Contents
Updates on The Saferoom Project
Newsworthy: Netiquette
In the Rooms...
Therapy Landscape: Psychodrama
What Our Members Are Doing
Call For Submissions: ...Writers... Poets... Artists
Acknowledgements
About The Saferoom Project eNewsletter

The term 'Netiquette' comprises the code of conduct used throughout the Internet. While not a wholly legally binding system, it is a general protocol that is enforced in most chat and mailing list forums, as well as interpersonal email. In addition, most Internet Providers have their own version of Netiquette, usually referred to as "Acceptable Use Policy", which is legally binding, in that if Acceptable Use is breeched, you can lose your account. Some states actually have legal proceedings in place now, with punitive measures for violations of Accepable Use. Being familiar with Netiquette can vastly improve your communication and interaction online. The rules of Netiquette included in this summary have been culled from various public sources on the Internet. To learn more about Netiquette, consult any search engine on the web, and you will find a wealth of information.

In regards to basic communication, every land has its own language and culture. The Internet, cyberspace, has both of these, plus a new psychological demeanor or behavior. "It' s a good thing", too, because the Internet itself consists of computers and a few million humming, blinking, electrical boxes that would be to cold, ugly and boring for humans to tolerate. Thus, to keep communication from becoming impersonal, as the Internet reduces our messages to mere text, and to inject some character (no pun) into our online meanderings and keep a semblance of order, Netiquette was created.

Lurk Before You Leap.

Whenever you join a new group on the Internet-- a newsgroup, mailing list, chat forum--take time to lurk before engaging in discussion. Read the forum for a few days without responding so that you can get an idea of how things work in this particular group.

Read the FAQ.

The FAQ, or Frequently Asked Questions, typically contains answers to general questions about the group for which it is written. In some forums you are emailed one immediately upon joining. If you don't receive the FAQ, politely inquire about its location.

Quote Properly.

When responding to another person on the Internet, be sure to quote any relevant information so that the reader knows exactly to what you are responding. Include only as much information as necessary. The general rule of thumb is that the amount of information you enter should be larger than the amount that you quoted.

Respect Others and Their Opinions.

Perhaps the best thing about the Internet is meeting people from all walks of life. With meeting new people comes differing opinions. Respect everyone's right to their own opinions, even if you disagree.

Remember That The Internet is Almost Worldwide.

Don't assume that people you meet are from your country and know the things you speak of. Be ready and willing to explain...

Don't Spam.

The term Spam is used to refer to two things: sending an email (usually of a commercial nature) to a large number of addresses, and crossposting a message to a large number of newsgroups, especially when it is not on-topic (Those of you who actually know the origin of this term, feel free to write c_b and communally *snicker*).

Respect other's time and bandwidth.

Some people pay for their Internet access by minute, and some by the amount of space that their transactions use. For the sake of everyone, keep your interactions brief, and to the point. It saves us all in the long run.

Don't Yell at People.

Putting a word in all capital letters is viewed as yelling on the Internet. Typing an entire message in caps is perceived as rude, and is not advisable.

What is it? Well, according to ASGPP (American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama) Home Page and other sources on the net.....it is a form of therapy that uses role play to help you deal with past experiences, usually of a traumatic nature....It also allows you to try on and practice new, and more appropriate behavior in dealing with those situations. Psychodrama is done in a safe environment, controlled by your therapist. It works by role playing different aspects and approaches of a negative experience, so that you have the chance to say things that you have always wanted to, change your response to the situation, or just get it out of your system. The healing benefits of this method are immense.

Psychodrama works using these basic elements:

The protagonist: The person representing the problem you are trying to deal with

The auxiliary egos: Groups members who assume the roles of significant others in the drama

The audience: The group members who witness the drama

The stage: The physical space in which the drama is done

The director: The trained therapist who guides everyone through each part of the drama

There are usually three phases of a psychodrama session:

The warm-up: The theme is identified and a protagonist is selected

The action: The problem is dramatized and the protagonist explores new methods of resolving it

The sharing: The group is invited to talk about how the drama made them feel and react

My personal experience with this technique was positive. I had a great therapist that the Air Force hooked me up with that used this and other methods during therapy. I feel that it is one of the things that made me heal quicker. The members of the group each took turns being the protagonist. After the drama was played out, we each explained how we felt, and what we learned from the experience. It was great, because I learned and realized that I could now handle the situation.

Another form of role play that he used was to allow us to talk to an empty chair sitting in front of us. I used this as an opportunity to confront my abuser. My therapist also had the group write a letter to the person we wanted confront. We each took a turn sitting across from the empty chair to read the letter to the person we wanted to confront. It was very powerful and helped me to let go the anger I felt towards my abuser!

Take a look at different types of therapy to see if they might help you. I feel that this type of therapy helped me in many ways...so check it out and see if it can help you.

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