The 10 Rules of Netiquette Behaving Online: The 10 Rules of Netiquette Source

Netiquette Fact Sheet You will have a test on these notes! Using a Word document, type notes as we discuss The 10 Rules of Netiquette and other facts about netiquette. I don’t mind if you paraphrase, but you should include most information from each slide. I will check your notespage for completeness for a daily grade.

What is netiquette? The word netiquette is a combination of the words InterNET and etiquette. Netiquette is a set of rules that we follow for behaving properly online.

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Why is netiquette important? It establishes good behavior while on the Net Remember . . . There is a real person on the other end of your message.

Rule 1: Remember the Human The Golden Rule - “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Stand up for yourself, but don’t hurt others’ feelings Put yourself in their shoes Comments online can be misinterpreted Avoid sarcasm Use a smiley if you think your comment may be misunderstood as being rude

Rule 1, cont. Ask yourself, “Would I say this to his/her face?” If the answer is no, then rewrite and reread. Remember– Your chats can be saved and emails can be forwarded. You never know where your conversation may end up!

Rule 2: Follow the Same Rules Online That You Follow in Real Life Be ethical Just because the computer can seem like a “barrier” between you and the other person or situation, that is not an excuse to lower your ethical standards. Breaking the law is bad netiquette If you are tempted to do something illegal in cyberspace, chances are, it’s bad netiquette.

Rule 3: Know Where You Are in Cyberspace Netiquette varies from domain to domain For example, on a TV series discussion board (such as what’s happening next on an MTV show), it may be perfectly fine to “gossip” about what your favorite character will do next. However, on a sports column, spreading rumors about the writer or a particular player may make you very unpopular.

Rule 3, cont. So… Lurk before you leap If you are interested in contributing your opinion to a message board or discussion forum, first get a sense of how the people act. Then go ahead and participate.

Rule 4: Respect Other People’s Time and Bandwidth When you send someone email forwards, you are taking up some of their time. Make sure the person you’re emailing wants your forwards. Ensure that you don’t send email forwards to anyone’s work e-mail address. Always pass along forwards to someone’s personal email account (not their work account!). Above all, make sure you aren’t wasting the other person’s time. Imagine getting a bunch of junk email from your cousin and how frustrated you’d be that it wasted your time!

Rule 4, cont. Bandwidth is the information-carrying capacity of the wires and channels that connect everyone in cyberspace. For example, streaming audio or video uses a ton of bandwidth (or “space on the Internet”). If everyone in our class was watching YouTube, it would significantly slow down the Internet speed of the entire Madison County Schools network. Respect other’s bandwidth!

Rule 5: Make Yourself Look Good Online Take advantage of your anonymity. Networks, particularly discussion boards, allow you to reach out to someone you would’ve otherwise not known. None of them can see you! You won’t be judged by the way you look, the color of your skin, the way you talk, etc. However, you will be judged on the quality of your writing. Spelling and grammar do matter! You don’t want to appear dumb or look like you don’t know what you’re talking about.

Rule 5, cont. Be pleasant and polite. Don’t use offensive language Don’t be confrontational just for the sake of confrontation!

Rule 6: Share Expert Knowledge The strength of cyberspace is in its numbers. The reason asking questions online works is because a lot of knowledgeable people are reading the questions. The Internet itself was founded and grew because scientists wanted to share information. Gradually, the rest of us joined in!

Rule 6, cont. So, do your part! You have something offer; don’t be afraid to share what you know. For example, if you’re browsing a website that asks how to do something in particular on Photoshop, don’t be afraid to jump in with your answer or suggestion! Just make sure you’re right– Remember Rule #5– Make sure you know what you’re talking about!

Rule 7: Help Keep Flame Wars Under Control Flaming – What people do when they express a strongly held opinion without holding back any emotion Yes, sometimes flaming and be amusing, but when it goes on and on and on, it is unfair to other members of the group. They can get boring fast! So, try to settle an “e-pal” down if they are involved in flaming. Do your part to keep it under control.

Rule 8: Respect Other People’s Privacy You’d never go through your friend’s desk drawers, so don’t read their email either. Don’t SNOOP! It could cost you a friendship or your job in the long run. Put yourself in their shoes– You wouldn’t want anyone reading your email, would you?

Rule 9: Don’t Abuse Your Power When using the library (or anyone’s) computer, you may have the administrative rights to download program or other things online. Make sure to get permission before you do so… Recklessly downloading a ton of programs can lead to security issues such as viruses or worms! Don’t abuse your power!

Rule 10: Be Forgiving of Other People’s Mistakes Occasionally, you may come into contact with “web newbies.” They may Make a spelling error Begin flame wars Ask a silly question Or give an unnecessarily long answer Remember to BE KIND! If you decide to point out someone’s mistake, do it politely, and preferably by personal message, rather than in public. Remember– You were new once too.

More Tips to Remember Don’t use acronyms like OMG or LOL if you aren’t sure the other person will understand. Before you send a large attachment in an email, compress it so that it’s not as big. Try to avoid sarcasm because it is difficult to understand in print.

More Tips, cont. Avoid writing emails using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. Add personality to your messages by using emoticons (or smilies). :-) :-D Keep your communication to the point In emails, always use a subject line!

Netiquette Assignment Choose a public place (mall, school, library, restaurant, etc). Write several rules (4-6) “unspoken rules” of this public place. If you get confused, try using your Rules of Netiquette to help you think of some.

You will create a PowerPoint on this information… Use the 10 Rules of Netiquette and compare them to how you would act in this public place. For example… a movie theater.

Rule 1: Remember the Human How would you “remember the human” in a movie theater? There are other people in the movie theater, although you may not be able to see them. So, be respectful of them.

Rule 3: Know Where You Are How would you relate Rule#3 to proper behavior in a movie theater? Talking to a friend at home VS. Talking to a friend in a movie theater

Rule 5: Make Yourself Look Good How would you use this rule in a movie theater? Remember that you are representing your community, your family, and yourself!

Next . . . What would happen if these rules weren’t in place? What are possible repercussions of your actions if you violate these rules? 

Then . . . -How is this related to proper behavior on the Web? Compare the rules of netiquette with everyday life. You should compare a minimum of six rules.   -Finally, come up with one possible scenario that may happen in this possible place. List possible “benefits” associated with one action, compared with possible “costs” associated with another (remember the movie theater example). After listing these, choose what you would do and why it is the proper behavior.