Netiquette

Etiquette in the Digital World

Definition

• Netiquette is the digital version of etiquette, or the do’s and don’ts of online communication.

Netiquette by Virginia Shea

• The 10 core rules of netiquette were examined and explained by Virginia Shea in her book, “Netiquette.” The rules are…

The 10 Core Rules

• Rule 1: Remember the Human• Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior

online that you follow in real life• Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace• Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth• Rule 5: Make yourself look good online• Rule 6: Share expert knowledge• Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control• Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy• Rule 9: Don't abuse your power• Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

Rule 1: Remember the Human

• Follow the rule that your parents taught you again and again: Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life

• Be ethical and remember that there are still laws in cyberspace.

Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace

• Different rules and behaviors are expected in different domains. Take a moment to look around and explore before putting your thoughts out there.

Rule 4: Respect other peoples time and bandwidth

• Remember that everyone may not have the bandwidth speed that you have. Be sure to not post items multiple times.

• Understand that you are not the center of attention in all forums. Not everyone may have the same ideas and opinions as you. Be considerate.

Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

• Grammar and language are viewed and judged. Be sure you proofread what you put out there.

• Know what you’re talking about and make sure it makes sense.

Rule 6: Share Expert Knowledge

• People post questions online to receive answers. If you are knowledgeable on a subject, share your information.

• If you have a question, research it thoroughly

Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

• “Flaming” is when people express their opinions strongly and with emotion, despite others feelings on a topic.

• Be careful how involved you get into a flame war. They may be fun at first, but they get old fast.

Rule 8: Respect other people’s privacy

• The rule says exactly what it means: respect other’s privacy the way you would want to have yours respected.

Rule 9: Don’t abuse your power

• Just because you know more, have more skills, or have more power does not give you the right to take advantage of them.

Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes

• At some point in time, all of us were new to the digital world. Be polite and if you feel you need to point out a mistake, let them know in a nice way.