BellyBelly Netiquette Guidelines

[Lucy]

Proper manners are as important online as they are offline. The below is a list of 10 Netiuette Gudelines that are always useful to consider.

Netiquette is a term derived from the words "Internet Etiquette" or "Network Etiquette" which describes the use of proper manners and behavior online. Internet Etiquette should be used in all areas of electronic means including email, chatting, blogging, forums, message boards, and so on.

It is important to treat others with dignity and respect both on and offline. Although the rules may vary depending on the specific forum used, the following Top 10 Netiquette guidelines will offer some basic Internet tips and suggestions to provide a pleasant and safe online experience.

1. Use Computer Courtesy
Whether a person is sending an email, chatting in a chat room or speaking in a forum, it is important to be courteous and respectful of others online.

2. Use Emoticons
When communicating online, it can be difficult to gauge a writer's emotion. By using emoticons, the writer's proper emotion will be conveyed to the reader.

3. DON'T SHOUT
No matter what forum, writing in all capital letters or writing in red text is considered SHOUTING and is considered very rude. A word or two in caps is fine, but shouting is not recommended.

4. Pay Attention to Language Issues
Improper, inappropriate or bad language may get a participant kicked out or permanently banned from a forum or group. It is also important to remember people from other countries may be participating in the conversation and language barriers may be an issue.

5. Think Before Posting
It is important to note, what is posted online today, may come back and haunt the writer tomorrow. That silly or fun photograph posted on a social networking site, may keep that person from getting a job later on.

6. Keep Personal Information Private
Posting private and personal information in the wrong location can have serious consequences. Identity theft is a rapidly growing concern. Divulging too much information could give predators and those with bad intentions valuable information. Be careful where personal information is posted. If private information is posted in a group setting, read the guidelines prior to posting.

7. Obey Copyright Laws
Obey copyright laws. Don"t steal!

8. Be aware of the "readability" of your posts
Use paragraphs and punctuation. If you don't, you risk other people either skimming your post and missing something important, or worse, not bothering to read your post at all. Make it easy for your reader, use spaces between paragraphs too.

Don't use text speak, such as 'ur' for 'your' or 'thort' for 'thought'. If people believe you can't spell or can't be bothered to spell, they won't take you seriously.

9. Be Aware of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is increasing rapidly. If targeted by a cyberbully, do not respond. Keep all ORIGINAL correspondence, with dates and times if possible. If the messages are of a threatening nature or safety is a concern, contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.

10. Simple signatures are always best.

By following these simple and straightforward Netiquette guidelines, the online experience will be enjoyable and safe for all.