Internet Etiquette

On-line Etiquette

For those new to the online community, or for those that what a refresher course on etiquette be it in a forum or blog-this is for you.

When people come online-or even when some people have been online for a while they assume that since they are sitting behind a computer screen they can say anything. People theorize, that since they can't see you, they can't contact you. Wrong thinking. Because....

They do have ways of contacting you, or finding out who you are if they so wish. With that being said, I will attempt to cover some of the online areas where your conduct is usually observed and recorded, not for a day but for years to come.

Before I get into specifics, I want you to know that if you are making comments on a forum or blog, you will have readers and lurkers. These silent readers may direct others to the post. If the post you left is not respectful, it can slowly erode your reputation.

General Net Etiquette

1. If you make derogatory comments or accusations – they will be felt by that person and it will be closely looked at by those that are actively participating and those silent readers. If you do make derogatory comments or accusations – please verify, verify, verify, verify – this is libel.

2. Ethical conduct-think how you would speak to that person if you were standing in front of them and not behind a computer.

3. If you're new to a forum or blog it is always wise to lurk (lurking is looking around and reading without commenting) first. Why? It gives you the opportunity to get comfortable with the online community, and learn their rules.

4. Advertising-many do not allow advertising. So if you think you can sneak in some cheap advertising as your only comment-think again. Most people will call you out on it-and if webmasters or blogmasters are monitoring the sites-which most do-your comment is gone. It can also get you banned.

5. Even though you are behind a computer-your words identify who you are too them. Enough said.

6. Offense language is out-will get you a warning and if it continues, you will be banned.

Email Etiquette

When conducting business online, one of the methods of communication is through the email. Thus, you should know some of the email etiquette basics just to keep you out of trouble.

1. Do not use capital letters in an email. They signifies to the reader that you are shouting at him or her. And...all caps are hard to read. How can you get your point across if you are angry? Try doing the following...Highlight your main point between stars or quotes. You can also use an underline on each side of the highlighted point (To me, this is a little confusing).

2. Eliminate the emotions, unless you're talking to a friend.

3.Choose your words wisely, so they are not misinterpreted.

Blog Etiquette

1. No relevant comments. (You make a comment that is not relevant to the post discussion.)
2. No self promotion. However, you can make a comment that is relevant to the blog discussion and leave a signature-but I would advise taking the time to get the feel of the blog before doing so. For example: Do not put "visit my blog". I've had that on my blog, and I have deleted it. Self promotion will get you nowhere and may make webmaster/blogmasters a little angry. As a matter of fact, as I write this, I find myself already grumbling. Get my point.
4. Hateful commenting - You may think it is necessary, but in most cases it's usually deleted. Yes, you can disagree, but make a solid argument without offensive language or put downs.
5. Linking Rules - Sometimes, blogs have difficulty getting the complete link into the blog. To help them out, you can go with a tiny url, with a complete description of what they are clinking on. Without a description, people will be less likely to venture into the unknown (possible connect to Trojan).
6. Permanent Records - Get in the mindset that words you write on the internet are a permanent record.
7. No Caps Please - When you type in caps you are in essence YELLING. If your intent is to yell-then use caps. But if it is not-do not use caps. Just as a side note- a paragraph of caps is really hard to read. (Same as in an email, or on a forum).
8. No articles in comments - Do not place your article in the comments of a blog with your website or blog url. You don't think people will not try this? Think again. If you want your article to be seen on a blog, send the article to the blogmaster or web master and ask if they would like to use your article in one of their up and coming posts. This does two things, shows your professionalism and eliminates the webmaster or blog master from deleting your article in the comments.

Blog Owner Etiquette

1. If you make a mention about a post from another site, site it with a link.
2. Always identify your images. Give credit, where credit is due.
3. Do not link from another site for images, this is stealing bandwidth.
4. Use of someone else's content, permission from that person should be granted before using and once permission is granted the author should be recognized. (Include the author’s name with a link back to their site).
5. To build trust-make sure your content is as accurate as possible.
6. Courtesy Links - If you quote directly from another blog-you should link to the site's article. It not only makes your content useful to others but also a courtesy to the written work the other blogger or webmaster went into developing the article.

Facebook Etiquette

Business
Businesses are beginning to see the relevance of Facebook and selling. Facebook has the ability to reach a target market with little or no cost. But there are some do's and don'ts for businesses that you should be aware of before hitting your Facebook page.

Don't spam your fans with constant updates. It's a quick way to lose your fan base.

Respond to serious questions about your product or service. This helps to promote the sense of reach-ability by your company.

If you create a Facebook page, do not forget about it. Why? Fans lose interest and will remove them from your list

Internet Etiquette and Your Online Reputation

In the past, when the Internet was still foundering to find it's place in the world, your conduct was largely ignored. People could say what they wanted and pretty much get away with it.

However, times have changed and the world and people, have collided head-on with the Internet. Thus, what you say on Twitter, Facebook, the forums you frequent, and even on your blogs or websites can affect your reputation, not only in the eyes of the world but with the search engines.

Thus, if you have any presence online, know that you should guard your reputation.

Investing in your online reputation can at the very least, help you to build respect with your readers and the search engines. And, with any online business, respect and trust are key elements in being successful online.