E-Mail Issues

Privacy and Security

E-mail and old fashioned paper mail have similar liabilities. For example, the postmasters of both paper mail and e-mail are people who could read your mail but generally do not.

The Ethernet network has an additional security risk similar to the telephone. A determined hacker with specialized equipment attached to the network can tap (or "sniff") the line and see all or parts of messages. In any event, you need to be aware that there is a remote possibility that your mail might be seen by someone other than the person to whom it is addressed.

Also, it is possible to make a typo or use a nickname to send a note to a valid address but not the person you intended. This is probably the most common cause of e-mail faux pas. That is, you intended the note to go to Joe's nickname, "joe", but by mistake you typed "jan" and sent it. Depending on the content of the note and your relationship with Joe and Jan, this may or may not be a minor disaster. Be sure to take a moment to read the entire note, including the address(es), before you choose Send. Remember, once you send e-mail, you can't get it back.

E-Mail Etiquette

Electronic mail, like any other form of communication, can be misused or abused. The Etiquette of Electronic Mail offers some useful insights in addition to the following basic tips:

1. E-mail messages are easily and quickly replicated and forwarded to others. You will want to keep this in mind as you compose your notes and choose your words.
2. When communicating with people you do not know well, be especially careful. Sarcasm and attempts at humor can be easily misunderstood.
3. Capitalization can add EMPHASIS to a SINGLE WORD OR PHRASE in an e-mail message, but should not be used for longer segments. MANY E-MAIL USERS EQUATE CAPITALIZATION WITH SHOUTING, SO DON'T SHOUT!

Prepared by Virginia Tech Information Systems