The post of 12/7/2012 discussed three types of email catagories. These were personal, introductive and emotive. This post will include three additional catagories; informative, commentary and appreciative. As usual, any questions or requests may be directed as comments. 

 

       4)     Informative - Emails of this ilk are sometimes personal but more often of a professional nature.  Again, an informative subject line and direct, to the point statement of objective, are critical to insure a message is read.  Replies should be encouraged and asked for.  If the message is in response to a question having been previously asked, it should be posited, “does this answer your question?”

        Many informative messages are solicitations for products, services, contributions or other items.  When these are legitimate in terms of requests, such as applications for newsletters, and will be of a repetitive nature, an option to unsubscribe is essential.  When a message is a solicitation or response to one, the reason for the communication should necessarily be provided.

 

 5)     Commentary - These emails are among those which require the maximum Netiquette.  Some of the primary reasons for this are that commentary emails might be of a political context or similarly any statement having potential for heated debate.

        A commentary message many also possess the quality of something similar to a review such as a service or product.  Certainly all are entitled to their subjective opinions but this should be done within the rules of Netiquette.  Remember “emails are like diamonds, they last forever.”   Points of view can be expressed with proper language and decorum with equal or more comprehensive effect. 

6)     Appreciative - Messages which offer appreciation are usually very welcome and some of the easiest to write.  Nonetheless, there are emails of appreciation which are challenging and demand Netiquette compliance.  Among these categories are subjects related to concession, personally unpopular decisions or somewhat disappointing results.  If a message of congratulation is given after a loss, it should be one with facts and brevity.  Negative tone or innuendo defeat the purpose and spirit of concessionary messages and forever might be remembered as sour grapes.

Note: The next post will discuss more email categories. Stay tuned. It is scheduled for 12/9/2012.