Using the Internet often means using resources from other networks. Co-operation is essential for the Internet to work. All users should follow Internet rules, regulations and praxis. They are there to facilitate communication between individuals and minimise unnecessary traffic on the network.
The basic rule is to behave on the internet as you would face to face. That means, amongst other things, that you have to be prepared to answer for the views and opinions you voice. Aggressive behaviour is not acceptable simply because there is no face to face contact, we are expected to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
Because communication is mainly through text, we lose many of the signals sent and received in face to face communication. It´s very easy to misunderstand each other when communicating on the internet, so we need to be clear about what we mean and careful when using jokes, irony and so on.
- keep your text as short as you can without losing your point
- use lower case letters upper case is hard to read and will be interpreted as SHOUTING. If you want to want to emphasise something, by all means use *asterisks*
- Never answer a communication when you are angry or upset. Sleep on it before you send a message which is controversial or contains personal criticism
- Don´t spread chain letters, adverts etc.
- Stick to the subject
- Read what has already been published before you send your own message
- Be polite and watch your language
- If you want to send a personal message to one person, use email instead
- Give your contribution a title, so that it is easier to distinguish from other messages