ASK Q

USE THE SAME RULES THAT ARE USED FOR THE THINGS THEY REPLACE –

Q:  DO YOU AGREE – are there new rules for email?

Emails can be used for formal things, but email doesn’t lend itself to reflection, as does the written /printed word.

Concern that informality is leading to sloppiness.

Confidentiality can break down.

Never want to write anything stupid.

Email as informal communication:  just write away.  Some heavy email users I know don’t even bother to think about spelling or grammar.  I just can’t type.

Formal email:  suggest that you write in WORD, spell check, and even print (as you would a letter), so that you review what you have written. 

Is this old fashioned?