A simple guide to Netiquette – Internet Ethics

You may think you know all about netiquette and all the rules that are there to know, but here is
a simple guide to help you with the Internet ethics and also email etiquette.

 Remember that in spite of there being passwords to protect your privacy on the Internet,
nothing is private, everything seen, forwarded and received by you can be monitored by
people and seen by people for whom it was never intended. So while sending out emails
or correspondence, official or otherwise, be cautious about what you send and what
consequences it can have for you.
 Company email is company property and hence not private. Anything you send or receive
via the company is the property of the company and can be monitored and viewed by
them, be extra careful here.
 Never be offensive, racist, biased, libelous or obscene on the Internet, be it via email or
otherwise. Some jokes are just in bad taste and will not be appreciated.
 Emails and the Internet is free of emotions and hence all communication can be
interpreted. Use of emoticons, capital letters, and exclamatory marks can be interpreted
as shouting or rude behavior, so avoid all such things in your communications unless
otherwise intended.
 Do not forward messages and email unless the sender and the receiver give you the
go-ahead. Even when you are forwarding humor to colleagues, remember some may
not appreciate it. Chain mails and forwards are a strict no-no.
 Always give the receiver of your message some time to revert back to you. There could
be a technical problem or the person hasn’t had the chance to read your mail. Be patient
and never send a rude email following the first for lack of response.
 Sloppy emails with typographical errors or grammatical errors are not pleasing to the eye
and certainly do not make a good impression. Always use spell check while sending out
an official email.
 Include the original message thread so that the person knows in what context the reply
was sent.
 If you are sending an email to someone for the first time always include a subject line, if
you do not, your email may be tagged as Spam and could get you in trouble.

These are just some of the rules or code of ethics used on the Internet. The Internet is a large
place to get lost in, and also a large place to get into trouble. Always make certain that your
netiquette is up to the mark and no one has a chance to point a finger at you.
3 Tips for Facebook Chat Etiquette
Ask Permission Before Starting a Chat Session

Many Facebook users launch right into a Facebook chat session as soon as they see that their best friend or cousin is
online. However, the first thing you should do is to send a brief message asking if this is a good time to chat. Some
Facebook users who are online are not actually spending their time writing on other people's walls, sending
messages, or updating their status.

Rather, they are busy with taking care of their children, cooking dinner or tending to the cats. It is common courtesy
to send a brief message to your friend or family member asking if this is a good time to chat.

Consistent Chats

If you have picked the right time to chat with a friend or family member or Facebook, make sure that your chats are
consistent, in the same way you would if you were conversing over the phone. That means if your best friend asks a
question do not wait 20 minutes to answer. Be prompt with your replies to keep the chat flowing. If something
comes up and you need to go take care of your affairs, let your friend know what is going on so that they are not left
waiting for your responses.

Do Not Abruptly End the Chat Session

Some people have all day long to chat; others don't. If you need to wrap up the Facebook chat session, make sure
you let your friend or family member know what is going on, so that you can end the conversation politely. It is rude
to just end the conversation mid-stream without letting the other person know what is going on. Would you hang up
the phone without saying goodbye? The same etiquette rule should also apply when you are chatting on Facebook.
Internet Policy
 

Purpose

To ensure appropriate use of Internet resources within the Library.

Policy

1. The Library provides workstations for free public access to the Internet as an
informational, educational and recreational resource. Use of the Internet via the Library's
network is also bound by this policy.
2. Use of electronic information resources, including the Internet, must be responsible and
ethical, consistent with the purpose for which these resources are provided. This includes:
a. Using resources for educational, informational and recreational purposes only, not
for unauthorized, illegal or unethical purposes.
b. Respecting the privacy of others by not misrepresenting oneself as another user;
by not attempting to modify or gain access to files, passwords, or data belonging
to others; by not seeking unauthorized access to any computer system, or
damaging or altering components of any network or database.
c. Respecting the privacy of others by not interfering with their use.
d. Making only authorized copies of copyrighted or licensed software or data.
e. Not sending, receiving, or displaying text or graphics that may reasonably be
construed by Library staff as offensive to the public. Websites acceptable in the
adult department may not be acceptable in the children's section.
f. Not making unauthorized changes to the setup or configuration of Library
software or hardware.
3. The Library assumes no responsibility for the use of the Internet by children. Subject to
the above restrictions, it is the responsibility of the user (or the parent, guardian or
caregiver) to determine what is appropriate. Library staff assumes that those under age 18
have parental permission to use Library resources, including the Internet.
4. The Library staff cannot control specific information on the Internet. Libraries do not
vouch for or endorse either written material in their collections or electronic information.
Selection policies that govern the Library's purchase of written materials may not apply
to electronic resources.
5. Library staff may impose restrictions, such as time limits or types of use, on library
equipment. Staff may require a valid library card or staff-issued guest permit for some
computers, such as Internet. Computers in the Children's Services area are generally
available only to children in 8th grade or younger, to caregivers of children in the area, or
to persons doing research involving children's materials.
6. While respecting individual users' right to privacy, the Library staff reserves the right to
monitor use of computer workstations to ensure compliance with this policy.
7. The Library staff may ask users to remove themselves from Library equipment if they
observe behavior in conflict with this policy. Misuse or abuse of computers or Internet
access may result in suspension of Library privileges.
Top 10 Netiquette Guidelines
Internet Etiquette Tips for a Safe and Fun Online Experience
Proper manners are as important online as they are offline. Follow these 10 simple Netiquette guidelines
for a fun and safe online experience!

Netiquette is a term derived from the words "Internet Etiquette” or “Network Etiquette" which
describes the use of proper manners and behavior online. Internet Etiquette should be used in all
areas of electronic means including email, chatting, blogging, forums, message boards, and so
on.

It is important to treat others with dignity and respect both on and offline. Although the rules
may vary depending on the specific forum used, the following Top 10 Netiquette guidelines will
offer some basic Internet tips and suggestions to provide a pleasant and safe online experience.

1. Use Computer Courtesy

Whether a person is sending an email, chatting in a chat room or speaking in a forum, it is

important to be courteous and respectful of others online. Always remember the Golden Rule!

2. Use Emoticons

When communicating online, it can be difficult to gauge a writer's emotion. Unless a web
camera or microphone is used, the writer's expression or emotion is difficult to determine. By
using emoticons, the writer's proper emotion will be conveyed to the reader.

3. Be Brief Online

It is important to keep messages short, especially when writing an email or typing in a chat room.
By using common chat abbreviations or acronyms, not only will the reader appreciate the brevity
of the message, it will save the author valuable time typing the message. Remember, keep it
short and be brief!

4. DON’T SHOUT

No matter what forum, writing in all capital letters is considered SHOUTING and is considered
very rude. A word or two in caps is fine, but shouting is not recommended.

5. Pay Attention to Language Issues

Improper, inappropriate or bad language may get a participant kicked out or permanently banned
from a forum or group. It is also important to remember people from other countries may be
participating in the conversation and language barriers may be an issue.
6. Think Before Posting

It is important to note, what is posted online today, may come back and haunt the writer
tomorrow. That silly or fun photograph posted on a social networking site, may keep that person
from getting a job later on. Many colleges and employers are now searching social networking
sites prior to hiring.

7. Keep Personal Information Private

Posting private and personal information in the wrong location can have serious consequences.
Identity theft is a rapidly growing concern. Divulging too much information could give predators
and those with bad intentions valuable information. Be careful where personal information is
posted. If private information is posted in a group setting, read the guidelines prior to posting.
Children should not post private information online

8. Obey Copyright Laws

Obey copyright laws. Don’t steal!

9. Help Internet Newbies

Be patient and helpful with others. Remember, everyone was a newbie once.

10. Be Aware of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is increasing rapidly. Parents should talk honestly and openly to children about
the issues of electronic bullying. Studies suggest most children do NOT tell a trusted adult if they
are a victim of electronic bullying. If targeted by a cyberbully, do not respond. Keep all
ORIGINAL correspondence, with dates and times if possible. If the messages are of a
threatening nature or safety is a concern, contact local law enforcement as soon as possible.

By following these simple and straightforward Netiquette guidelines, the online experience will
be enjoyable and safe for all!
INTERNET ETIQUETTE

Submitted by: Cacho , Abigael