After a recent experience on a beloved internet community where the banstick was inappropriately and spitefully administered in an appalling abuse of power to many productive and non-controversal members of that community, I think it might be useful to review some basic Netiquette tips:
- Remember, on the other side of that screen are real humans with real feelings.
- Everything you write is stored on the internet for anyone to see. Even Private Messages could come back to haunt you. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
- Follow the same standards of behavior on-line that you follow & expect in real life.
- Lurk before you leap. In other words, get to know what's acceptable at the community your at. Don't make assumptions.
- Respect other people's time by NOT posting/sending superflurous messages or expecting immediate replies to your pet project.
- Spelling and grammar matter, but don't point out other people's spelling/grammar errors.
- Make sure what you post is clear and accurate.
- Be pleasant and polite. Don't use offensive language, and don't be confrontational for the sake of confrontation.
(I realize many forums allow swearing, but I don't swear at home, I don't like to hear people swearing in real life, so I don't swear on the net.) - Share what you know - that's why were here! I'm looking for answers to questions that bother me so!
- Don't feed a flame war.
- Respect other people's privacy. I have been at two sites where the Admin's publically shared information that they only could have gained by reading Private Messages. Lot's of people got their feelings hurt, including the Admin's.
- Don't abuse your power. Admin's and Moderators have to separate any personal feelings from their job. If they are unable to stay objective, they need to turn control over to someone who can.
- Be forgiving of other people's mistakes.
Here's a fun little video about "How To Behave On An Internet Forum".
I've made many friends on the internet, quite a few who I've met IRL and have become more than virtual friends. I've seen the power of people pulling together in times of illness, death, birth and marriage...not to mention some amazing JB tailgates. All these in addition to the common interests that may have brought us together in the first place (in my case Jimmy Buffett, LOST and Star Wars).
There are many wonderful experiences to be shared in cyberspace; and, as in real life...remember to PLAY NICE!
