Internet Etiquette Tips

Internet Etiquette - Flaming

A flame is an online shouting match, complete with insults and personality attacks. Flame wars are common problems on message boards, and participating in one can even get you banned from the board. The best way to avoid a flame war? Don't give the flamer the dignity of a reply.

Message Board Postings - Read the FAQ

Before you post a question on a subject-specific message board, check to see if the board includes a Frequently Asked Question list, or FAQ. Regulars on message boards usually don't mind sharing their knowledge, but people do get frustrated answering common questions over and over again. Checking the FAQ first can save everyone some time (and avoid nasty responses from impatient message board users).

Internet Etiquette - Online Grammar

People using message boards and chat groups have varying typing and literacy skills. Other net users may not be typing in their first language. Riding people about their spelling or grammar in informal online settings is generally considered rude. It's okay to politely ask for clarification if misspellings make the message unclear, though.

Online Manners - DON'T SHOUT

More internet etiquette tips: Whether you're sending emails, chatting online, or using an instant messenger, using ALLCAPS is referred to as "shouting." While it is permissible to occasionally use ALLCAPS to emphasize a point, people find entire sentences written in capitals hard to read. As a result "shouting" online is considered rude.

Internet Etiquette - Think Before You Write

Negative or nasty comments in emails or on message boards can get people extremely angry. Responding to such messages immediately often leads to saying things you may regret later. Instead, take some time to cool off, and consider your reply carefully. That way your response can be clearly thought out, and less likely to make matters worse.

Message Board Postings

Remember that whenever anything is written online, the reader only has words to work with; no facial expressions, no tone of voice, and no body language. It's easy for miscommunication to occur, so if you're unsure of someone's meaning, ask for clarification. For instance, if someone responds to a message board post by posting "I'm sure," are they agreeing with the post or just sarcastic?

Chat Smileys

Internet etiquette tips: Most people are aware that typing :-) indicates they are joking. There are many other smileys available to let people know how you're feeling. Moderate use of smileys can be used to express your emotions online. Try some of these:

:-( The user is sad
:-o The user is surprised (or sometimes shocked)
:-| The user is apathetic / indifferent
;-) The user is winking
:-p The user is sticking your tongue out (usually playful)
:-) The user is happy.
:-D The user is really happy
:-{ The user is wearing a moustache

Email Netiquette - Subject Headings

When sending an email, always enter a summery of the email contents in the Subject Heading. Sending an email without a subject heading can cause confusion, and is generally considered rude. Also, in today's age of spam and viruses, an email without a subject heading is rather suspicious, and likely to be deleted by the recipient without even being opened.

Humor and Internet Etiquette - LOL

Take care when using humor online. Not all people share the same sense of humor. Some readers may take your witty comment all too seriously. To reduce the risk of misunderstandings, Netzians often add smileys, :-) to emphasize when they aren't being serious.