ENA Emergency Nurses Association - ENA Listservs

LISTSERV / EMAIL ETIQUETTE

Here are some things to remember when participating in an ENA listserv:

INCLUDE A SUBJECT LINE FOR EACH POSTING

This helps the viewer identify message content.

EDIT THE ORIGINAL MESSAGE IN YOUR REPLIES.

When generating a reply, delete the original message, or re-send a few summarizing lines of the original message so the reader will know immediately what matter you are addressing. The user who receives dozens of messages a day can easily forget what he wrote a couple days before. However, do not re-send the entire original message as this makes the listserv very long and confusing to read.

DON'T USE ALL CAPITOL LETTERS

In the world of email, this is considered shouting and therefore rude. Since facial expression and tone of voice are missing from electronic communication.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU SAY

The written word lacks the tone given when spoken, so what you may be intending to be funny may in fact be insulting. Did you really say what you intended to? Once a message is sent, it can�t be retrieved. Read your message before sending.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Keep in mind that your messages are being seen by all the members of the listserv and are also monitored for appropriate content. So - no sending of jokes, tales of the kids or telling how Fluffy ate your favorite pair of shoes. The listserv is public space. Personal messages should be sent to that person only.

TURN ON SPELL CHECK

No one wants to decipher the hieroglyphics of someone's misspelled message. Most email systems now come with this option, so be sure to use it.

REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION

ENA offers a wonderful section on its Web site called the "Document Sharing Area" - a members� only feature where forms, policies and other documents are submitted to the webmaster at ENA to be posted. When offering a document to another list member, indicate you are sending it to the ENA webmaster for posting in the Document Sharing Area. This can cut down on traffic and eliminate all the "me toos" that incur when someone indicates they want a copy.

ATTACHMENTS

These are NOT allowed on any ENA Listserv.

DON'T BE SHY

At the end of your posted message, include your name and email address. This allows someone to contact you one-on-one for specific questions or information.

LONG SIGNATURES ARE DISCOURAGED

They may be seem humorous the first time, but get old quickly and take up valuable "message space".

PLEASE PARTICIPATE!

Use your listservs as the powerful resource they are meant to be. Your ideas are important. Just because you think everyone knows something doesn�t mean they do. And, in return - you be sure to jump right in! Here is your chance to help a colleague and get a lively discussion going.