Internet Etiquette
Here are some rules for professionals. These are fairly subjective, but are based upon what I have witnessed during my career as an Internet Professional. These should be considered for all professional communication, be it email, creating your website or instant messaging. (Ideally, you won’t be IM’ing clients or vendors.)
Rule 1 — Internet + Professional = KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Keep that in mind at all times.
Rule 2 — Be consistent. If you choose a color, font and/or style, keep it throughout the email or website.
Rule 3 — Email signatures should:
- Have no more than 7 lines.
- Be concise.
- Contain no images except your company logo. (Logo should be tasteful and proportionate to signature size)
Rule 4 — Fonts should be Sans Serif and should be no larger then is needed for the average person to read comfortably. Suggested: Verdana, Helvetica, MS Sans Serif, all 10-12pt.
Rule 5 — Do not EVER use Comic Sans. It isn’t funny or cute.
Rule 6 — TYPING IN ALL CAPS. Don’t.
Rule 7 — Emoticons (smileys and the like) are not professional.
Rule 8 — Adhere to normal writing standards.
Rule 8.1 — Use correct punctuation, grammar and spelling.
Rule 8.2 — Don’t use multiple exclamation points.
Rule 9 — If you forward an email that was forwarded to you, be advised that the contents of the email should be considered your opinion, or at least endorsed by you.
Edits and Updates:
11/26/07 1:05 PM
- Clarified scope in intro.
- Added Rule 6.
11/26/07 3:56 PM
- Added rules 7, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 9
