Netiquette is etiquette when you are online. Etiquette is another word for polite behavior. So Netiquette means how to be polite when you are online. The rules are the same if you're online or in-person. The thing to remember when you're online is - lots of people can read what you say. They read it immediately. People can share that information easily, so even if you fix or delete it, the damage may be permanent. Let's review the rules:
- Treat others the way you would like to be treated.
- Be nice. If you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything.
- Don't say something online that you wouldn't say to someone's face. Remember there is a person on the other end of your message.
- Don't embarrass anyone, get them in trouble, compromise their privacy, or stir up drama.
- Reread your post and ask yourself "Can something I wrote be misinterpreted?" Printed text doesn't convey emotions, intentions, tone or body language, so it is easily misunderstood. Avoid sarcasm. Using emoticons can help.
- Always remember to say"please" and "thank you" when soliciting help from your classmates.
- Respect the opinion of your classmates. If you feel the need to disagree, do so respectfully and acknowledge the valid points in your classmate's argument. If you reply to a question from a classmate, make sure your answer is accurate!
- Avoid typing in all capital letters. It can be interpreted as "YELLING".
- Don't use inappropriate or offensive language.
- If you're unhappy with something someone else wrote, consider talking to them in person about it. Could it be that they meant it a different way?
- Be forgiving. If your classmate makes a mistake, don't badger him or her for it. Just let it go.