GOOD NETIQUETTE

Netiquette is a new word that simply means “good etiquette in cyberspace” or while in any kind of online medium.

Essentially, it refers to “Using technology effectively to communicate with others both personally and professionally with knowledge, understanding and courtesy.”

A key point to remember is that the Internet is a culture unto itself, and all cultures have rules, norms, and mores that may take time to learn.

The internet is now a medium of communication for most people nowadays.

Everything from business transactions, buying and selling, socializing or simply blogging your thoughts are conducted over the internet.
Net etiquette is a fusion of the internet and good manners in cyberspace.
Though nothing is really concrete in cyberspace it is important to bear in mind that the internet involves millions of people.
It is like a world in a gadget, but the people you are dealing with on the other end are real and not mere avatars.
Our generation now lives in the internet; there are formalities and guidelines to follow to render professionalism, courtesy, and order making the internet more useful and effective as possible.

The very basic rule in Netiquette is thinking before posting. Try to treat others as you would like to be treated, to put it in basic terms.

Bear in mind that everything has consequences anything you do will affect you. Not observing proper Netiquette may mean losing your internet account.

Behind the typed-in characters is a real person. This person may be new to the Internet and not aware of his or her blunders. A polite note of welcome is a good way to introduce them to the milieu.
Would you say it in person? This is a good way to gauge whether what you’ve said is polite and reasonable.

If the person to whom you’re directing your written words was standing in front of you, face to face, what would you say? Think about this before you write something and hit the send button.

Be ethical and lawful. The written word on the Internet has a way of staying around forever, and there is no telling where it might end up.

Be cautious about what you say and where you send it. If you didn’t mean to send something to everyone in the course, then don’t choose “select all” when selecting recipients of email.

Don’t use offensive and inflammatory language. Always do your best to be polite, courteous, and sensitive to your fellows.

If you are offended by someone, take a moment to discussion it on private email. It could well have been an unintentional mistake. Don’t be afraid to apologize, either, if you have given offense.

Your style of communication is extremely important. Remember, people cannot see the expression on your face and the tone of your voice.

You can use emoticons, if you like, to show your feelings, or you can always put in a parenthetical note of some kind to show (I am smiling when I say this). Your words are taken at face value, so be choosy what you say.

ALL CAPS RUNNING ON AND ON IS THE INTERNET EQUIVALENT OF SHOUTING AT SOMEONE.

It is rude; please don’t do it. An occasional word in caps IS okay if you want emphasis.

Don’t be too terse. It can seem like you are angry or upset, when maybe you aren’t.
Refrain from replies to postings that are gratuitous, such as “Me, too!” If you cannot say something more substantive, don’t bother.
Always use a salutation, such as “Hi” or something similar.
Close your written words with some sort of signature, such as “Thanks” or “I look forward to reading everyone else’s comments” or whatever is appropriate.
Refrain from using too many !!!!!!!! or ??????????, as it can seem sarcastic or condescending.
Do your best to make sure all your communication (e-mail, discussion posts, and so on) use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
If you are quoting someone’s email or discussion post, edit out any unrelated information. Just include the pieces needed to show reference back to the topic.
Students, give respect and due courtesy to your instructors. They are professionals and subject matter experts. Instructors, show consideration for your students; they are the reason we are here.