Imagine you receive an e-mail like this: ARE YOU GOING TO CLASS TODAY? This e-mail “sounds” like the writer is yelling because using all capital letters in an e-mail is usually the way that people shout online. Virginia Shea's book, Netiquette, lists a basic set of dos and don'ts for communicating appropriately with others in cyberspace. Following are someof her suggestions.
First, always remember that you are sending messages to a real person, not just to a computer. Don't type anything you wouldn't say to someone's face. Also, remember that the person who receives your message cannot hear the tone of your voice, or see the expression on your face.
Don't take anything without paying for it, unless it's free. Don't use information that someone else has written, and say it's yours. Do share your knowledge of the Internet with others. It's a big place with lots of information, and there are many new things to discover.
Remember that people judge you by your words as well as your actions, so do try to write well. Good writing skills, as well as correct grammar and spelling, do matter. If you are uncertain about how to spell a word or which phrase to use, look it up. There are lots of helpful books and websites.
It's okay to express your opinions online in forums like chat rooms or message boards, but don't start arguments with people. “Flame wars” in online discussions can be interesting to read, but are often unfair to other members of the group.
A. So make sure your meaning is clear.
B. Send polite, well—written messages to others.
C. Don't do anything online that you wouldn't do in real life.
D. Remember, you're not the only one traveling on this high way!
E. Knowing when to use capital letters is one example of online etiquette.
F. Express your ideas, but remember that fighting on or offline is not appropriate.
G. When you're online, just as in “real” life, try to respect other people's space, privacy, and feelings.
