Remember the human. When you communicate electronically, all you see is a computer screen so you don't have the opportunity to use facial expressions and gestures. Do not be offensive online because any message you send could be saved or forwarded by its recipients. You have no control over where it goes.
Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life. You should be ethical. If you encounter an ethical dilemma in cyberspace, consult the code you follow in real life. And breaking the laws is bad Netiquette. If you're tempted to do something that's illegal in cyberspace, chances are it's also a bad Netiquette. Some laws are obscure or complicated enough like the laws on privacy and copyright that it's hard to know how to follow them.
Know where you are in cyberspace. Because Netiquette is different in different places, it's important to know where you are. Thus, lurk before you leap. When you enter a domain of cyberspace that's new to you, take a look around. Know what others who are already there act. Afterwards, go ahead and participate.
Respect other people's time and bandwidth. You are not the center of cyberspace. Don't expect instant responses to all your questions and don't assume that all readers will agree with or care about your arguments. If you want to send a message like a quote or a joke, ask yourself whether they really have to know. If no, don't waste their time. If maybe, think twice before sending.
Make yourself look good online. Take advantage of your anonymity. Networks let you meet people and none of them see you. You won't be judged by your physical appearance. However, you will be judged by the quality of your writing. If an older adult, you don't have to take a "bonehead grammar" course. Instead look for courses on proofreading and copy-editing. Know what you're talking about and make sense. Make sure your notes are clear and logical. It's better to keep it simple. Finally, be pleasant and polite. Don't use offensive words that can hurt someone.
Share expert knowledge. Don't be afraid to share what you know. It's polite to share results of your questions with others.
Help keep flame wars under control. Tact is not its objective. Netiquette does not forbid flaming. It only forbid the perpetuation of flame wars.
Respect other people's privacy. A lot of people nowadays would read the e-mails of other people. Failing to respect other people's privacy is not just bad Netiquette. It could also cost you your job.
Don't abuse your power. Some people in cyberspace are wizards in MUDs, experts in every office and system administrators in every system. Knowing this does not give you the right to take advantage of others.
Be forgiving of other people's mistakes. Whether it's a spelling or grammar error, a stupid question--be kind about it. Having good manners doesn't give you license to correct everyone else.
These are the rules that I follow to be considered as a responsible Netizen.
Know where you are in cyberspace. Because Netiquette is different in different places, it's important to know where you are. Thus, lurk before you leap. When you enter a domain of cyberspace that's new to you, take a look around. Know what others who are already there act. Afterwards, go ahead and participate.Respect other people's time and bandwidth. You are not the center of cyberspace. Don't expect instant responses to all your questions and don't assume that all readers will agree with or care about your arguments. If you want to send a message like a quote or a joke, ask yourself whether they really have to know. If no, don't waste their time. If maybe, think twice before sending.
Make yourself look good online. Take advantage of your anonymity. Networks let you meet people and none of them see you. You won't be judged by your physical appearance. However, you will be judged by the quality of your writing. If an older adult, you don't have to take a "bonehead grammar" course. Instead look for courses on proofreading and copy-editing. Know what you're talking about and make sense. Make sure your notes are clear and logical. It's better to keep it simple. Finally, be pleasant and polite. Don't use offensive words that can hurt someone.
Share expert knowledge. Don't be afraid to share what you know. It's polite to share results of your questions with others.
Help keep flame wars under control. Tact is not its objective. Netiquette does not forbid flaming. It only forbid the perpetuation of flame wars.
Respect other people's privacy. A lot of people nowadays would read the e-mails of other people. Failing to respect other people's privacy is not just bad Netiquette. It could also cost you your job.
Don't abuse your power. Some people in cyberspace are wizards in MUDs, experts in every office and system administrators in every system. Knowing this does not give you the right to take advantage of others.
Be forgiving of other people's mistakes. Whether it's a spelling or grammar error, a stupid question--be kind about it. Having good manners doesn't give you license to correct everyone else.
These are the rules that I follow to be considered as a responsible Netizen.
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