How to Send Email Without Being Annoying

Email is something most of us use almost everyday, but there are some guidelines for good manners when it comes to sending or receiving emails.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. First of all, just because someone sent you a joke that is mildly funny doesn't give you license to send it to your whole address book. If it's not absolutely hilarious, don't send it. The same holds true for emails that say "send this on" or that promise you rewards or favors for forwarding it. Use quackwatch to verify spoofs before you send them on. (Spoofs usually contain strong warnings).
2. Even if it is hilarious or really really interesting, stop and consider if it's appropriate to send it to others. If you have work addresses for your contacts, do not send it to anyone's place of employment if there is even a hint of inappropriateness. Many people have strict rules about what they can send and receive, so don't get them in trouble by sending something in inappropriate.
3. For your corporate contacts, ask them first if they mind jokes, chain emails, and gag emails being sent to them. Here is a big clue, if they don't send you those types of emails, they probably don't want you to send them either.
4. If you are going to ignore the above advice and send out emails to your whole address book, please put the contacts in the BCC line, which means "blind copy". This way all of your contacts privacy is protected.
5. The only types of chain emails I don't mind being sent are the coupons and promotions for stores and restaurants that I patronize. If you receive a great coupon or sale notification that you know your friend or co-worker would appreciate, send it! But be sure it would be useful to them.
6. When receiving an email, the polite thing to do if it's a personal note it to acknowledge it, even if it's just a quick return email to say "thanks!". It's just rude to receive a friendly email from friend or co-worker and just ignore it.
7. Use a subject line that clearly lets the recipient know what the email is regarding.
8. Do not forward emails, especially if they are of a personal or private nature. This could come back and bite you if you forward something that your recipient hits "reply all" to.
9. Following some basic rules of etiquette will make your contacts much happier with you!