Flaming and thrashing: an examination of tone in electronic mail

Most e-mail users have experienced some sort of computerized verbal abuse, ranging from less-than-gentle-reminders to full-blown obscenities. This paper explores tone and language usage in electronic mail. Specifically, it focuses on definitions and characteristics, situations which spawn flaming and thrashing, and ways that hostile tone can affect working relationships. Flaming can be particularly destructive in the educational arena, where relationships tend to be close and intense. In addition, for instructors who use e-mail in the classroom, this paper includes suggestions for maintaining a civil tone and avoiding abusive outbursts.