this email is still killing softly, every time I look at it, especially since I wasted valuable time and space by not complaining about it for the spam coefficient (Yes, it was from a very high up administrator in the chain. No, I highly doubt he wrote it himself. He probably had his secretary write it for him from the notes he drafted. No, I doubt that he actually answers any of his own emails. Yes, I would take his advice about never sending emails when tired or frustrated, except that the entirity of my job tires and frustrates me, especially the part where I have to get dippy emails from ineffectual administrators):

Email Etiquette and Best Practices

Even though email is now a fairly mature medium, it is always good to step back and remind ourselves that there are measures one can take to keep email an effective and efficient means of communication.

This document addresses many of the most common issues and questions regarding email etiquette and what the user can do to ensure a more pleasant experience managing their mailbox.

Forwarding and Copying
It is good practice to always ask for permission before forwarding messages or attachments if the author does not have the expectation that their message will be distributed. If you are unsure, it is polite and proper to ask the author beforehand. This general rule also applies to Carbon Copying (CC:) and Blind Carbon Copy (BCC:).

Replying
Don't reply to Mailing Lists unless you have information that is at least as crucial or useful as the initial email. This is especially important in large Mailing Lists that are reserved for critical notices or announcements and not intended to be used for discussion. (An example of this would be the General Library's "liball" Mailing List.)

Attachments
Many modern systems, including ours, strip common attachments from incoming email. Don't expect that people will always receive your attachments. If you need to send an attachment, ask first about what restrictions might be in place. Library staff are encouraged to use the Shared Directories (S: Drive) to exchange files.

Message Format
If you want your message to be readable to the largest number of users, avoid using HTML formatting in your email. Remember that many people turn off the ability to display HTML in order to protect their personal computer from malicious code. Many users (including those in the Library) still use text-only email applications such as Pine that cannot display HTML.

Tone and Context
Many misunderstandings stem from attempts to inject humor, sarcasm, or other witticisms into a text message. Remember that people often use visual or physical cues to perceive tone in a communication, and thus it is problematic to convey tone in a text message. One should also avoid mixing casual and professional content in a single email message. Please keep in mind that users sometimes accidentally forward emails to the wrong mailbox, so it is good practice to avoid sending casual messages that may be perceived by others as distasteful or offensive.

Message Content
Don't over use acronyms or popular abbreviations. Though it may be appropriate to use communication shortcuts with Instant Messengers or in Chat Rooms, acronyms such as IMO (in my opinion) or INO (in other words) can sometimes frustrate people or slow down their ability to comprehend your email.

One should avoid sending any confidential or sensitive information via email, for such communications may end up in the wrong mailbox or be forwarded to others.

Please remember that laws governing copyright, defamation, discrimination and related offenses apply to email communication.

Be Assiduous, Proofread!
Although many people treat email as an informal method of communication, it should be regarded with some seriousness. Much like a published document, such as a newspaper, once an email is sent, it cannot be edited or undelivered. Always be sure to check for spelling errors or grammatical errors. Be sure that you have the correct address and that you proofread
your message. It is always good practice to never send email hastily or when one is emotional or exhausted.

Best Practice for Email You Receive
Always delete email with attachments from senders you do not recognize. Do not open these attachments first. It is most likely the result of a virus or a spammer. Never click open web links in messages from unknown sources. Never run an executable file (e.g., .exe, .bat) from an email. No legitimate organization will expect you to run an application from an email attachment.

Never forward chain letters, even if they appear to be for a good cause. They are often hoaxes and sometimes contain viruses.