A Slight Touch On Netiquette

In real life,  when one has overstepped,  the reactions of those around them warns.  But when you are alone with a keyboard, you might not understand how others perceive you.

You might be considered rude or illiterate, and not be aware of it.

These are a few tips.

When you enter a message board, forum, whatever, it is polite to introduce yourself.  This might just be typing your name, or the Nick you use and perhaps a mention of your country.

On sites which give your name and location this is overkill, but still nice.   Further, don’t make your first remarks attacks.  Be extremely diplomatic.

If you think you can say anything you might be branded a Troll.

Another key point is that  although we may be using English, it is not the same English.  Be careful with slang and try to be sure you understand what is being posted and that you answer comments with the knowledge you might be misinterpreted.

Keep the cyber abbreviations to later down in the conversation after people have come to know you.  And pre check your spelling before posting.

If you have joined a set to  sell things, be prepared to be banned or otherwise kicked off as soon as it becomes apparent.

Be hesitant.  Often one enters a Forum and assumes others have a particular opinion.  Sometimes people mislabel themselves.

When you begin to post,  display similar sentiments. When you feel acceptance post something real. If it is attacked or ridiculed, don’t answer. Leave the site.

When you are using a computer at work and want to send some kind of chain email, think twice.  Further, if you note, you are exposing other people’s addresses.

Sometimes you find yourself the subject of attack or ridicule. Calmly leave.  Excellent sites have become infested with Trolls or persons pushing some platform. Log off.

You have no mission to keep a site alive.  No matter where you are, no matter how good a site was or you think will be, leave once it becomes unpleasant.

Remember, there is always another site.