Netiquette The do’s and don’ts for online communication

Formatting Your Type in a standard font and a standard font size for your s (example: Arial 12) When writing to teachers, skip any fancy formatting, such as colored fonts and backgrounds

Formatting Your Don’t write in ALL CAPS – online that is perceived as shouting Use proper grammar and punctuation, even if the person with whom you’re corresponding doesn’t Don’t use internet abbreviations such as BTW and TTYL

Component: The Greeting & Closing Just like a traditional letter, you should have a salutation and a closing

After you have already begun a conversation with someone, it is okay to leave off your salutation and signature. For example, after Mr. Anderson writes back to Janet, she could reply with a simple “Thank you” as opposed to: Dear Mr. Anderson, Thank you. Sincerely, Janet

Component: Subject Line Some people insist that the first line of a traditional letter is the most important because it either hooks a reader or it doesn’t. In an , the subject line is arguably the most important.

Component: Subject Line Your subject line is only one line, but that one line should be both of the following: Short. Don’t write an entire sentence or a long phrase Strategic. Be as specific as possible

Sample Subject Lines Ordinary Subject LineBetter Subject LineWhy It’s Better Next stepNext step – rehearse our group presentation Specifies the next step Information you requestedBake sale statisticsSpecifies what kind of information you are sending HomeworkChapter 5 questionsSpecifies which homework assignment you are sending You might notice a trend – a better subject line is more specific. Think how much easier the s with the better subject lines would be to find in your inbox.

Convenience does not necessarily equal informality Write the as if you were speaking in person or on the phone – this means being civil. Always say “please” and “thank you.” Even people who are always respectful in person sometimes neglect these important phrases in an without realizing it, but that oversight can leave an seeming rude.

is not necessarily confidential Any message can be forwarded Many schools and businesses monitor communication Before you send any messages, take a few seconds to reread your words. If you’ve written anything that could embarrass you if it passed in front of the wrong eyes, take it out.

Creating Excellent The “E” doesn’t stand for “easy way out” Format your Proofread your s for errors Use a greeting and a signature Use subject lines that are specific Be polite Don’t write anything that could embarrass you or someone else