INTRODUCTION

NETIQUETTE

What is Netiquette? Simply stated, it's network etiquette -- that is, the etiquette of cyberspace. And "etiquette" means "the forms required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be required in social or official life." In other words, Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly online.

Netiquette

"Netiquette" refers to Internet etiquette. This simply means the use of good manners in online communication such as e-mail, forums, blogs, and social networking sites to name a few. It is important to use netiquette because communication online is non-verbal. Most often online communication consists of reading something someone else has typed. This type of communication does not allow each person to see facial expressions, body language, or hear intonation. Because of this, messages can often be misinterpreted. By following netiquette, online communication becomes clearer. Especially in business and career related online communications netiquette should be used to ensure that correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation are put in place to project professionalism. Netiquette also includes the use of emoticons (such as :) :( ;) and others) to explain an emotion. In e-mail, netiquette means not flooding someone's inbox with forwarded messages or spam mail. Following netiquette will help you to maintain and establish positive online relationships as well as develop a positive online reputation.

The basic rules

1.    Refrain from personal abuse. You may express robust disagreement with what someone says, but don't call them names or threaten them with personal violence.

2.    Don't spam. That is, don't repeatedly post the same advertisement for products or services. Most sites have strict and specific rules about who is allowed to post ads and what kind of ads they are.

3.    Write clearly and succinctly. On a site that has many non-native English speakers, avoid using slang they may not understand.

4.    Remember that your posts are public. They can be read by your partner, your children, your parents, or your employer.

5.    Stay on-topic, especially when you're new. Don't post about football in a hair-care forum or about hair care in a gardening forum!

6.    Don't expect other people to do your homework for you. If you're looking for technical help, for example, don't ask questions you could easily answer yourself by reading the manual or online help provided with the product. When you do ask for help, include details of what attempts you've made to solve the problem. It will save time and also show people that you are making an effort to help yourself.

7.    Do not post copyrighted material to which you do not own the rights. Sites vary in how strict they are about this, but as well as facing the possibility of legal action by the rights holder, you may also get the site sued.

8.    The site's owner, perhaps assisted by one or more moderators, has the final say in enforcing the rules.

Helpful hints

Almost every site has a page for newcomer that describes its rules of good behavior. Usually this page will appear as the terms and conditions you must agree to when you open your account. However, sites may have additional information. You should read all of it.

Check to see if the site has a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section. FAQs typically include questions that have been asked and answered hundreds of times. If you have any queries about site protocol, you will most likely discover the dos and don’ts here.

Finally, it's always wise to see what the discussion group had been talking about for a week or two before you begin to post your messages. Online, as in real life, it can take a long time to get past a bad first impression.

Significance

Knowing proper netiquette is extremely important during the information age, especially during business communications. Nonverbal communication is limited on the internet, with web chats being one of the few ways to express nonverbal communication which accounts for 80% of how communication is interpreted. Because the internet lacks body language or facial expressions, the feeling of a statement can often be misconstrued.

Features

Netiquette involves careful word placement and expression, as well as the "nonverbal" language of the net. Emoticons are often used to express nonverbal communication where it does not exist. Emoticons usually follow a sentence to express emotion. Examples of emoticons: :-) These three characters represent a smiling face when rotated by 90 degrees. ;-) This winking smile means the remark was flirtatious or even sarcastic :-( The frowning character suggests sadness L This character expresses apathy :-P This can either be considered playful or disgusted <g> This usually means "grin" ROTFL This means "rolling on the floor laughing" LOL This is famously used as "laugh out loud" BTW This is a short version of "by the way" IMHO This means "in my humble opinion"

Function

Netiquette is not only for the purpose of adding a "human" element to the Internet, it is also used to make communication more efficient. One must say what they mean and say it with care. Proofread your messages. Spelling is the most apparent reflection of one's intelligence on the Internet. Intelligence and education is judged by spelling, grammar, punctuation, and message clarity. Along with spelling, consecutive capitalization should be used sparingly. Using all caps is usually interpreted as a person shouting.

Benefits

Netiquette helps users develop and maintain relationships, whether business or personal. It also helps keep group conversations constructive and friendly. Everything online that can be traced to you through a search engine is part of what's known as your "online footprint." Using netiquette helps you make sure your online footprint reflects well on you.

Effects

The effects of netiquette depend on where you use it. If you are using netiquette at work, you are safely maintaining your business relationships. If you are applying netiquette when talking to friends or acquaintances, you are being courteous enough to proofread your words and not forward spam. If you are using netiquette to increase your web presence, you are building a positive reputation for yourself.

THE   END (: