INTERNET 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 give you a list in two areas: net etiquette and blogging etiquette, both of which many will venture into.

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. They may direct others to the post and can influence others-depending upon who they are.


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 computers-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.



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.



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.