`Netiquette` rules improve e-mail usage

With e-mail surpassing the telephone and the fax in usage, the need for Internet etiquette, or "Netiquette," has come to the forefront.

Anonymous e-mail messages, the ones with large attachments that require endless downloading time, and hard-to-decipher e-mail are spreading rapidly. Following are 10 Netiquette rules proposed by the portal site Yohoo Korea.

1. Make content concise. Unnecessary superficial words only add to the annoyance.

2. Use attachments only when necessary. Although it might be necessary in order to provide more information, for phone-modem users, the attachments could mean a long wait for downloading time. Also, there is a danger of computer virus infection through such attachments.

3. Always identify yourself. An anonymous e-mail only raises suspicion.

4. Choosing your wordings carefully. Avoid using words that are too abbreviated or limited in use, as they become obstacles to a clear message. Be especially careful when e-mailing to a foreigner.

5. Confirm the address. When the e-mail is sent hurriedly, it can lead to mistakes. Be careful and recheck the address before sending.

6. Timely answer is a must. Most business-related e-mail requests speedy responses. The response should be in the mail within 24 hours.

7. Humor-related e-mails should be withheld. Before sending, confirm with the receiver it would be OK to send a humorous e-mail.

8. Be considerate to beginners.

9. Avoid typing in all capitals. All capitals in phrases give the impression you are shouting.

10. Maintain your manners. It would be cowardly to say things that injure others as your own identity will remain secret.

esprit@donga.com