Netiquette
Attachments on email lists
Attachments are generally discouraged from email lists for the following reasons: Attachments are generally discouraged from email lists for the following reasons:
Most attachments are Microsoft Word files:- Microsoft Word files can harbour macro viruses of which you are unaware (this includes Mac users, who are immune from the effects of the virus and are therefore potentially even more likely to send an infected file than PC users, who might have noticed the effects of the virus.) If you wish to send a formatted document, then RTF is to be recommended (see File...Save as...). This may not, however, preserve all graphics and formatting.
- The universality of Microsoft Word files is a myth: different platforms and different versions will produce different results and not everyone uses Word. If you wish to circulate a flyer or similar, then I recommend PDF.
Attachments are generally far larger than email messages
and are therefore a problem for modem users or those with unreliable internet connections. For instance, a signature image or banner can easily turn a 4k email into a 1 MB file (i.e. a multiple of 250). They are therefore a problem for modem users or those with unreliable internet connections. For instance, a signature image or banner can easily turn a 4k email into a 1 MB file (i.e. a multiple of 250).