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Question: What is netiquette? |
Answer: How you act while on the net or network etiquette. |
Netiquette is a
set of rules (mainly unwritten) to follow while your on-line. These rules
have sort of evolved and exist to make the internet a better place. While
these are not carved in stone - you may become unwelcomed if you deviate
too far from them. Some places on the net have different variations of
what is considered acceptable.
Remember that no matter where you are (online or in real life) you
are the only one that is accountable for your actions.
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You should never do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life.
Being online does not hide your identity or turn you into anything less
that you are.
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Remember your audience. These are real people that you are communicating
with. If you wouldn't say something to their face - you should not say
it over the internet. If you are sending a message to a listserv remember
that there could be lots of people that you have never meet reading your
comments.
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Respect your audience. Good discussion should always be welcomed but don't
waste other peoples time with idle nonsense.
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If you respond to a listserv and mean to send a private message to one
person - you have wasted a lot of peoples time and possibly shared information
that was not intended to be viewed by anyone else.
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Before you participate in a newsgroup discussion - read the FAQ (frequently
asked questions).
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Don't use all caps. Using all caps equates to yelling. DON'T DO IT!
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NEVER send unsolicited junk mail. Don't forward junk-mail. Don't forward
chain letters. Don't forward the letter from Bill Gates saying that the
first 1,000 people to forward this letter will get money. It is not real.
If it says "FORWARD" this to everyone you know - DON'T.
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Avoid getting into stupid arguments over stupid stuff. It really doesn't
matter if it tastes great or is less filling. It's a waste of bandwidth
and internet resources to argue something that has two equally valid arguments.
It's an opinion. Say it (if you must) but don't argue about it.
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Always identify yourself. Don't hide your identity on newsgroups, e-mail
or chats - or should I say don't hide behind thinking that you are hiding
your identity.
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Don't try to gain access to places or resources that you don't have the
proper permission.
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Be forgiving - everyone was new at this stuff at one time. Don't argue.
If you think something happened that needs further attention - talk to
your system administrator.
Question: Why care about net etiquette?
Answer: Some people will only know you from how you portray
yourself over the internet.
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