Learn to Learn Online
Basic Computer Skills
Learn More: Netiquette

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  1. There's really a person on the other end. When communicating with others online, it's critical to note that you're dealing with other people. Be careful not to come across as rude: if you couldn't say something to someone's face, you probably shouldn't say it online.
  2. Respect others' privacy. Always get permission before forwarding a person's e-mail message to you. Do not forward e-mail or information from others without their permission.
  3. Follow ethical rules. If you encounter an ethical dilemma in cyberspace, consult the code you follow in real life.
  4. Respect other people's time. Keep your messages succinct. Send them only if you need to. Do not attach graphics that could take a long time to download. Do not send messages to all if your message only impacts a few people.
  5. Dialogues go two ways. Do not dominate a chat room. Encourage others to speak up, and contribute your knowledge as well.
  6. Fill in the "Subject Line" of e-mail messages. People make decisions about what they'll read when they look at the subject line (and the sender) of the e-mail messages they've received.
  7. Write with proper spelling and grammar. Poor writing can be aggravating and distracting. Avoid slang and offensive language and cursing. Tip: If you are going to write a long e-mail, use a word processor and grammar check and spell check your message then attach it to your e-mail.
  8. Contextualize your messages. Whether you're online in a chat or using e-mail, make sure the earlier message is reiterated in a brief note.
  9. Stay with facts to share your insights or expertise. Be sure that what you write is accurate and logical and useful to your readers.
  10. Avoid sending chain letters. Ensure the accuracy of the information that you pass along to a group. Sending out chain letters (messages which tell the receiver to send them on to others) is illegal in some venues, but they're annoying to most.
  11. Do not use HTML tags in your e-mail messages. Keep your messages simple, and make sure that it's readable to your recipients.
  12. Use line breaks judiciously. If you're sending a fairly long e-mail, have paragraphs that are no longer than a few sentences long.
  13. Add a signature block or line only when the recipient needs to know who you are. Signature blocks are useful if your e-mail recipient needs to know who you are, but if you have a short message and don't need that info added, omit it.
  14. Can the Spam. Spamming refers to the mass mailing of ads to a newsgroups or listservers. Avoid "spamming" others, as this usually brings out an angry response.
  15. Avoid any racial jokes, vulgarity, obscenity and pornography display

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