Netiquette
by oak_leef and copper_beech, 2000The 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.
- Learn common Internet Acronyms.
- The INternet has an interesting shorthand, or set of acronyms, that you will find in most any mailing list, chat, newsgroup... To learn some of the more common ones, read Buckethead's article on Internet Acronyms.
- 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.