Keep Instant Messaging in Its Place

When we IM, we abbreviate and use lowercase. And that's fine for that venue. But watch out for these habits when you write an email. People expect a more formal tone when they receive an email, particularly when it is a professional note.

Also, it is good manners to write a salutation and closing. You can offend if you are too informal. Email today is a replacement for the letter on paper. So, respect the reader and give her the courtesy of a greet and meet.

Finally, in today's online world, it is necessary to have a tag at the end. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it needs to say your name and contact information. But your tag should not be your closing. Always, always, write your handle or name at the end of the message. Mine is LM, for example.

One more thing: All of the rules of grammar apply in an email. Make sure you know the difference between its and it's; make sure you understand the use of commas and colons.