Your Do's and Don'ts on the Internet (Netiquette)

A list by Tiero

from jamaicans.com

Tags

: internet computers netiquette

• Think before you act. Remember once it is out there you cannot get it back.
• Be sure to observe before participating when you first connect with the Internet. Find out the rules and be
• polite when asking questions.
• Before posting to a discussion group, bulleting board or chat room spend some time learning the atmosphere
• and style of the area before launching in. Some of these areas may have FAQ's (Frequently Asked
• Questions) and archives. Read these first so you won't be asking a question that has been asked and
• answered a thousand times before.
• Some service providers have rules against sending commercial-type messages. Find out your service
• providerÆs policies.
• Do not pass along warnings about Internet viruses or any other threat without first checking with the Virus
• Hoaxes and NetLore pageor Symantec Corporation Virus Hoaxes page. This is a common trap for Internet
• beginners. Try to be the smart one who knows how to end the hoax instead of perpetuating it.
• Don't email those silly animated programs (jokes etc) without permission of the recipient. Some of these
• programs are known to have damaging elements embedded in them and you would be responsible for
• distributing it.
• Use the same courtesy as you would extend to someone you were having a phone conversation with but
• realize that no one can hear your tone of voice. Use emotionsand Internet shorthandto express yourself.
• Do realize that other people may be joking. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between serious
• statements and satire or sarcasm. If you are offended by something ask yourself if the other person is being
• serious.
• DonÆt entice a flame and donÆt participate in flamefests. Flaming occurs when you send a message that
• provokes an angry, and often nasty, response. When others join in, a full-fledged flamefest ensues.
• Use the same rules regarding good grammar, punctuation and word choice as you would for any written
• communication.
• DonÆt type your message in all capital lettersùtheyÆre hard to read. This is known as SHOUTING and may
• provoke flaming. Also, all lower-case letters can be hard to read.
• Some e-mail systems occasionally become plagued with electronic versions of chain letters. DonÆt
• participate in them.
• Use the subject line to give recipients an idea of the messageÆs contents.
• Use the correct address.
• Keep quotations/excerpts to a minimum when responding to e-mail youÆve received.
• Check the validity of any message you receive that asks you to do something questionable.
• DonÆt use vulgar language or make racist or sexist comments.
• Give back. Don't just ask questions. Try to find ways to contribute.