== Netiquette ==
Netiquette refers to the rules of conduct when participating in online communication.
The Internet is used for many different types of communication. The rules of netiquette differ slightly for different communication environments such as email, mailing lists and IRC (Internet Relay Chat).
Like offline communication, there are certain rules and responsibilities. There are 10 standard rules that apply (Shea, 1994) that take into consideration privacy and security, freedom of speech, honesty and consideration when interacting with others.
==== Rule 1: Remember the Human ====
Essentially; this rule states that online you must “do unto others as you’d have other do unto you�?. Remember that there is always a human at the other computer who has feelings and emotions.
==== Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life ====
Be ethical and behave in the same manner that you would offline. Anonymity on the Internet does not mean that breaking the law is acceptable or easy.
==== Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace ====
Specific netiquette rules vary from one site to the next. Make sure you understand the rules before participating in any online discussion. Always look for a FAQ section or “lurk�? before you join so that you can understand what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour.
==== Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth ====
Be respectful of other people’s computer capabilities and time constraints. Try not to send the same message multiple times or send large attachments.
==== Rule 5: Make yourself look good online ====
Online anonymity means that people can’t judge you by your appearance. They can however, judge you by your communication style; spelling and grammar are paramount. Also, always be polite and avoid confrontational or bad language.
==== Rule 6: Share expert knowledge ====
The Internet has become a tool for sharing knowledge. If you hold knowledge, share it and allow the world of knowledge to grow.
==== Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control ====
'Flaming' is expressing a 'strongly held opinion', often without much tact involved. “Flame Wars�? are a series of these comments that affect other users. Netiquette does not forbid flaming but it does discourage flame wars.
==== Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy ====
Don’t assume that everything online is public property. Going through other people’s private information can be costly.
==== Rule 9: Don't abuse your power ====
If you know a lot about computers and networks, do not abuse this power; use your knowledge to help others.
==== Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes ====
Forgive newbies for errors they make, remember at one point everyone was new at online communication. If you wish to point out an error, do so politely and via private email.
Netiquette also involves learning the correct terminology. The speed of online communication has seen the invention of online acronyms such as BRB (Be Right Back), LOL (Laugh Out Loud) and BTW (By The Way). Also, due to the difficulties associated in conveying emotions online, emoticons need to be used.
== Further Information ==
=== See also: ===
=== References ===
Learn the Net (2005) “Netiquette,�?retrieved October 8, 2005, from http://www.learnthenet.com/english/html/09netiqt.htm
Microsoft (2005) “Netiquette 101 for new netizens,�? retrieved October 8, 2005, from http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/netiquette.mspx
Shea, V. (1994) Netiquette, retrieved October, 9, 2005,
from http://www.albion.com/catNetiquette.html ISBN: 0-9637025-1-3
Wikipedia (2005) “Netiquette�? retrieved October 8, 2005, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netiquette
--Lisa Hitchcock 22:04, 26 Oct 2005 (EST)
