences
- No long paragraphs. Keep it short!
- Typography rules should always be applied.
- Don’t swear!
T A K E A W A Y S :
Remember, it’s always about being appropriate. Think of who will be reading what you are writing. Especially if it’s on the web, it will be there forever! Your future boss or client may see it!
In a business context, emoticons, ALL CAPS and spelling mistakes may be unacceptable to use. If you are writing to a newbie to computers or an older person, using abbreviations (OMG) may not be a good idea.
Remember, it’s about getting your message across and not let anything detract from it! And of course, not writing something you’ll later regret!
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