How to Follow Proper Netiquette Rules

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You may be a model of decorum in person, but a bonehead online. Check out how much you know about internet manners.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Online rules of etiquette
Consideration for others
Common sense

Step 1: Be clear

Be clear in your e-mails and text messages. Don't include acronyms unless you're sure the recipient will understand them. Use sarcasm sparingly, if it all, since it's easily misunderstood in print. And never write in all caps -- unless you actually intend to be shouting.

Step 2: Attach with care

If you're sending an attachment, make sure it's compatible with the recipient's software. If it's larger than 5 megabytes, compress it before sending. Otherwise, it could lock up the recipient's inbox.

Tip: Share photos by posting them online rather than sending them as individual attachments.

Step 3: Respect people's privacy

When you send group e-mails, respect people's privacy by typing the addresses into the BCC -- or blind carbon copy -- field; this prevents recipients from seeing that anyone else was copied on the email. Never forward someone's e-mail address or message to a third party unless you have the sender's permission.

Step 4: Fill them in

Fill in the subject line. It only takes a second, and it provides your recipient with useful information that can help them track the e-mail in the future. If you're forwarding a message, include a brief explanation as to why you're doing so.

Step 5: Be sensitive

Don't tag pictures of other people on social-networking sites if they've previously asked you not to, and don't discuss anyone's private business -- no matter how harmless you think it is -- on people's walls or anywhere on their profiles where others can view it.

Step 6: Think before you IM

Think before you send an instant message to someone. It's meant for brief, swift exchanges. Don't begin an IM correspondence with someone if you think you're going to be interrupted or if the subject necessitates a long discussion.

Step 7: "Lurk" before you leap

Don't contribute to boards until you've "lurked" -- that is, read what's already been written, so you can get a sense of what's appropriate before you join in. Lurking will also prevent you from annoying people with questions that have already been answered and insights that have already been shared.

Tip: If a site has a Frequently Asked Questions section, read it before posting a query.

Step 8: Refrain from "flaming"

On discussion boards, refrain from "flaming" people -- disagreeing with them in a gratuitously nasty manner. Also, resist the urge to respond to someone else's flame in kind. And don't be a troll -- someone who purposely tries to incite others. Bottom line? Treat others the way you'd like to be treated, online and off.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• hothowtos
• etiquette
• practicing
• work
• office
• electronic
• netiquette
• internet
• online
• web
• e-mail

[nobodycares456]

This should be mandatory for every Youtuber to watch!

[Chantzehao]

They forgot to add

"Don't post FIRST just because"

[CelesteK]

:) LOL!!!!! You could be the moderate of decorum in person but a bonehead online. LOL!

[danmusicarranger]

@xA7Xxgatesx YEAAAA!

[JonaYmusic]

@trolololololololololol C111 WORKSHEET

[xA7Xxgatesx]

C111 worksheet brought me here!!!!! hahaha

[Lethn]

This is useful until you realise on the internet there are people who are there purely out to make your life miserable for no reason.

[SatchmoSings]

Wonderful video; the points are all well taken.

One of the main points is that too many people forget that when they write messages, the recipient doesn't have all the other contextual "cues" that would be generated even with a telephone call; this brings us all back to the subject on how to write as well as if we were all old-fashioned print journalists; this is very important if you wish to be truly understood.

[godadam333]

lol i <3 ur mom

[kidwithredhair69]

Lmfao! dont be a troll :D

[dbmrhi]

Question, is it possible to send an attachment to someone that can't be forwarded to someone else?

[Lissbirds]

But trolling is so much FUN!