netiquette, guidelines for courteous communication in the online environment. It includes proper manners for sending e-mail, conversing online, and so on. Much like traditional etiquette, which provides rules of conduct in social situations, the purpose of netiquette is to help construct and maintain a pleasant, comfortable, and efficient environment for online communication, as well as to avoid placing strain on the system and generating conflict among users.
Netiquette includes rules that provide guidance for appropriate social interaction and technical performance online. What constitutes good netiquette varies among the many subcultures of the Internet, and, of course, netiquette issues change with time and technology. Nevertheless, some general principles of proper online manners can be outlined. They include:
Lurking. Lurking means that one reads the posts of a group without participating in the conversation—that is, one assumes the role of a silent reader/observer. Proper netiquette requires some knowledge of the culture of a group in which one chooses to participate; therefore, preliminary knowledge of the group, gained from lurking, is beneficial.
Reading the FAQs. FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions; FAQs also provide answers to these questions. A FAQ is a list of questions that are commonly asked among newcomers. Reading a FAQ before posting helps a new group member to avoid committing the faux pas of asking questions that have already been answered, an act that often generates negative responses from other users.
Remember the Human. Communicating via
computers tends to lead people to lose sight of the feelings of, or to be insensitive to, others; consequently, users tend to be more blunt in stating their views than they probably would be face-to-face. Users need to be reminded that although they are communicating online, they are nevertheless dealing with real people who have real emotions.
Avoid Flames. A flame is a message that contains strong personal criticism or attack. Users are advised not to engage in flaming or participate in flame wars. One should treat others the same way that one would like to be treated, and profanity is not good netiquette. A rational tone and a polite manner are preferred.
Avoid Shouting. Typing in ALL UPPER CASE is considered shouting, which is not good netiquette. To emphasize a point, instead of typing in all upper case, one can use _underlining_ or *asterisks* around the text needing emphasis.
Not a Homework Center. Online groups are resourceful arenas; however, users should not use groups as a first resort for information-gathering or as a “quick” source for homework or class assignments. Before going online to ask questions, users should have completed preliminary research by visiting the library or doing a Web search.
Composition Protocols. Users should observe correct grammar and be careful about punctuation and spelling when composing their messages. Online messages should be clear, concise, and organized; an articulate and thoughtful message generates more responses.
Netiquette is enforced by the community at large, as the Internet does not have a policing entity. Users may openly object to breaches of netiquette; if the breach is severe, they may even contact a perpetrator’s Internet service provider for recourse.