From Miyo on the DB
Alright I think most arguments here start with people unaware of proper NETIQUETTE. Before I start anything, to the lazy bastards out there who can't be bothered to at least do some research, NETIQUETTE stands for NET ETIQUETTE.
If you want respect you should know how to use "technology effectively to communicate with others with knowledge, understanding and courtesy" before starting a conversation. Otherwise, expect a hoard of individuals smashing your arse.
I have listed some common and known netiquettes a net user should know. These are just basics and there are alot more so if anyone wants to add just keep posting
1. Do not type in all CAPS.
Typing in all caps is considered yelling, screaming or at the very least adding emphasis to the word you type. Various studies on the topic reflect that it is more difficult and takes longer to read text that is typed in all caps.
2. Make a reasonable effort to search a Web site for the information you are looking for - “Frequently Asked Questions” or “About Us” sections may give you the answers you seek before you waste other people's time by posting for information that is readily available on the site.
3. Understand that you will be on a continual learning curve.
All of us are. This gig is changing constantly. The only consistency is change! If you do not have the desire to learn and do not make the effort to understand the “culture” of the technology in which you are participating, you will not be taken seriously by your fellow Netizens.
4. If you receive a nasty message - do not respond immediately - if at all. People are very bold and overly critical on the other side of this screen. They tend to not hesitate to point out the things they think you need improvement on while not even noticing the good or positive points on the very same issue. If you do not have something nice or constructive to say, or at the very least sternly professional - just hit delete or ignore it.
5. Refrain from using multiple !!!!! or ?????.
Multiple exclamation points and question marks risk giving the perception that you are sarcastic and condescending. As a courtesy to your fellow Netizens, communicate clearly and properly without errors. Use the education you received in grade school (Now don't give us an excuse that you are not even in HS - plus you shouldn't even be here if you haven't completed grade school LOL) . Do you understand??????
6. Do Not Spam!
Never, ever, ever, never post anything in a topic if the recipient did not specifically ask you for that information and you are responding to their request. Don't send any unsolicited comment to any post when no one is asking for it.
7. You are what you write.
How you communicate will be an indication as to who you are and the kind of person you are. Learn to write with clarity and take folks at their word - not what you "think" they mean. Posting messages with extremely foul, threatening or abusive language is crude. This includes obscenities, verbal harassment, threats of slander or personal comments that would prove offensive based on race, religion, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, we see this type of behavior all too often.
No matter how rude someone may be to you, or how offended you may be by another’s opinion, don’t lower yourself to their level by stooping to obscenities, threats or claims of self-importance. Always state your opinion clearly and concisely, without personalizing an issue or resorting to name-calling.
8. If you have mistakenly offended or have misinterpreted what another person wrote, please do not hesitate to apologize. That being said, "apologies" which are only offered to create an opportunity to continue a tirade from a previous postl are viewed as self-righteous.
Apologies should only be offered with sincerity. Certainly, this does not mean you need to apologize to everyone who has a different or overly critical opinion than you do. We are all individuals and for the most part we all do our best to do the right thing.
9. There are one too many people who will take the time to point out negatives without mentioning any of the positives or to offer suggestions; all they have to offer is criticism. If you don't have any better suggestion to offer you might as well just STFU.
10. Due to the lack of vocal and nonverbal clues with net, we often forget that eye contact, tone of voice and body language which we take for granted when communicating in person, is not available in the written word without ongoing efforts to work at your writing skills. Use emoticons and acronyms when necessary to convey your message. If you are joking, include a smiley face :-), if you are sad or upset you can use :-(. If you need to type an extra line or two to make sure your intent is clear–please do!! If you are unsure of someone’s intent or meaning, ask them before making assumptions and accusations that you may regret.
11. Keep in mind when in newsgroups or message boards that you are in a global arena. There are charters and rules you need to make yourself aware of - before you post. To post, without making this effort could induce responses from seasoned Netizens pointing you to posts such as this or believe it or not - much worse.
12. Don’t Fall for Flamers, Jerks or "Trolls"
"Trolling" is the practice of sending or posting obviously offensive comments, brutally untruthful statements or words and phrases that we all know to be those that would instigate a fight if stated in the local tavern.
When you see posts or receive email that is offensive or rude, you can bet that someone is trying to "get your goat" and is basically a jerk. Some Knucklehead with too much time and too little of a life will post to a thread something very inflammatory. They know some people will not recognize they are "trolling" and will not be able to ignore their post and flames back with venom and vigor. The instigating troller then sits back and watches the thread (conversation) continue knowing they did it just to get everyone’s reaction… And it worked!
In these situations you need to not become involved. Pass up any urge to communicate with those that do not have the same level of maturity and ethical behavior as you do.
13. Share your online information with those you know to be new to the online arena.
Send them to this site or others like it, teach them what you have learned, possibly the hard way, so they will not make the same mistakes as you did. Be open and willing to keep on learning and improving your skills. Don’t let your ego or pride stop you from understanding the importance of the issues relayed in this site, by letting your unwillingness to be wrong get in the way and blur your common sense with anger or feeling as though you have been insulted.
Have fun guys!
Source:
http://www.netmanners.com
Tue Jan 13, 2009 2:19 am
