2. What is Netiquette? Rules 1 – 7 and why they are important Where can I go to learn more? Overview
3. “Netiquette” is an abbreviation for “Internet etiquette” Simply stated, Netiquette is the do’s and don’ts of online communication What is Netiquette?
4. Using all uppercase characters is considered shouting Use proper sentence case (i.e. the standard capitalization of an English sentence) Rule #1: Do not use ALL CAPS
5. Use descriptive and specific subject lines Include your class and section number Focus on one subject per message If you veer off onto another topic, update the subject line Include a signature block at the end of your message Rule #2: Complete the Subject Line
6. Ensure that your messages are professional Are well-written and free of typographical and grammatical errors convey the correct tone Rule #3: Ensure that your messages are professional and well-written
7. Be aware of the policies related to the computers and communication systems you are using You more than likely have signed a computer and/or network usage agreement (“Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)”) at your school or place of employment Computers and communication systems made available to you in the academic or business setting are for “business purposes only” You should not assume you have personal privacy rights regarding your electronic communications in these settings Rule #3 – Guideline #1Do not send personal messages
8. Stay on topic Convey your message effectively and efficiently Rule #3 – Guideline #2Be concise and clear
9. Trendy abbreviations or “Netspeak” are cryptic and only serve to confuse the recipient Some conventions to show emotion (e.g. emoticons) are considered acceptable Rule #3 – Guideline #3Don’t use “Netspeak” Examples of emoticons: :-) happy face :) happy face – no nose :-( sad face :( sad face – no nose ;-) wink Examples of “Netspeak”: TTFN ta-ta for now PLZ please BTW by the way IMHO in my humble opinion LOL laughing out loud
10. Carefully proofread your messages to check them for mistakes Use the “spell check” tool Rule #3 – Guideline #4Make sure your messages are error-free
11. Heated messages are called flames If you are angry, stressed, or frustrated, you should wait to compose your message so that you do not get into a “flame war” Rule #3 – Guideline #5Don’t respond when you are angry or frustrated
12. Don’t say things in an electronic communication that you would not say in a face-to-face situation When you have to resolve a conflict or provide feedback, face-to-face communication may be a better choice Rule #3 – Guideline #6Don’t say it if you wouldn’t say it face-to-face
13. Be careful when using sarcasm and humor – it is often misinterpreted Rule #3 – Guideline #7Avoid sarcasm and humor
14. Ask yourself if a message warrants a response If a response is necessary, most times it is good enough to reply to the person who generated the original message Reply-to-all only if absolutelynecessary Rule #4: Avoid replying to a message unless it is purposeful
15. SPAM is considered an abuse of electronic messaging systems SPAM includes chain e-mails, urban legends, charity requests, e-mails about lost children, advertising, etc. Rule #5: Do not send SPAM Ensure the messages you send or post do not fall into the category of SPAM - check their validity at Web sites like http://www.snopes.com/http://www.truthorfiction.com//http://www.breakthechain.org/
16. Be frugal with bandwidth Know that some people still use slower modems, dial-up connections, and/or older computers Tell your recipients if you have included file attachments Rule #6: Avoid sending large files and attachments
17. Share what you know but do check your facts Know when formality is necessary and appropriate Address your professors and fellow students in the appropriate manner Rule #7: Know your audience and your content
18. References Adams, T., & Scollard, S. (2005). Internet Effectively: A Beginner's Guide to the World Wide Web. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc. Netiquette. (n.d.). Retrieved July 6, 2009, from Northern Virginia Community College - Extended Learning Institute: http://eli.nvcc.edu/orientation/netiquette.htm Netiquette Home Page. (n.d.). Retrieved July 6, 2009, from Netiquette Home Page - A Service of Albion.com: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/ Spam - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved July 6, 2009, from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SPAM Taylor, T. (2007). 100% Information Literacy Success. Clifton Park: Thomson Delmar Learning.
