Netiquette: Manners On Line

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 will help you:

• Be clear
  Make sure the subject line (email) or title (web page or discussion) reflects your content.  In particular, please replace the default subject line when you send email.
  
• Use appropriate language
  Be calm when you write.  If you have a question on whether or not you are too emotional, don't send the message, save it, and review it after you've had a chance to think about it.
  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 the online equivalent of 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 careful what you write
  Email can be forwarded, including outside of the course management system.  So can discussion postings or anything else you put in electronic format.
• Forward e-mail messages you receive only with permission of the sender. 
  Just as you wouldn't your email forwarded without your consent, neither does anyone else.
  
• Remember you are not anonymous
  What you write in an e-mail and web site can be traced back to you
• Consider others
  Be considerate of others in what you write.
• 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" for students and teachers
• Cite others' work you use
  This course has an example of proper writing that will help you with citation and references.
  
• 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, just delete it.
  
• Beware of phishing
  A "phishing" email is one that looks like it came from someone else, perhaps your bank or a friend.  Never, ever respond with personal information.  The telephone is your friend; call the purported sender and ask questions.
• Don't respond to "flames" or personal attacks
  Responding just feeds the trolls.  Leave them alone and they'll eventually slink away.