Netiquette

Netiquette

What is Netiquette? The word itself is a combination of the words "Internet" and "etiquette." Netiquette is a set of expectations, sometimes stated and sometimes not, for how people interact in cyberspace. The Wordle above (created from a chapter on the core rules of Netiquette) is a great illustration of what's most important in Netiquette: People. Always remember that you are talking to a real person. Respect that above all else and we shouldn't have any problems in this course. Here are some other rules to remember: Avoid talking in all caps. It means that you're shouting at someone! The tone of your message is really important. If you think it might not be clear that you're joking, use an emoticon so no one gets offended. :) Keep your messages to the point. If there's a lot of scrolling, people probably won't read and respond to your thoughts. We want to keep the discussion going but we don't want to turn people off with long diatribes. Never write anything in the course that you wouldn't be comfortable with printing in your local newspaper, to be read by all your friends and family. If you get upset by a message, take a little break. Don't respond when you're angry. Take a little while to think about it first! Always be polite. Remember, you're dealing with real people, not just words on a screen. If you'd like to know more about netiquette, follow this link for an in-depth look at the core rules and watch the video below.