As in everything, there are rules when you surf. You may not be able to see the person you’re talking to but remember they’re there! If you’re uncomfortable with any info you encounter or receive, make a hard copy, print it out and show it to someone.
- Mind your manners don’t make yourself look like an idiot.
- Be polite They’re real not a cyberspace borg with no feelings.
- DON’T TYPE ALL IN CAPITALS It sounds like you’re shouting! RIGHT?
- Watch your words they can’t see your face, and the emotions in words can get misinterpreted as you being cocky, mouthy etc. Use emoticons to show you’re not Jk?
- Kick the bad language people are listening. Your e-mail account can be terminated!
- Laws are laws what’s real in the real world is the same in cyberspace.
- Be simple send text simply, no bold, italic, underlines etc. The simpler the better. Not everyone has the same system as you. They may just get a load of muddled codes that are really annoying!
- Briefs Don’t be repetitive, so edit out the stuff you really don’t need to send, don’t be a waffler.
- Flame wars don’t send rude or offensive e-mails or postings. If you get flamed, don’t do it back, let someone in authority know, it’s abuse, remember laws are laws.
- Who are you? Tell people who you are, it’s rude not to. If you choose an online name, then great, use that one.
- Looks count what you write shows what you’re like. Rubbish grammar and spelling doesn’t look good, and the same rules apply when typing and writing. If you are not sure about spelling etc, write your message in an application with a spellchecker and cut and paste it.
- Newbie tolerance you’re an expert in cyberspace, don’t forget there are newbies trying to learn as much as you had to.