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Net etiquette (also known as cyber etiquette) is a standard or code of conduct designed to enhance your Internet experience and generally smooth the path through cyberspace.
People often behave rather outrageously online - in ways they would never dare in the real offline world. An ordinarily mild mannered person can go online and suddenly begin flaming everyone they come into contact with or behaving in a threatening way because they perceive themselves to be anonymous when online. It is important to understand that you are neither untraceable, nor unaccountable for your actions online.
Keep it Short
Few people enjoy reading lengthy communications on a screen. Keep your messages short and to the point.
Don't Use All Caps
Avoid using all capital letters in e-mail, chat or IM. It conveys shouting and is difficult to read.
Blind Copy
Use the BC function of your e-mail client when sending e-mail to more than one person
Respect Other's Time and Storage Capacity
Do not send large attachments without asking permission. Exercise restraint when choosing signature files.
Subject Lines
In e-mail, make sure the subject lines corresponds with your message.
Learn the Lingo
If you are using IM or chat programs, it helps to know the language. Check out our pages on Acronyms and Emoticons.
Double-Check Before Forwarding
Because most people online receive a great deal of information, it is important to check the validity of information before forwarding it to others. Urban myths, false alarms, and bogus prizes annoy readers. Verify information at Snopes.com before sharing with all of your contacts.
Additional Resources
Snopes.com
Related Articles
Chatting
Instant Messaging
Acronyms
Emoticons
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