I’ve spent several days attempting to keep my internal temperature down & I don’t mean I had a ‘fever’.  For that reason, I chose to share here a few tips on “electronic etiquette!”  You know, how to behave in an environment where we can’t see or touch each other & may have no clue about how the other communicates or what she means.

What prompted this was not an email in all CAPS or bold type which most of us know is a “no-no” in email.  No, what prompted it was a communication that came across as a “command” or “demand”!  At a time when my plate was already overloaded & stuff was ‘dripping’ from its sides.  Because I don’t know this person yet and because I don’t have any idea of how she communicates with others; I was not a ‘happy camper’!

I handled it well, I think!  But I seethed inside because I felt I was being commanded to do something as if I was an “underling” and not the “leader of the pack”.

Now, least you think I’m the resident expert on electronic etiquette - I’m definitely NOT!  I learned the hard way how not to correspond electronically!  My lack of discretion was used to tell me my services weren’t needed following the probation period (only time that happened, I might add & frankly - I didn’t care!).

A few pointers that I’m trying to always put into practice: a) always use spell check.  Even if we are an adequate speller, writing on the computer is almost like writing on a blackboard & I don’t know about you, but I never do as well at correct spelling on the blackboard;

b) use “caps”, “bold” and “underlining” sparingly for no other reason than to add emphasis.  All “caps” and “bold” is construed as “YELLING” in email and leaves a very nasty impression in the minds of our recipients.

c) when asking for something from another via electronic mail; do so with great decorum & considerable politeness.  If we’re time-pressed, it may not be the best time to send a quick; brief communication that can be misconstrued by the other party.  Use “please” and “thank you” sparingly as to not appear disingenuous; but enough to be honestly polite.

Continuing with “c)”, try not to use shortcut phrases to make your request.  If you’re busy, then assume the other is as well and give latitute for that when communicating.  For instance, had the email I received contained an “at your earliest convenience” phrase, I may have taken it differently!

d) try to use proper grammar if at all possible.  My strong suit in college was considerable command of English - all aspects including grammar.  Over the years, including 10+ in fund raising development where one may through out all the rules when writing appeal pieces; I’ve lost my ‘touch’ in that area.  I struggle in the blog with proper spelling & grammar because I haven’t figured out that piece of WP yet!

Trust me, if we use the thesarus, spell & grammar check that is built into our electronic systems; we will help our reader know exactly what we are saying. 

And when we add a wee-bit of pleasantry; politeness and phrases of “consideration” to our electronic communication - we will gain considerably!

e) always try to use a salutation (I’m guilty of not always doing that).  Sometimes I get mail that I know who it’s from, but the message is one that could be sent to anyone - rather than specifically to me.  It’s such a simple ‘courtesy’ that most folks appreciate.

Back to the communication that prompted this.  I’m quite certain the person who sent the email was not meaning any disrespect or disregard for another’s time-pressured days.  I also recognize that one of my “growing edges” is when someone communicates with me as if I’m of less importance or worse yet. . . “dumb & stupid!”

A genius I’m not; but “dumb & stupid” I’m not either!  I respect the more than adequate brain Papa gave me & the fine mind He has spent years developing - so don’t downgrade His work, I say!

With that in mind - part of our grasp of great electronic etiquette is what we learn practically from others!  And the rest is who we are at our “growing edges”.  Since we may not know each other’s “growing edges” because we’ve not ‘connected’ as yet - it’s wise to enter cautiously, displaying our most courteous, polite self to the other.

After all, that’s part of the bedrock on which great relationships are built!

Hope this was a wee-bit helpful and wishing each of you an awesome day with no electronic glitches to get in your way of considerable successes!

Linda, a fellow journeyer