Computer Hope
Other => Internet & Network => FAQ solutions database => Browsers and Internet => Topic started by: Flame on April 03, 2006, 10:02:58 AM
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Question:
What are some general Internet rules that I should follow?
Answer:
The question you are referring to is what we call "Netiquette". Netiquette, which is short for Internet etiquette, is the code of acceptable behaviors users should follow while on the Internet; that is, it is the conduct expected of individuals while online. Netiquetteincludes rules for all aspects of the Internet, including the World Wide Web, e-mail, FTP, newsgroups and message boards, chat rooms, and instant messaging. Below are some general rules of Netiquette.
General Rules of Netiquette:
The Golden Rule: Treat others as you would like them to treat you.
1. In e-mail, newsgroups, and chat rooms:
* Keep messages brief and use proper grammar and spelling.
* Be careful when using sarcasm and humor, as it might be misinterpreted.
* Be polite. Avoid offensive language.
* Avoid sending "flames", which are abusive or insulting messages. Do not participate in "flame wars", which are exchanges of "flames".
* Avoid sending spam, which is the Internet's version of junk mail. Spam is an unsolicited e-mail message or newsgroup posting sent to many recipients or newsgroups at once.
* Do not use all capitol lettersm which is the equivalent of SHOUTING!
* Use emoticons to express emotion.
* Use abbreviations and acronyms for phrases.
* Clearly identify a "spoiler", which is a message that reveals a solution to a game or ending of a movie or program.
2. Read the FAQ (frequently asked questions), if one exists. Many newsgroups and Web pages have an FAQ.
3. Do not assume material is accurate or up-to-date. Be forgiving of others' mistakes.
4. Never read someone's private e-mail.
These are just some of the rules of Netiquette. It is not a requirement that you follow them, but it's a safe practice. :)
If anyone has anything to add, please don't be afraid. ;)
Flame
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Responding to Flamers
It's a fact of the net that you will come across people who are less-than-kind: They swear, they insult, they generally are no fun to be around. It's generally a good idea to avoid these people. However, if you are attacked personally, keep this in mind:
- Responding to a "flamer" with the same nasty attitude makes you look just as bad. You do make a distinct impression of your character on the Web; showing yourself to be a mudslinger makes you look like someone to avoid. Even if you technically win, you'll never truly recover.
- If you handle flamers by treating them with respect, but lay down the law of how you expect to be treated at the same time, then you have won. It doesn't matter whether it falls on blind eyes as far as he's concerned; others will read your response and subconciously they accept you as a "trooper" who doesn't flinch in the face of personal attacks. They won't tell you this, but they will keep you in higher regards, even if they don't know why.
- Don't immediately contact a moderator or admin when facing a single attack. It may have been unintentional; stereotyping is a good example. Point out to him that you take offense to what he said, but do so in a tactful, nice way. Saying something like the below is ideal for small issues:
"I'm sorry, but could you please not talk about XYZ that way? It makes me uncomfortable"
Of course, getting nasty, explicit messages are the exception to this rule.
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Use common sense and your instinct. If you don't want to talk to somebody, don't. If you feel like something's wrong, something probably is wrong.
Responding to a "flamer" with the same nasty attitude makes you look just as bad.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a224/paul-1/DBZ/do-not-feed-the-trolls.jpg)