'Netiquette'

Netiquette (rules for online communication)

Discussion ‘netiquette’

Online communications take a variety of forms, from very formal, academic discourse, to the highly informal, short, abbreviation-laden style of text messaging. It all depends on the purpose of the discussion.

Although the emphasis is on informal conversation, exchanging views, working together, take care to be respectful of everyone else. If you are unsure about how a comment might be received by others, don’t post it. Give it more thought and revise it if necessary.

Please observe the following guidelines:

• Observe standard norms of polite discourse. No ‘flaming’, no use of abusive or discriminatory language.

• Be respectful of others’ beliefs. If you like what someone said/wrote, tell them. They can’t see your approving smile!

• Keep postings brief. Absolutely no more than two screens. Make your point in your posting, not in an attachment.

• Attachments should only be used to give members of your group access to supporting/related information to that in your posting, or to supply information that is not text-based (e.g., graphs, charts, images, mathematical formulae, etc)

• Use the message subject header and use it wisely. The subject header should contain information that describes the content of the posting and who it is addressed to (e.g., ‘to all’, or ‘for those with a science background’ or ‘for those interested in…’ etc.)

• Try to use people’s names. E.g., ‘Tony, you said that …’ or ‘Like Beth and Alan, I think that …’.

• In the event that this is not appropriate (e.g., message to everyone, message to anyone who’ll listen) then address yourself that way. Examples: ‘Hi everyone. I just wanted you all to consider …’ or ‘Hi all, sorry to bug you but is anyone able to…’

• Use praise and positive feedback whenever you can. If you are making a joke or being sarcastic then say so. Example: ‘At the risk of startling you all with my insight into this issue (sarcasm), let me just say that…’

• Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not important. No one should comment on these issues.

• Some things are best discussed in private, rather than ‘in front of everyone’. Use email for this.

Appropriate behaviour

You need to take special care not to cause offence in written discussions. Be respectful at all times to all members of the conference. There must be absolutely no use of foul, abusive or discriminatory language. Any instances of this should be removed immediately and the offenders may be subject to disciplinary procedures.

References

http://www.albion.com/netiquette/ (last accessed 11.07.2019).

Further links:

https://www.avoin.helsinki.fi/open_university/netiquette.htm

http://www2.napier.ac.uk/webct/staff/documents/netiquette_guidelines.pdf

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/vle/generalhelp/netiquette/

http://www.brilliant-insane.com/2015/04/15-netiquette-rules-students-infographic.html