Netiquette Basics For The Email cc: Field From Netiquette IQ

The Cc field

         Care must be given for ensuring that protection of privacy is absolutely provided for in this field, which is visible to all recipients. Those who are included here, as a rule, should be parties who have a direct interest in the subject. These people should not be addressed in the salutation or body of text, as their roles are passive, and are not expected to reply or take action unless explicitly asked to do so. If multiple responses are initiated, more addressees should not be added unless it is clear that the previous information is appropriate to those added. If this is not the case, the thread should be removed. Those who are included in the Cc field generally should not respond to the message without good reason.

            Many add bosses, supervisors, or persons of higher rank in a Cc. Most of the time, this is for good reason. However, to include such persons to override an opinion, seek to impress, or have motives outside the issue at hand should be seriously considered because of the risk of changing the tone, range, or spirit of the communication.

            Conversely, there are circumstances in email threads for dropping someone from a To, Cc, or Bcc field. Since threads can last for a number of messages, what began as a courtesy for some might become a nuisance to those receiving them. If there is diminishing or no further real significance for their involvement, Netiquette considerations should be given to determine if addressees should be dropped. Also, beginning a new mail thread might be the most useful way to disengage from longer threads.

            Besides maintaining appropriate form, content, and consideration, good Netiquette goes beyond these disciplines. Do not Cc groups if the email is to a supervisor or persons of authority. This can be interpreted in a very negative way and can prove to be a significant embarrassment.
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