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[edit] Netiquette

Sample of a course handout on Netiquette The following has been modified from the Handbook for Instructors on the Use of the Electronic Class Discussion, Ohio State University by Nancy Chism

Netiquette in Electronic Class Discussions

Netiquette is the term used to describe rules of courtesy in using electronic communication. These rules are intended to help us use the medium effectively and considerately. Because this form of communication is fairly new, users might not realize the ways in which they are offending or inconveniencing others. The ideas below are intended to help in the particular case of electronic class discussion.

1. Remember that you are addressing a group. Even though you don't see them, they will be reading. This means several things:
   • Don't say things that you wouldn't say publicly.
   • Don't address comments to individuals unless you want all to know what you are telling that person.
   • Don't share confidential information. If you are quoting from something another person has sent you personally, ask their permission first.
   • Read your message before you send it since once it is out there, you can't change it.
2. Time is important to electronic communication users and long messages tie up modems, lab workstation use, and disk space. To keep messages short:
   • Include in your reply only that part of a previous message that is relevant. This means that if you are using an automatic reply function, you will have to cut out portions that are not needed or delete the text and substitute a summary, when needed for clarity.
   • Use the subject line to identify what the message is about so that readers can know whether it concerns them or not.
   • Keep the length of your message reasonable. If you are citing or quoting long pieces of text, these can be appended as an attachment, rather than as part of the message itself.
   • Try to keep to the topic rather than introducing side issues or irrelevant postings.
   • Use individual e-mail for messages to individuals rather than tying up the group list.
3. Access your electronic mail regularly and read through all the messages that have been posted before you reply, avoiding responding to discussions that have become stale or taken another direction as well as not repeating a comment that someone else has already made.
4. Because electronic communication does not show smiles and frowns, (other than the graphic kind) or employ intonation, humor and sarcasm might be misunderstood. Use these carefully and employ good word choice so that your meaning comes through clearly.
5. Avoid sending unkind messages. Besides angering others and reflecting poorly on you, they may have the effect of shutting down discussion. When critical comments are called for, try to frame them constructively and tactfully.
6. Aim for clarity and readability in your text. Paragraph often, avoid using only capital letters, and stay away from character symbols and conventions that get in the way of visual comfort.
7. Although electronic communication can be very informal, try for good language usage so that your message comes through rather than your mistakes (many mail programs have spell checkers). Avoid correcting other people's language, however. Try to be clear, indicating what you are talking about fully instead of presuming that others know which message you are responding to, what book you are referring to, and the like.