Netiquette - Appropriate and Inappropriate Email Messages Messages need to be concise and to the point. Don't get caught-up in excessive punctuation. Emphasis needs to be reflected within your text. Don't pass along or send junk email; which is called Spam. Some of your friends may not appreciate being sent jokes, etc. Technically, spam is any unsolicited email. Misunderstandings are common when communicating with email. Be careful how you phrase your message. Don't send flame mail. This is an email that is very cutting, derogatory, and personally hurtful to another person. Understand that when you use uppercase words you are shouting. "Emoticons" are used in place of visual and auditory cues. The most popular one is the smiley face :-). A list follows with some others. Use these sparingly as these "smilies" are not universal and can be easily misinterpreted. This Means This :-) Smiley face ;-) Wink (light sarcasm) :-| Indifference :-> Devilish grin (heavy sarcasm) :-D Shock or surprise :-( Frown (anger or displeasure) :-/ Perplexed :-e Disappointment :-@ Scream :-O Yell