On 2/12/2002, Jenny Robinson supplied these tips for people replying to the Science Matters list (or indeed, any similar one)
- Write a meaningful subject in the subject line to highlight the main point of your message.
- Include some of the original message - but not all - in a reply, to jog the original sender's memory about the subject matter.
- Don't type in UPPER CASE as this is considered to be shouting.
- Keep the message as short as possible, breaking it into paragraphs, to make it easier to read.
- Check spelling and grammar.
- Do not send out messages in anger. These are called flames and are easy to send but usually regretted later.
- Do not write anything personal in e-mail that may be read by hundreds of people.
- Put a signature at the bottom of the message - but keep it short.
- To express an emotion you can use an emoticon smiley face. Some commonly recognised ones are:
:-) for a funny comment
:-( for disappointment
;-) for a wink, comment is not serious
- Be polite, as in conversation - say please if asking for something, and briefly thank those who have answered a request you made.
- Reply promptly to personal e-mail messages.
