Netiquette (Network Etiquette)

E-mail and Listservs are guided by informal "rules" and responsibilities. Netiquette (which stands for "Network Etiquette") provides users with some simple responsibilities to make their stay more enjoyable.

Read your mail regularly or arrange to use the NOMAIL or DIGESTS options. Mail sent to overfull mailboxes usually get bounced to the current network manager.

Personal notes are best directed to specific individuals rather than distributed to the entire network. However, most members do realize that mistakes do happen.

Subject line information helps identify the topic your are addressing or asking for information about. Single subject lines and brevity helps members choose which notes are more likely to be of interest when network mail is heavy. It also aids in archival placement and retrieval.

At the end of your message, make sure that you leave your complete return address (may also be created as a signature file), which includes your name, title, e-mail address, snail-mail (work and/or home) address, and phone/fax number (including the area code).

Respect and consideration for professional colleagues are trademarks of the ACADV Network. If you disagree, be kind and considerate. Avaoid SHOUTING (using all CAPITAL LETTERS in you message). If you feel the need to vent anger (flaming) to another network member, please respond privately!

Learn the basics of using e-mail at your institution!