BEFORE YOU HIT SEND Make sure e-mail works for you instead of against you.

E-MAIL ETIQUETTE E-mail Do's and Don'ts
E-mail is now used more than any other type of communication. Whatever you write could come back to haunt you. Even deleted messages can be retrieved. Therefore, blunders become permanent. Here are some tips from Kathleen D. Pagana, PhD, RN, of Momentum Leadership in Williamsport, Pa., to make e-mail work for you instead of against you.

• Don't send confidential information. This information is one "forward" away from someone who may use it inappropriately.
• Make the subject line specific. This helps the reader prioritize, file and retrieve messages.
• Include a greeting and a close. This is polite and takes a second.
• Use short paragraphs.
• Don't use all capital letters (considered shouting) or all lowercase letters (makes you look lazy).
• Use your grammar tool and spell check. Proofread before sending.
• Maintain a business tone.
• Check recipients before sending.
• Avoid overuse of "reply all." This annoys people and fills in-boxes.
• Check your e-mail regularly.
• Confirm your receipt of e-mails containing important information.
• Remember to include attachments, if indicated.
• Use a signature block.
• Don't forward chain letters or anything else you would not want to receive.