RDUonline -- Netiquette

Question: What is netiquette?

Answer: How you act while on the net, 'network etiquette'.

Netiquette is a set of rules (mainly unwritten) to follow while you're on-line. These rules have sort of evolved and exist to make the Internet a better place. While these are not carved in stone, you may become unwelcomed if you deviate too far from them. Some places on the net have different variations of what is considered acceptable.

Remember that no matter where you are (online or in real life) you are the only one that is accountable for your actions.

You should never do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life. Being online does not hide your identity.
Remember your audience. These are real people with whom you are communicating. If you wouldn't say something to their face - you should not say it over the Internet. If you are sending a message to a listserv*, remember that there could be a lot of people that you have never met reading your comments. [* A listserve is an email-based discussion list where one may post a message and it is rebroadcast to all other members of that listserve community.]
Respect your audience. Good discussion should always be welcomed but don't waste other peoples' time with idle nonsense unless that is part of the purpose of that list.
If you respond to a listserv and meant to send a private message to one person - you have possibly shared information that was not intended to be viewed by anyone else and may have wasted others' time. Apologize to the list and remember not to repeat the mistake.
Before you participate in a newsgroup discussion - read the FAQ (frequently asked questions).
Before you post a new comment, or reply to someone else's comment, think. While free speech is cherished by most sensible folks, does what you have to say need to be said? Politics, sex and religion (not necessarily in that order) are the three easiest ways to devolve a conversation. They are perfectly fine topics, in the right place and at the right time with a reasonable tone. As are all other topics. However, consider your writing -- words are like rocks, once thrown, they can't be taken back.
English is the native language for most folks reading this. It's a fine language with a wide variety of words capable of wonderful nuance. Choose them well; consider grammar and spelling to be a reflection of you. Take the time to type (or use your computer) carefully enough to state what you mean clearly. Typos happen, but misspellings in particular take away from your message.
Don't use all caps. Using all caps equates to yelling. DON'T DO IT!
NEVER send unsolicited junk mail. Don't forward junk-mail. Don't forward chain letters. Don't forward the letter from Bill Gates saying that the first 1,000 people to forward this letter will get money. It is not real. If it says "FORWARD this to everyone you know" - that's the first indication NOT to do so. Forwarded email to everyone in your address book is one of the primary ways that spammers eventually harvest your address. Also, some folks feel it is necessary to spread urban legends and similar silliness as if it is fact. http://snopes.com/ is one of many resources to 'fact check' stories and rumors.
Avoid getting into petty arguments over silly stuff. It really doesn't matter if it tastes great or is less filling. It's a waste of bandwidth and Internet resources to argue something that has two equally valid points. It's an opinion. Say it (if you must) but don't argue about it.
Always identify yourself. Don't hide your identity on newsgroups, e-mail or chats - or should we say don't hide behind thinking that you are hiding your identity.
Don't try to gain access to places or resources to which you don't have the proper permission. There are federal and state laws that protect public computer networks from unauthorized intrusion. Accessing places you shouldn't go may land you in civil or criminal courts.
Be forgiving - everyone was new at this stuff at one time. If you think something happened on a list that needs further attention - talk to your system administrator or list moderator first and ask them to handle it.

Question: Why care about net etiquette?

Answer: