- Keep paragraphs and messages short and to the point.
- Focus on one subject per message and always include a pertinent subject title for the message, that way the user can locate the message quickly.
- Don't use the academic networks for commercial or proprietary work.
- Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading. *Asterisks* surrounding a word also can be used to make a stronger point. Capitalizing whole words that are not titles is generally termed as SHOUTING!
- Limit line length and avoid control characters.
- Be professional and careful what you say about others. Email is easily forwarded.
- Cite all quotes, references and sources and respect copyright and license agreements.
- It is considered extremely rude to forward personal email to mailing lists or Usenet without the original author's permission.
- Be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Without face to face communications your joke may be viewed as criticism.
- Acronyms can be used to abbreviate when possible, however messages that are filled with acronyms can be confusing and annoying to the reader.