Internet Etiquette

I've been meaning to write this entry for a while now but I haven't been able to pin down the exact rules to how people should interact on the internet. I think I have a few of the rules down so I'll share them with you, but remember just like internet and technology in general these rules can and most probably will change with the next new thing.

Ok for starters Email Etiquette,

Email has revolutionized the way people interact with each other. Gone are the days of the letter and postage. Now we can immediately reach out to someone just by clicking send. But with great power comes great responsibility -

In your professional life chances are you will use email a lot. It's the fastest and easiest way to communicate with your colleagues and clients. What people need to remember is that most Americans who work in a corporate environment are out of work by 6:30 PM - 7 PM and sending them an email after that is useless. Would you call a professional contact at 4 am? No. Then why is it ok to email them? Unless it is something super urgent - emailing after 10 PM is inappropriate. If you really need that person to see your email FIRST thing in the morning then write the email and set a timer so that it will send at 8 AM, yes you can do that. Some people think that sending an email at a bizarre hour of the night is ok because the person won't see it until they get to work. To those people I ask, are you stupid? Everyone has a smartphone. Everyone. My blackberry buzzes and lights up every time I get an email, I'll see your email at 4 am and think, what a jerk - this person has no respect for me or my time.

Bosses of the world - don't email your employees at 4 am. They'll hate you.

Long emails are just the same as getting a homework assignment. I am not in grade school anymore and if you want to get my attention - DO NOT send me a long email. Sending long emails is unnecessary there is nothing that cannot be summed up in 6 sentences. If you need to convey something that is longer than 6 sentences - PICK UP THE PHONE.

Email signatures are a way of giving more information about yourself so that people can see your title and contact info. They are not an opportunity for you to unleash your artistic passion. DO NOT make your email signature colorful. If your company requires you to use only green or grey in your signature then do it but do not make every line a different color. The only thing a colorful signature shows about you is that you are loser who has nothing better to do with your time. Additionally don't have a tediously long email signature. Your signature should consist of - Your Name, Your Title, Your #, Email, Your Company Name and website. Don't add stupid additional facts, no one cares. Don't add quotes to the bottom of your email. It doesn't inspire anyone.

Ok that is all I have so far for Email Etiquette . Next time I'll add Social Media Etiquette. I leave you with this. Calling All College Students - TAKE DOWN YOUR STUPID DRINKING PICTURES.

CIAO