Our Netiquette and Code of Ethics

 

Tips for Proper Netiquette

Be Calm. Avoid using all caps in written messages. People will think you are shouting at them.

Be Cool. Never send a message when you are angry.

Be Kind. If something would be rude to say to someone's face, it would also be rude in cyberspace.

Be Honest. Do not copy or claim credit for someone else's work. Get permission to use copyrighted materials.

Be Clear. Make an effort to use proper grammar and spelling so others may understand your message.

What is Netiquette? The word Netiquette is a combined form of the words Internet and etiquette. Netiquette is a set of rules or guidelines for appropriate behavior while using the internet. Over time people have discovered that a general set of rules was necessary because of how easy it is to be misunderstood when interacting with others online. Basically, people didn't understand what kind of manners they should have when interacting on the Web and it caused a lot of problems.

Why is Netiquette important? It is important to treat others with respect no matter where you are - in "real" life or on the Web. Behavior on the Internet is a little different than in real life. When communicating on the internet, the audience often cannot see your body language or hear the tone of your voice. A sarcastic, joking comment that might be taken lightly in real life, could be taken as offensive or threatening on the Internet. Following the guidelines of proper Netiquette will help you send the right message, the right way.

What are the six practices of cyber safety?

1. Protect your personal information. It’s valuable! Never give out your name, email, home address, phone number or social security number.
2. Know who you are “talking to” online.
3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Update them all regularly.
4. Protect your passwords.
5. Back up important files.
6. Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online.

How can you show proper Netiquette? Showing respect to others on the Web can be very easy if you follow a few simple guidelines.

• Be calm. Avoid using all capital letters when chatting, emailing, or any other online form of text. Typing in all caps is viewed as shouting and can be offensive. Remember that you are communicating with real people who have feelings, not just empty cyberspace.
• Be cool. Never send a message when you are angry. Wait a day to see if you cool off a bit. You may regret sending a message in anger. If someone else sends you a message that sounds angry or rude, be forgiving. If you reply with an angry message you may just start a battle.
• Be kind. If you are tempted to gossip about someone, or even say unkind things to someone else online, keep in mind what could happen when that person sees what you have said. Put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel if someone said hurtful things to you or about you Online is still bullying.
• Be honest. Copying someone else's work and claiming it as your own is plagiarism, even on the Web. Give credit for work that you reference by citing it properly and get permission to use copyrighted materials.
• Be clear. Try to use proper grammar and spelling. Make it easier for your audience to clearly understand you message.