Net(t)ikette

A word about the “net(t)ical chain”, about good manners when exchanging information by e-mail:

Even with electronic mail, you should express yourself well and behave fairly. Since you represent your Authority or institution to the outside world with your e-mails, you should pay attention not only to the content, but also to the appropriate form of address and presentation.

Here are a few rules for the proper “net(t)ical chain,” the polite and correct exchange of information via email:

Correct

• Never forget that there is a human being on the other side.
• Set a meaningful subject line (“Subject”). This also makes it easier to find an email that has already been filed.
• Before sending the e-mail, read it from the other person’s perspective.
• If in doubt, pick up the phone to discuss a problem.
• Check that certain people do not need to be written to.

Wrong

• When in doubt, refrain from emotional or humorous innuendos. These can lead to misunderstandings.
• Refrain from fun attachments or pictures.