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How's your Netiquette? Mastering Manners Online

By Jeff Shannon

Would you shout at a colleague in the hallway? Or barrage friends with jokes without asking if they're interested? Probably not. Yet many people do the equivalents online - and not just "newbies."

While Internet services continue to evolve, one thing remains the same - the need for proper online etiquette, or "netiquette." As in the offline world, your actions online present an impression of who you are. Bad manners in any context (and especially in e-mail), can result in anything from unintentional annoyance or hurt feelings, to misunderstandings and damaged business relationships. Read on for some basic guidelines to online courtesy.

1. Beware of viruses. Don't be the one who sends a virus! Help protect yourself (and others) with an advanced virus detection program so that incoming and outgoing viruses will be isolated before they cause problems. Also, don't forward virus alerts unless you're certain a virus is being spread from your own computer. Most alerts are hoaxes.

2. Avoid large file attachments. Many e-mail services have limited inbox capacities. Be cognizant of your recipient's memory by compressing ("zipping") large files with WinZip or other readily available file-compression freeware. To help ensure you don't run out of memory, choose an Internet service provider that allows you ample inbox storage.

3. Don't SHOUT. Using all uppercase letters in e-mail is like raising your voice. It's unnecessary and many people find it offensive. If you have a rich e-mail service, it's better to get your point across with fun "emoticons," graphics, and other special effects.

4. Respect privacy. When sending broad mailings, put e-mail addresses in the blind-copy ("bcc") line, unless you know your recipients don't mind their addresses being public. For further protection, use an Internet service provider that has a strong privacy policy. Click here to see an article on privacy and SPAM.

5. Avoid "flame wars." A prolonged series of hot-tempered "flame" mail, especially within a group, will almost always get you in trouble. Cool off, and reconsider your words before hitting "send."

7. Ha Ha! (Maybe not.) Not everyone wants to receive jokes. You may offend someone, clutter their inbox, and/or waste their time. If you suffer from joke-mail overload, be sure to use an advanced junk-mail filtering system to block such messages from your inbox.

8. Want to know more? "Netiquette" (1994), by Virginia Shea, is considered the definitive resource on the subject. The book is available in print and online. Or simply type "netiquette" into your favorite search engine to find a wealth of information.

Remember, netiquette is all about mutual respect, clear communication, sharing information, and making a good impression with the people you encounter online. Once you've learned the "rules," you'll be better prepared to enjoy all the wonders of the World Wide Web.