Previously published in Computer Credible, June 1995.
Copyright (c) 1995 Douglas E. Welch
dewelch@earthlink.net
76625,3301
** Welcome to the party
Online services are like a virtual dinner party. Differing opinions
are appreciated but each guest is expected to behave themselves
and annoy the other guests as little as possible. So please, don?t
spill drinks on the floor, don?t raise your voice and enjoy yourself.
** Be human to one another
Always remember that there is another living, breathing, typing
human being on the other end of your message. Never say anything
electronically that you wouldn?t say to a person?s face. Some
people think that the anonymity of on-line communications gives
them the freedom to abuse others. Avoid them for they are boorish
and poorly bred. These people will always be shunned by polite
society and become the target of kill files and bozo filters.
** Say what you mean
On-line communications are stripped of the body language that
adds context to your message. Satire, irony or sarcasm can often
sound just plain mean. Without all the subtle cues of voice and
body it is often easy for someone to misunderstand you. An on-line
short hand has developed that provides some non-verbal cues but
it is still greatly lacking. These , or smiley faces :-) can provide
some context and can help get your point across. The best way
to be understood though is to write clearly and concisely.
** Quotable Quotes
You will often see message replies that contain part of the original
message. These quotes provide a reminder of the original thought
so that the reply makes more sense. Due to time lag between sending
and receiving messages and the volume of messages most people
read it is important to give them some idea of what the previous
message was about. Simply replying ?Sure, send it along? would
lead most people to wonder just what it was they had offered to
send.
Conversely, don?t quote the whole message either. It just takes up more disk space and requires longer to send. Strike a happy medium, otherwise it is likely that you will confuse the issue rather than clarify it.
** STOP SHOUTING!
Typing a message in all uppercase letters is the electronic equivalent
of shouting. Mixed case text is easier to read and makes you seem
much more balanced.
** Keep it to yourself
Much like dinner party conversation there are certain topics that
almost always lead to trouble. Politics, religion and sex are
best left to face to face discussions unless there is a forum
dedicated to their discussion. These particular topics have the
annoying habit of turning from rational discussions to personal
attacks on other people. Stick to the topic of any given forum
and save touchy subjects for forums designed for their discussion.
Remeber, most people are online for enjoyment not for a fight.
Discussions are always appreciated but arguements are not.
** Don?t be a leech
If you have found an online service you really like, participate.
Many people spend all their time merely downloading the neat files
that systems offer. Don?t just download, post some messages. Answer
any questions you can and get involved in the conversation. It
is a small price to pay to insure that your favorite system continues
to thrive.
** Give from your heart
Sysops (System Operators) of many systems, especially local BBS
systems use a lot of their own money to keep the system running.
If you appreciate what they have provided, let them know. I can
guarantee that no sysop will ever turn down a few extra dollars
towards the operation of their system. Some sysops will ask for
donations towards new equipment as well. Be an online ?Good Samaritan.?
So remember, when traveling through cyberspace always be kind to one another, lend a helping hand and never forget that people are much more than bits and bytes that make up their messages.