1. Follow the Golden Rule

Assume that your e-mail will be printed on the front page of the New York Times. If you would be embarrassed or concerned, don't send it.

2. Don't e-mail if you can telephone or meet in person

E-mail is not a replacement for personal conversation. Comments and suggestions can be said in a conversation that suddenly and surprisingly become misinterpreted, embarrassing or harmful in an e-mail.

3. Never ever send e-mail when you are angry or tired

Fatigue will cause you to lose patience and send something you will later regret. Never send an e-mail when tired or angry.

4. Never joke in e-mails

What you are sending may seem hysterical to you, but don't do it. You never really know the mood of the person receiving the email.

5. Take your time in writing e-mails

The more quickly you send out an e-mail, the more likely it will miss the mark. Communication is an art.

6. Don't gossip in e-mail

Don't use e-mail to gossip about friends or colleagues. More often than not, some "well-meaning friend" will thoughtlessly forward it to someone you would not have wanted to see it, or worse, to the person you are gossiping about.

7. Be gentle

The old adage "sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me" does not apply to e-mail. Keep a business tone

in your e-mails. Praise others publicly, but criticize privately and in-person.

8. Don't copy everyone

Keep your distribution groups small. Send e-mails on a need-to- know basis. Don't hit "reply to all" without thinking.

9. Edit e-mails yourself or ask a colleague to look over important e-mails

E-mail is a form of written communication. Writing has rules, they work, use them. Stick with proper grammar.

10. Don't assume that Spell Check will catch every error

Use Spell Check, but don't rely on it. Carefully read all emails before hitting the Send button.

The content of this article does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on in that way. Specific advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.