Sneak has been reading with a barely disguisable sneer a new guide by Microsoft and social etiquette specialist The Finishing Academy called the Business and Communications Etiquette Guide. As the name suggests it's intended to provide advice for business users on how to use the wide range of communications tools at their disposal in the most appropriate manner.

The guide sagely advises caution when using humour and sarcasm in communications and, amazingly, urges that emoticons are not appropriate in every situation. Aren't they? Oh dear, does this mean Sneak failed the etiquette test when he sacked his staff by text last week? Maybe he should also have left out the smiley face.

10 Jul 2007