"Netiquette" Guidelines

Netiquette refers to the generally accepted rules of behavior for communicating in the online environment. This list will serve as a general overview of these rules for use in the Conference rooms of this campus.

• Use standard lower-case and capital letters in postings to the conference room.
  
  
• It is considered shouting if you post replies in all CAPs. This action is considered rude.
  
  
• When quoting someone else, post a portion of the original message for reference. It is not necessary to post the entire contents of the original message, but just enough to provide context for your reply.
  
  
• Be professional and careful with what you say in your posting. This information is easily forwarded and can come back to haunt you.
  
  
• Express your thoughts clearly and concisely.
  
  
• Be careful when using sarcasm and humor. Internet communications are very impersonal and other may take your words as criticism. "Emoticons" are a widely accepted way of differentiating humor and sarcasm from serious comments. Examples of emoticons are:
  
  
• smile = :)
  
  
• frown = :(
  
  
• wink = ; )
  
  
• Be courteous and respectful of other people. If you use abusive or offensive language, you will be blocked from the conference area and potentially removed from your course. If that is the case, you will not receive a refund for your tuition.
  
  
• Before posting a reply, please read your message and look for the following:
  
  
  • Are you sure that the message conveys what you want to say correctly and appropriately?
    
    
  • Correct any spelling errors you find - typos can make postings difficult to read and understand
    
    
  • Use common sense - is this message something that you want to be sent to you? Will you understand it in 3 days if you were to go back and read it?