Avoiding Common E-mail Mistakes

(NewsUSA) - Technologies are supposed to make our lives easier, but sometimes they create complications. E-mailing the entire office a joke meant for a single friend, for example, takes only a second and can have long-lasting ramifications.

How do you avoid e-mail mistakes? SUCCESS Magazine, a publication that offers advice to American achievers, tells its readers to avoid the following e-mail mistakes:

- Don't e-mail when you're angry. Sometimes, you feel so frustrated you just want to type a long rant, then hit "send." But avoiding this temptation can save you a few headaches - it's easy to come off the wrong way when you're upset. Calm down before you type.

- Avoid sarcasm. Even professional writers struggle to convey sarcasm - jokes are better said in-person.

- Don't gossip. E-mails can last forever and be forwarded to anybody - even the objects of the latest office rumors. If you don't want gossip to come back to haunt you, don't put it in an e-mail.

- Don't break up with your significant other over e-mail. The end of a relationship should not create a paper trail (and no phones, either). Break-up in person.

- Don't write any e-mails you don't want your boss to see. Many employers watch office e-mails, so your boss can probably see what you write. Don't put anything in writing that you don't want other people to see.

- Don't ever e-mail pictures of yourself. They could end up anywhere.

- Watch what button you hit when you're sending e-mails. Make sure you're sending it to the right person. Don't hit "reply all" unless you want everyone in your office to read your e-mail.

- Make sure your attachments are actually attached before you send an e-mail. Also, double check to see that you're sending the right attachments.

- Regularly back up your e-mail program. Keep records of e-mails sent and received - they might prove your best defense in the case of a problem.

For more tips or to find out how you can subscribe to SUCCESS Magazine, visit www.successmagazine.com.