Even nuclear arms can be disarmed in the nick of time, but once you say something to people. Its gone forever, to be remembered forever and recorded in posterity. As a networked person, you will get a lot of emails, whether personal, official or junk email. Most companies and web business get tons of email. Replying to email is very simple, but sometimes a reply to an email however innocent can land you in financial and legal soup. This could be very damaging for those involved. So Be Aware You would think that all emails are private. But in todays world of wired information, all messages become the property of public domain at any point of time; your private information can be hacked into despite various protection devices and software that you may install. There are innumerable ways in which the information that you provide can be used. It can be used in discussion forums, posted on bulletin boards, used in hate campaigns, advertising campaigns and many other information and media forums. You would never know, in how many ways that the information can be used. Remember there are a few basic rules that you should keep in mind, while writing and replying to emails 1. Your emails arent private and the information can be easily hacked into Many governments across the world dont consider emails to be private. In fact the law in many countries says that emails should be retained for a period of a few years. They can be recalled if the case were for various legal and financial matters. Anyhow, the information can be easily hacked into and the content posted on the Internet, from where it can go anywhere in the world. 2. Never write anything that, which you are willing to say in a court of law As we have already said, write and reply in such a manner, in which you can own up the same things in a court of law under oath. Specifically, its more difficult to hide things in todays wired environment. 3. Refrain from hate mail about people or companies, however true they might be As people are prone, they sometimes might say things, which are derogatory about certain people or companies. However, what you say may become a basis for a lawsuit or defamation case against you. The best tactic is to refrain from saying such things. Instead, one should always say, that one is not an expert to advise on such matters. 4. Making derogatory comments about another or a competing product is an absolute no-no Many companies would get emails, which ask questions such as Why is your product better as compared to Company X. Refrain from saying and writing that the product is bad blah.blah Just write things about your own product and the qualities that they have. Its the best and the safest way, just in case. 5. Dont reveal private information on the email about your own business Like the information about credit cards, which should be kept confidential, other aspects of your business should be kept under wraps and never be revealed to outsiders. This information can be easily utilized against you and can land you in trouble and financial mess. 6. Never pass on things, which are untrue, specifically gossip and rumour. Refrain from taking names when you are gossiping about people or events. Thats because the basis might be a rumour, and you never know, when the gossip can be interpreted in another way. This can hurt your image or even worse land you in trouble or being a social outcast. 7. Give advice that you are licensed for Those who are licensed to provide such information should give financial, legal and medical advice. In case you are not permitted by law or degree to do so, dont do it. Its better for others and better for you also. 8. Be cautious when praising other peoples products Like you refrain from saying negative things about other peoples product, the same should be applied for praising other peoples products. This is because you might be quoted on the same in the media. While being quoted, chances are that it might be used for the companys own testimonials, advertising and even their email. In this way, when you make a recommendation on the email, you give up control on the way that the message can be used. 9. Keep a strict control over your emotions Dont reply when in anger. When in haste and anger, one tends to say hurtful and derogatory things. This will come back to you and haunt you in many ways. Added to that, is the fact than it can easily land you into much financial and legal trouble that you have not bargained for. The information that you pass on in emails is not confidential, while you may write so in the emails. In todays wired world, its more difficult to hide information than it was earlier. Information can be defaced, broken up, interpreted in a myriad of ways that you might not have bargained for. Hence, refrain from saying derogatory and rude things and write what you think will not be interpreted in a wrong manner. |
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