Social Networking - Do You Practice Netiquette?

Over the years, the beauty of the Internet hasrules include the avoidance of sending or forwarding
opened many different doors pertaining to socializing,junk mail and Internet hoaxes, forwarding virus
networking, and the overall art of communication.warnings (which are sometimes hoaxes), replying to
Today, computer users of all ages are exploring theall recipients of a collectively sent email, and sending
possibilities associated with chat rooms, discussionunnecessarily large attachments. There are also
boards, forums, and online personals. Sending emails,plenty of "netiquette" issues to recognize when
instant messaging family and friends, and relayingcommunicating with others in online communities (chat
text messages across the World Wide Web are alsorooms and forums). One of the first things to do
popular forms of contact. Despite the fact that userswhen joining a chat room, forum, or other online
are unseen behind the guise of their computer, theregroup is familiarize oneself with the rules or guidelines
is still a written and unwritten code of conduct thatof the service. This practice comes in rather handy
exists about the Internet. Even in the world of onlineand helps one avoid any future online confrontations
communication, one may offend, confuse, and irritateor misunderstandings. At all times, your privacy should
the people they send emails to or speak with in abe protected, as well as other members of the online
chat room. Just as you participate in face-to-facecommunity. It is unwise to use full names in chat
communication, you are often aware of the way youroom correspondences and is rude to ask the full
move your body, execute hand gestures, or raisenames of those you come in contact with. Staying
your voice. When contacting others across theon topic is also a rule of Internet etiquette. For
Internet, there are also certain messages conveyedinstance, if you have joined a chat room community
through the way you type out your thoughts. Oneregarding model airplanes, it is often inappropriate to
of the most irritating online habits involves the use ofstart sharing your marital problems with others. Using
all-caps when typing to others. Not only are longoffensive language is warned against and is usually
strings of capped words a strain on the eyes topunished (suspension or ban). When chatting, it is also
read, but is often viewed as "shouting." When typingsuggested to keep messages short and present
emails or chatting with others while online, spelling andinformation in the most concise manner. Also, a
grammar really does count in not only making peoplecommon practice is to use abbreviations, but not
see your side of things, but also promoting intelligenteveryone is familiar with the current lingo and this
and free-flowing conversation. Usually, glaring spellingshould be kept in mind - the abbreviation of your
mistakes cause a distraction and confusion inwords and phrases should be used sparingly. Overall,
correspondences. Additionally, just because youit is suggested to treat communication across the
attempt to avoid making spelling errors and lapses inInternet in the same manner that you like to receive
grammar - doesn't mean you have the right tocorrespondences. Usually, the things that irritate you
criticize others for their poor use of the Englishare the same actions others dislike as well.
language. It is highly suggested to ignore the spellingLinda Allen is the co-founder of GirlfriendsCafe, a
mistakes of others and concentrate on the way youpopular social networking site for women throughout
communicate while online. Additional email etiquettethe United States and Canada.