| Over the years, the beauty of the Internet has | | | | Additional email etiquette rules include the |
| opened many different doors pertaining to | | | | avoidance of sending or forwarding junk mail and |
| socializing, networking, and the overall art of | | | | Internet hoaxes, forwarding virus warnings (which |
| communication. Today, computer users of all ages | | | | are sometimes hoaxes), replying to all recipients |
| are exploring the possibilities associated with chat | | | | of a collectively sent email, and sending |
| rooms, discussion boards, forums, and online | | | | unnecessarily large attachments. |
| personals. Sending emails, instant messaging family | | | | There are also plenty of "netiquette" issues to |
| and friends, and relaying text messages across | | | | recognize when communicating with others in |
| the World Wide Web are also popular forms of | | | | online communities (chat rooms and forums). One |
| contact. Despite the fact that users are unseen | | | | of the first things to do when joining a chat room, |
| behind the guise of their computer, there is still a | | | | forum, or other online group is familiarize oneself |
| written and unwritten code of conduct that exists | | | | with the rules or guidelines of the service. This |
| about the Internet. | | | | practice comes in rather handy and helps one |
| Even in the world of online communication, one | | | | avoid any future online confrontations or |
| may offend, confuse, and irritate the people they | | | | misunderstandings. |
| send emails to or speak with in a chat room. Just | | | | At all times, your privacy should be protected, as |
| as you participate in face-to-face communication, | | | | well as other members of the online community. |
| you are often aware of the way you move your | | | | It is unwise to use full names in chat room |
| body, execute hand gestures, or raise your voice. | | | | correspondences and is rude to ask the full |
| When contacting others across the Internet, | | | | names of those you come in contact with. |
| there are also certain messages conveyed | | | | Staying on topic is also a rule of Internet |
| through the way you type out your thoughts. | | | | etiquette. For instance, if you have joined a chat |
| One of the most irritating online habits involves | | | | room community regarding model airplanes, it is |
| the use of all-caps when typing to others. Not | | | | often inappropriate to start sharing your marital |
| only are long strings of capped words a strain on | | | | problems with others. Using offensive language is |
| the eyes to read, but is often viewed as | | | | warned against and is usually punished (suspension |
| "shouting." | | | | or ban). |
| When typing emails or chatting with others while | | | | When chatting, it is also suggested to keep |
| online, spelling and grammar really does count in | | | | messages short and present information in the |
| not only making people see your side of things, | | | | most concise manner. Also, a common practice is |
| but also promoting intelligent and free-flowing | | | | to use abbreviations, but not everyone is familiar |
| conversation. Usually, glaring spelling mistakes | | | | with the current lingo and this should be kept in |
| cause a distraction and confusion in | | | | mind - the abbreviation of your words and |
| correspondences. Additionally, just because you | | | | phrases should be used sparingly. |
| attempt to avoid making spelling errors and lapses | | | | Overall, it is suggested to treat communication |
| in grammar - doesn't mean you have the right to | | | | across the Internet in the same manner that you |
| criticize others for their poor use of the English | | | | like to receive correspondences. Usually, the things |
| language. It is highly suggested to ignore the | | | | that irritate you are the same actions others |
| spelling mistakes of others and concentrate on | | | | dislike as well. |
| the way you communicate while online. | | | | |