Email Etiquette

Thoughts on Writing Emails:

 

These days, emails seem to be too long and hard to write for most people.  We are a texting world, everything quick and short and fast.  But as much of your communication to me will be through email (though do not write to ask me what the homework is, as you will have an email buddy), I would appreciate you following some of the conventions below.

 

Here is an example of an email that doesn�t go over well with me, especially when the student�s email address is :

 

where can I get a syllabus

 

What doesn�t work?  Well, for one, RD92�s name doesn�t appear on the email.  I have no idea who he (or she) is�even if I did see his name, I likely have no idea (yet) what class he is in. I might not remember his name for three weeks, much less know what section.  Or what college, either, as I teach online for a university. So, I think, reading this, who the heck is this Righteous Dude?

 

A little more info would be handy.  Say something like:  �My name is Joe Student, and I�m in your English 122 section 5090, MW at 11.  I�ve lost my syllabus.  Where can I get another one? Thanks so much, Joe.�

 

Then there is the issue of address, meaning, how you address me.  Would you walk up to me and just start talking? Don�t we, in polite society wait for a pause, say something like, �Excuse me, but could you tell me where I can get another syllabus?�

 

Of course, I would likely say, �You can get one on my web site.�  I know I would. But in any case, in person, I see your face, you move into a conversation, I respond, we say goodbye.  �Goodbye,� we say.

 

In the above email, not only does the writer not say hello, Righteous Dude doesn�t say goodbye either. How rude, we�d say if we were in person.

 

Hi Professor Barksdale�

 

I�m in your MW 122 at 11.  I�ve lost my syllabus. Where can I get another?

 

Thanks.

 

Joe

 

How refreshing to read!

 

And in the first email, he does something else that�s annoying.  No caps, no punctuation. Worse would be an email all in text-speak: Can u tell me where I can get a syllabus asapJ

 

Let me do myself in now.

 

So write to me as if you were speaking with me in person.  Say hello, be specific and clear and concise, and sign off formally.

 

If I end up sending you information or an attachment of some kind, be kind enough to let me know you received it.