While this list of "pointers" is not comprehensive, it will provide you with a starting point for e-mail etiquette. Please keep in mind that it is best to err on the side of being too formal and professional than not professional enough. Also, while e-mail provides a great means of communication and laughter, it is not to replace human contact completely.
• Do not send anything you would not be comfortable seeing in tomorrow's headlines. E-mail is more like a postcard than a sealed envelope with a letter in it.
• Treat e-mail like any other business communication; watch your spelling and grammar so that your communication skills come through.
• Read what you write before you send it.
• Be succinct, yet tactful.
• Break up the text by using short lines and paragraphs; this makes it easier to read.
• Be sure to fill in the "subject" line with concise and informative language; this allows the recipient to file, prioritize, and retrieve easily. It is considered rude to leave the subject line blank.
• Writing in all UPPERCASE or BOLD letter is considered SHOUTING at the recipient.
• Copyright laws apply to electronic mail as well as printed media.
• Use lists and indentations to make your points stand out.
• Do not forward or edit an e-mail without the original sender's consent.
• When replying to a message sent to multiple addresses, only respond to the sender, unless all recipients need to hear from you.
• Try to respond promptly to e-mail messages, even if it is to let the sender know that you have received the e-mail and you will reply in full later.
• Refrain from adding too many attachments as it is bulky for the recipient, and they may lack the software necessary to view the attachments.
• Do not send chain e-mails (e-mails that ask you to forward information to many other people).
• Remember that all laws that pertain to discrimination, defamation, and harassment (verbal, emotional, and sexual) pertain to electronic communication as well.