Indeed, the informal nature of most cyberspace communication may lead you to try the same approach. Many users reading your email or bulletin board posting may not want to spend precious minutes deciphering your free-form statements. In cyberspace, short, concise messages work best. Just like in the real world, a little of that goes a really long way. Unfortunately, some people let their signatures get so large and unwieldy they make reading the message a greater hardship than it needs to be.
Most experts agree, anything over four lines long is probably too long.
Similarly, when responding to someone else s posting, you should include enough of their original message in your reply that anyone reading it can understand your point. Quoting too much of the previous message is also a common mistake, and one that never fails to set a veteran cybersurfer s teeth on edge. At its best, online communication combines the immediacy of telephone-style contact with the possibility for thought and reflection that comes with letter writing. So feel free to take advantage and carefully craft your messages. It s too easy to dash off a heated or inconsiderate posting you may regret later.