Netiquette

The following guidelines are generally accepted as "proper behavior for the Internet"... otherwise known as "netiquette."

1. Remember there is a person on the other side of the screen.
   It's so easy to forget that the words on the screen are going out to people who have feelings and emotions just like we do. Think it through and always ask yourself if it would be appropriate to say face-to-face. How you are perceived in the online world is totally dependent on your written communication style. What you say can be overshadowed by how you say it.
2. Take a second look before you post.
   Remember that whatever you type may be floating around in cyberspace (or at least on Blackboard) for a very long time. After an unfortunate incident in junior high regarding an intercepted note, I learned an important lesson the hard way... never put anything in writing you wouldn't want the world (or at least your principal!) to read. The same is true to an even greater extent online. Once you’ve posted something to the web, it is very much out of your hands. Unlike a written message, you don't necessarily have the power to destroy it. Choose your words with care.
3. Discussion board posts are not as formal as a paper, but should be more formal than email.
   Your use of vocabulary, spelling, and grammar may not make or break your experience online, but they do create an impression of you. How you present yourself online makes a difference in how others respond. Take the time to use spell-check and reread your post before hitting "submit"... it might save you some embarrassment later.
4. Be careful of irony and sarcasm.
   It is so easy to misinterpret an email... and not just in the case of humor. Because there are no nonverbals to go along with your comments, what was meant as a humorous remark or snappy come-back can be interpreted in a VERY negative light. Using a smiley face :) or other emoticon can help, but don't use a smiley to say something you should not. Short responses can be misinterpreted as being curt or impolite. If you think your words could be perceived negatively, they probably will be.
5. WRITING IN ALL CAPS is like SHOUTING.
   Writing in all caps is generally frowned upon by your colleagues.
6. Avoid "Me Too" Messages
   A post which says only "I agree" or "Yes!" can be very frustrating, especially to those with a slower speed internet connection. If you take the time to post, say something substantive.
7. Abusive, harassing, or inappropriate material of any kind is obviously unacceptable.