TIP OF THE WEEK - January 25

Netiquette...

E-guide on social interaction and communicating electronically.

Communicating clearly on the Internet without creating misunderstandings is a challenge. One problem is that you haven't any facial expressions, body language, or environment to help you express yourself; another, that there is little "give and take" for developing what you mean to say or are discussing.

These guidelines hopefully will help you:

Be clear - Make sure the subject line (e-mail) or title (web page) reflects your content.

Use appropriate language - If you have a question on whether or not you are too emotional, don't send the message, save it, and review it "later", remember:  no one can guess your mood, see your facial expressions, etc. All they have are your words, and your words can express the opposite of what you feel.  Don't use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS--it's equal to shouting or screaming.

Be brief - If your message is short, people will be more likely to read it.

Make a good impression - Your words and content represent you; review/edit your words and images before sending.

Be selective on what information you put in an e-mail or on a web site. Information on the Internet is very public, and can seen by anyone in the world including criminals, future employers, and  governments.

Forward e-mail messages you receive only with permission of the sender.

Remember you are not anonymous - What you write in an e-mail and web site can be traced back to you.

Consider others -  If you are upset by what you read or see on the Internet, forgive bad spelling or stupidity; If you think it violates the law, forward it to the FBI or your state's Attorney General.

Obey copyright laws - Don't use others' images, content, etc. without permission Don't forward e-mail, or use web site content without permission. Visit the Library of Congress' Guide on "Copyright Basics ".

Cite others' work you use -  Refer to the Guide on “Citation”.

Use distribution lists appropriately and with permission.

Do not send SPAM - SPAM is posting or e-mailing unsolicited e-mail, often advertising messages, to a wide audience (another way of thinking of it is electronic junk mail).

Don't forward chain letters - If you receive one, notify your web master.

Don't respond to "flames" or personal attacks -  Contact your web master for action and referral.