Is it Bad Netiquette to Correct Others’ Email Etiquette?

Correcting others is a delicate process. You know the saying, “You attract more bees with honey”? When we correct others, doing so helpfully and constructively can make all the difference in how our corrections are perceived.

We have to be uber-sensitive so as not to make the other side feel bad or as if they are, in some way, less intelligent, less experienced, or unable to do things the right way. The truth is, they may not know the right way.

But what happens when you are polite and your corrections are ignored?

Sadly, we live in a culture that isn’t really open to corrections or constructive criticism. Instead, many online users think they can do whatever they want without thinking or caring about others. You know, the whole “Wild Wild West” analogy.

When you correct others, no matter how polite, kind, or gentle your corrections may be, some will get upset or ignore you. When that happens, don’t take it personally, as it says more about them than it does about you.

Willingness to Learn Online Skills

I wouldn’t give up. Heck, I’ve been running my email etiquette websites for decades now, because I know there are people online who want to learn. However, some are still resisting and claim I shouldn’t “tell them what to do”.

We are not telling them what to do. You can explain to your friends that, if anything, you are trying to help them make an effort to gain enough knowledge to understand the technology they are using so they have a more enjoyable and successful experience.

Ask them if they think it is important to use email with courtesy and consideration for those they communicate with. Their answer may allow you to segue into more detail.

You can gently and politely introduce those you communicate with to email etiquette by example. Also, be sure to make those corrections privately, not publicly. Then, when they see how you communicate and don’t do the things you mention, they can see your recommendations in action.

Email is About All Involved

Email is not about one person; it’s about at least two—the sender and the recipient. And, just like anything in life, there will be ramifications if you behave without thought for others.

Are there actually online users who don’t want to be viewed as knowledgeable and courteous? I don’t believe so. Regardless, if that’s how they think, the outcome will be less than positive due to their decision to ignore proper practices and to be discourteous.

So, I hope you don’t give up. Folks like you help others learn by making them aware of the information they may not have been exposed to yet. Especially when you lead by example—that’s how most folks learn.

Another approach is to send them a link to any of my posts to discuss the topics you believe they can improve on. Let them read and learn for themselves about the importance of all the issues we discuss here. (In other words, let me be the “bad guy.”)

Hopefully, with more exposure to information and the understanding that it’s a good thing, they’ll be more willing to make an effort to “use technology with knowledge, understanding, and courtesy.” Hope springs eternal.