Practice Good "Netiquette"

Online discussions in a class are perhaps more formal than other public message boards. It helps to remember that in an online class, discussion forums are used in place of the face-to-face discussions in other types of classes. You want to behave online just as you would if you were physically sitting in the room with your instructor and all your classmates. It is also important to understand that an online discussion in an online class is more formal than a “text message.” Text messaging uses abbreviations such as, “How R U?” These shorthand tricks are not appropriate in an online class forum. Use full words and complete sentences.

The number one rule of online discussion is “expect to be misunderstood.” It is challenging to put your thoughts into words and make them understandable to others, without calling for strenuous effort on their part. Therefore, you need to read through all your posts before you click on the “submit” button. Typos, spelling errors, and mixed up sentences always creep into your messages as you compose them. Clean them up before you subject others to them! You also want to consider that how you come across online will determine your grade. To put yourself in the best light possible, or simply to make yourself understood, be sure to edit your messages before you post them.

Core Rules of Netiquette

Here are some basic guidelines and tips from The Core Rules of Netiquette (excerpted from the book Netiquette by Virginia Shea.)

1	Remember we are all human.
2	Know where you are in cyberspace. What is fine some places online may not be appropriate in other places.
3	Respect other people's time.
4	Make yourself look good.
5	No flame wars.
6	Let the subject line work for you.
7	Be forgiving and kind about errors.
8	Don't use all CAPS which is a form of 'shouting' online.
9	No spamming.
10	We are all from different worlds. Respect and learn from it.