Disregarding this simple task could cause problems for a sender. In the online world, sending a mass e-mail using the "To" field instead of the "Bcc" field is an action made without regard to a recipient, therefore it is seen as a breach of privacy and a huge no-no.
* Be sure to type something in the Subject field. Think of something other than Hi or Hello as many Spam filters might send your message straight to the junk or trash.
* Don't type your e-mails in all capital letters. This is regarded as yelling in the online world. It is hard to read things written in all CAPS and those who do it are considered lazy or inconsiderate.
* As hard as it may seem, please try to refrain from sending your friends, relatives and co-workers the many chain letters that circulate the Net. Keep in mind that some folks have e-mail accounts that have space limits. If folks pile them up with this type of junk mail, they might run out of space and not be able to receive that one legitimate e-mail they've been dying to receive.
* Be careful of e-mail attachments. Nasty viruses, worms and other computer meanies attach on unsuspecting senders' e-mails and could potentially harm your computer. If you are a sender, state within your e-mail if and what you are attaching. If you are a receiver, don't open an attachment unless you know it is coming, especially if it's from a stranger. In the case of the latter, don't open it, send it straight to the trash.
* While we're on the subject of attachments, keep in mind that not everyone uses the same programs. Make sure that the recipient has something to view the format of the attachment you are sending then. Otherwise, they won't be able to view it. If you are sending a text file, send it as plain as possible, without fancy type or backgrounds and borders. If you must send it all dolled up, send your final product in Portable Document Format or PDF, which can be opened with Adobe's Acrobat Reader. This way all of your handy work can be seen in its original glory and it would be more likely to be able to be viewed by your recipient. Note: Acrobat Reader is a free download.
I hope these little tips lead you to a more pleasant e-mailing experience for both you and your recipients. The online community can be tough at times so consider yourselves warned. Happy e-mailing!
E-mail me at sheila@ amnews.com; fax me at (859) 236-9566; or write me snail-mail at The Advocate-Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Danville, KY 40423-0149.
