MINDING YOUR MANNERS ONLIINE

Although there is no set of written rules governing behavior on the internet, the wise user participates in an honor system. On the Internet, appropriate behavior is called Netiquette, a combination of Internet etiquette. Netiquette is crucial for keeping the internet a civil because the internet is not policed or run by a single person or a group. Basic rules of netiquette are, Behave as though you are communicating in person. When communicating with someone online, act as if you are talking to that person face to face. Remember that your words are open to interpretation. If you post jokes, sarcasm, or other attempts at humor, does not be surprised if someone is offended. Word your postings clearly and carefully, and use appropriate language. Do not “Shout” online. Typing in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS is like shouting and is considered rude.Do not send spam. Spam is the online equivalent of junk mail- uninvited messages, usually of a commercial nature. Most ISP’s have strict spam policies. Do not “Flame” other users. In Net-speak, a flame is a posting that contains insults or other derogatory content. Do not be a coward. As a general rule, you should never conceal your identity on the internet. If you choose to use a screen name, do not hide behind it to misbehave. Even though you cannot be seen on the internet, you can still be identified. If an ISP collects enough complaints about an account holder, it can cancel that person’s account. Even though the poster had used an alias, to hide his identity, federal agents were able to track him down and arrest him.