Email etiquette: how to respond to a rude email?

Assuming this person is someone that you want or need to continue a relationship with, you should probably carefully write a reply. You already said that you know you were wrong not to reply sooner, and while their rude response is not productive, you should acknowledge that you made the original mistake.

Try something like, "I am so sorry that I didn't respond earlier. I can see that you are upset with me, and rightfully so, but I hope you can understand and forgive me. As you can imagine, the past month has been incredibly busy for me, but that still doesn't excuse the fact that I didn't acknowledge your original message." Then respond to the original message, and close with something like, "Again, I apologize for my delay in responding to your message. I really appreciate your time and efforts. Best wishes for a happy and productive 2010," or something like that.

On the other hand, if this person means nothing to you, just forget about it. But if you care, you made the first mistake, so you can make the first apology.

The person didn't have to do all of that to you, that was rude. Email or call back and apologize telling them that you didn't think to let them know that you were busy and would respond when you had the time.

Don't say anything else after that, hopefully that will realize how stupid they were for going off on you. Hopefully they will apologize.

Whoa, you were wrong; wouldn't it be just a bit easier to apologize and drop it at that. Making excuses for not responding for a month is stupid. Their email to you is worse, but aren't you big enough to just ignore that and respond with an apologize and an answer to the original email. It is a female thing to try to make HIGH DRAMA out of something so minor and petty, but how about acting more human and just get over it.

If it's just some person from the internet, just ignore them. Do *not* reply, at all, ever.

But... if it's connected to work, or school, or something important, and you know this person in real life, then write back and say "I'm sorry I didn't write back earlier".

But like I said, if it's just some internet person... drop it and ignore them.

Well, why not leave your email for me so I can send you a rude email wink wink..Bahama.

Lets see reply saying your were going to reply to it as soon as you had time to think it over ,but now do to your rudeness now I will never reply to this or any other emails you may send in the further.

As you are good at ignoring Emails, ignore the latest one.