Netiquette

Additional Netiquette Tips

Remember the Golden Rule

Even though you may be interacting with a computer screen, you are communicating with a real person who will react to your message. Make a good impression - treat others with the same respect that you would like to receive and avoid confrontational or offensive language. To help convey meaning when creating informal messages, it is sometimes acceptable to include appropriate emoticon symbols, such as a smiley face :) However, for professional communications these would be inappropriate.

Avoid Slang, Acronyms, or Text-Talk

Communicating effectively in college and business environments requires the use of correct terminology, spelling, and grammar that can easily be understood. For example, use “your” instead of “ur”.

Avoid "Screaming" in Text Communications

Typing an entire message using all capital letters is known as “screaming”. It is distracting and generally frowned upon in professional environments. It is better to draw emphasis to selected words or phrases by: using italic or bold text; using a different color for text or background color; or denoting emphasis using special characters (Example: **Important**).

Proofread your Messages Before Sending Them

Proofreading your messages before you send them is a best practice for effective and efficient communication. Strive to make your communications concise and free of any:

• Spelling and grammar errors

• Confusing terms or phrases that could be misunderstood

• Errors of omission, such as missing content, attachments, or recipients

• Errors in accuracy of information

Use MATC Communication Tools Only for Academic Business

When using Blackboard or your MATC administered Google Apps, remember they were given to you for academic related communications. It is safe to assume that all communications occurring under these accounts are owned and archived by MATC and could potentially be reviewed by system administrators. For personal communications with friends, family, or other non-MATC affiliated individuals, use your personal email!

Exercise Good Judgement when Sharing Information Online

E-mail and chat messages that you send or receive are considered private and should not be forwarded or copied to others without gaining the consent of all involved participants.

In general, messages posted to discussion boards and social media sites can be read by the public. You may never know who might read or share what you post. It is a good practice to always ask a post’s author for permission before sharing a post with other parties.

To protect your privacy and safety, do not share online any sensitive personal information such as:

• Your home address or phone number

• Personal conversations

• Social plans, such as vacations

• Financial information

• Usernames, passwords, or hints

• Anything personal that you would not want shared by others over the Internet

When Sharing Information from Other Sources, Consider Permission and Citation

If the material you share with others online came from another source, make every effort to gain permission from the original author or copyright holder. Copying someone else's work and passing it off as your own is plagiarism. It damages your reputation and could subject you to serious academic and legal consequences.