Work to keep follow-up comments focused on the point of the original message. Trying to cover too many points in one communication can lead to a lack of clarity and leave the readers hopelessly lost. A good rule is one concept or idea per topic or follow-up. This is the World Wide Web on the Internet. Even though the forums have some privacy controls, we still never know just where our words will end up or how they will be taken there.
Words can hurt.
Avoid jokes, sarcasm, anecdotes, and other language that may cause unwarranted pain to others. A whisper is as good as a shout on the internet. If you find yourself reacting with intense emotion to something in an on-line message, wait to respond until you can do so constructively. Some messages may unknowingly be ambiguous or subject to multiple interpretations. Asking for clarification before reacting may prevent misunderstandings.