CORE RULES OF NETIQUETTE
Netiquette or network netiquette describes the right way of communicating in an online context.
RULE 1: REMEMBER THE HUMAN - Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Understand that the words you write are read by actual individuals, and they all deserve respectful communication.
RULE 2: ADHERE TO THE SAME STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR ONLINE THAT YOU FOLLOW IN REAL LIFE - You should do your utmost to act within the laws and good manners of society whenever you are in "cyberspace"
RULE 3: KNOW WHERE YOU ARE IN CYBERSPACE - "Netiquette varies from domain to domain" (Shea, 1994) Based on where you are in the virtual world, the same textual communication may be allowed in a particular area but judged unsuitable in another.
RULE 4: RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S TIME AND BANDWIDTH - Electronic communication takes time, both to read and to answer. Make your written communications relevant and to the point.
RULE 5: MAKE YOURSELF LOOK GOOD ONLINE - The standard of your writing will be used to evaluate you. Carefully proofread your spelling and grammar. Understand what you're talking about, communicate it clearly, and be pleasant and kind.
RULE 6: SHARE EXPERT KNOWLEDGE - In the event that you ask a question and receive insightful responses, share the findings with others. Share what you know.
RULE 7: HELP KEEP THE FLAME WARS UNDER CONTROL - Flaming is what people do when they express strongly held opinion w/o holding back any emotion (Shea, 1994). Don't feed the flames; rather, extinguish them by directing the discussion back to more constructive direction.
RULE 8: RESPECT OTHER'S PRIVACY - Make sure you respect other people's privacy as much as you want them to respect yours.
RULE 9: DON'T ABUSE YOUR POWER - Knowing more than other people does not entitle you to take advantages of them.
RULE 10: BE FORGIVING OF OTHER PEOPLE'S MISTAKES - Not everybody has similar experience working in the online environment, and not everyone is aware of netiquette standards.