{Internet Etiquette}

Just a little note on Internet etiquette. Often times, when people are on their computer and they don't have to see people face to face, they are much more free with their words than they would be in a room full of people. There tends to be less shy people, and many more people who would be glad to put their two cents in.

That's good to a point, but don't forget your manners and remember that whatever you put out there, could be there FOREVER and ANYONE can see it.

15 tips for good Internet etiquette

1. As your mother would say, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all"

2. Don't say something you wouldn't want to be remember by. Whatever you write will be there for the whole world to see.

3. Once you hit send, that's it. It's gone. So make sure it's what you really want to say and it's going to the right person.

4. You're better off not backbiting, because it bites back much quicker through email.

5. Spamming is NOT good business practice. So don't do it!

6. Don't just join a bunch of groups or networks and expect to be a millionaire. You need to associate in those groups and become a value to the group. Otherwise you are just another advertiser who will get ignored or removed from the group. PARTICIPATE!

7. Think before you post in any social network site. Most times, you can't erase what you typed.

8. No Flaming!

9. Be nice.

10. Don't infringe on copyright protections. ex: Don't use photos without permission from owner, don't copy and past content from another site unless you have permission from site owner.

11. Don't jump to conclusions. Often times, it's hard to judge a persons intentions on the Internet and what can be completely innocent from one person, could be perceived completely wrong by another. So stop, step back, and take time to process it before reacting to anything that may come across as offensive.

12. Don't make promises you can't keep

13. You will be held accountable for whatever you put out there.

14. Don't make false claims you can't back up.

15. Don't participate in any kind of slander

Sorry if they are a little redundant. Basically, if you wouldn't do something in your day to day life, you probably shouldn't be doing it online either. And remember that every person on the other end, reading what you write, is a person too. They have a life, a family, feelings, dreams, and aspirations just like you. So treat them with the respect you would want to be treated with.

PS. I attached some of the words to links with definitions for you. If you are unsure of a word, click on the link and read what it means.