Many people feel harassed or highly uncomfortable when they receive email messages from strangers. Do not send mass electronic mailings or forward computer chain letters. Sending mail to a large mailing list or forwarding chain letters wastes computer and human resources. If you don't know the person you're sending a message to, or are not sure that they would be interested in the information you're sending, then you shouldn't be sending it. Although we have consciously not made an exact definition of a mass mailing in terms of the number of recipients or the nature of the message, you should use this guideline in determining whether a mailing is appropriate.
Tone is difficult to discern in electronic communication.
Add smiley faces when you are joking or teasing to be sure your mail will not be misinterpreted. Using all uppercase letters makes it appear as if you are shouting, so try to avoid it. Always sign your name to your electronic communication. Your own username should always appear in your electronic messages or postings. You should never send mail that appears to be from another user, even as a joke.