Email Etiquette
In order to effeciently communicate on the Internet it is critical to understand the unwritten rules of e mail communication. Please make use of these tips as a guideline to online email communication.

1.) Unless you are using encryption, Internet E-mail is not secure.
2.) Do not use all capitals in e mail exchanges, it is considered SHOUTING and is considered rude.
3.) Keep in mind that the Internet is international, words and humor might be perceived differently by different cultures.
4.) When replying to messages be aware of "cc:" field. Recipients listed in the "cc:" field will receive a copy of the post. (The "bcc:" field sends messages blind, meaning recipients dont understand that someone else has received a copy of the email or been carbon copied)
5.) Use emoticons :-) or to indicate expression.
6.) When forwarding e mail be sure not to create a loop in the system. In addition, be sure not to setup auto-responders to reply to every e mail, or endless loops will be created.
7.) There can be costs associated with Internet connectivity and downloading emails. Do not send attachments that take a long measure to download, without the recipients consent.
8.) Include in the "subject" line a heading that relates to the communication body.
9.) Use 4-6 lines for your signature line, this is an opportunity to highlight your business or business information, but dont be ostentatious..

Mailing Lists & Newsgroup Etiquette
In order to participate in news groups, you must have an experience of newsgroup etiquette.

1.) Be familiar with lists/newsgroups prior to affixing , read posting.
2.) Keep in mind that newsgroups and mailing lists are frequently archived and that posts will be preserved.
3.) If you are replying to a message be sure to include the writing of the original communication which you are replying to. Use ">" indicators if your mail script does not do this for you.
4.) Dont get involved in flame wars (or material which is personal and unproductive).
5.) Keep in mind that the Internet is international, words and humor may be perceived differently by different cultures.
6.) Use 4-6 lines for your signature line, this is an opportunity to highlight your business or company knowledge, but do not be ostentatious..
7.) When responding to a post, keep the subject line the same, so that it will appear in the same thread.
8.) Cross placing to multiple lists is almost always prohibited. Read affixing guidelines.
9.) Expect delays in moderated forums, each posting must be approved.
10.) Anonymous posts are unaccepted in many newsgroups.
11.) Be aware that some all the people utilize aliases when placing to Usenet groups to avoid SPAM (unsolicited email). Also keep in mind that anything goes on unmoderated Usenet.
12.) Most lists do not allow for binary attachments.

Resources -
Library of Emoticons - http://www.time-messaging-software.com/instant-messaging-emoticons.htm
Library of Email Acronyms - http://www.e-mail-software.org/e-mail-acronyms.htm
Email Client Software - http://www.messaging-software.net/e mail-client-software.htm