The first email was sent in 1971 and although the medium has evolved, it seems the etiquette of users hasn't kept up with the technology.
Computer engineer Ray Tomlinson says that historic inaugural message was simply a test one to himself, which probably read QWERTYUIOP.
At least it wasn't rude.
I'm not talking about spam email aimed at the phallically insecure male, or messages from "Syrian businessmen" promising to temporarily offload millions of dosh into a stranger's bank account, which are an insult to the recipients' intelligence.
I'm talking about people who think that because emails travel very fast they can bash them out just as quickly, with scant regard for content or tone.
How about people who don't proofread? My name might look female but I certainly don't. Yet I've received numerous emails from people I've met beginning with "Dear Mrs Moselle". Immediately pinging another email with the right greeting doesn't cut it if it doesn't come with an apology. Not a grovel, just a, "Sorry, I hit send too soon."