Net Ettiquette

An Introduction To Netiquette

Guide To A Happy Internet Experience

The Internet, a network that connects computers around the world, allowing people like us to share our ideas. But in a world where our face is hidden before a screen, It's easy to forget that we might hurt others. Thus the mighty people of the internet created the netiquette. A combination of the words network and etiquette, netiquette are couple of rules that is based upon the Golden rule. Do unto others online as you would have do unto you. 

These are the core rules of the internet 

• Rule 1: Remember the Human

The golden rule your parents and your kindergarten teacher taught you was pretty simple: Do unto others as you'd have others do unto you. Imagine how you'd feel if you were in the other person's shoes. Stand up for yourself, but try not to hurt people's feelings. But when hidden other the guise of a monitor we tend to forget that we are dealing with another human. We need to remember that  we are talking to a human, a friend who has ideas and feelings. Unless you're a person who enjoys being extremely rude then i suggest a psychologist.

• Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life

In real life, most people are fairly law-abiding, either by disposition or because we're afraid of getting caught. In cyberspace, the chances of getting caught sometimes seem slim. And, perhaps because people sometimes forget that there's a human being on the other side of the computer, some people think that being an moron is okay in the internet. This is false, ethics plays an important role in the internet as much as it does in the real world. Be Ethical.

• Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace

What's perfectly acceptable in one area may be dreadfully rude in another. For example, in most TV discussion groups, passing on idle gossip is perfectly permissible. But throwing around unsubstantiated rumors in a journalists' mailing list will make you very unpopular there.

• Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth

In This rule we should remember that we are using the precious time and bandwidth others have. So we should never repost the same thing over and over again. It'll just be redundant. Remember you are not the center of the internet.

• Rule 5: Make yourself look good online

It doesn't mean that we should put on makeup and work with ourselves in the mirror for the internet to see. Actually most of the time we don't have the pleasure of seeing, smelling, or hearing most of the people we come across in the internet, so we judge others with the content that they put up. We don't want to give the impression that the net is a cold, cruel place full of people who just can't wait to insult each other. As in the world at large, most people who communicate online just want to be liked. So make yourself approachable, be kind and helpful. Also working on your grammar and spelling would help.

• Rule 6: Share expert knowledge

The Internet itself was founded and grew because scientists wanted to share information. Gradually, the rest of us got in on the act. So do your part. Share your knowledge and start teaching others and removing ignorance. You're working towards a noble goal

• Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control

From what I experience, sometimes unbridled emotions can create a heated argument in the internet called a flame war wherein two sides viciously fights each other to prove one's point. It's your job to act as peacekeeper for the good of the community.

• Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy

Have you guys ever dream't about looking thru your friends underwear drawer, of course not. The same applies to the internet. Those stuff are personal and you should always keep your special personal things private especially things online.

• Rule 9: Don't abuse your power

The internet gives the user access to vast banks of information. Being anonymous actually removes most restrictions around you. But remember what uncle Ben taught us, that with great power comes great responsibility 

• Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes

Everyone was a newbie once. even now i constantly create mistakes take makes me look stupid. So be kind whether it be a grammar or spelling error, or a unappropriated long answer then be gentle and help the guy out. Show that he is not the only human in the cyber world.

Sounds cheesy? actually most people rely on golden rule to do stuff online. They bet on the morality and honesty of their counterparts to make deals. Most bloggers tend to criticize other people's work. Though it may be helpful for them, but harsh criticism may actually scare others away from sharing their ideas. Also foul language is frowned upon, by everyone especially my teacher. So we need to remind everyone that the Internet is a happy place for one to grow and to share his ideas to others. Let's all make it that way!


The Core Rules of Netiquette are excerpted from the book Netiquette by Virginia Shea.