Netiquette is a term derived from the words "Internet Etiquette” or “Network Etiquette" which describes the use of proper manners and behaviour 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
It is important to note, what is posted online today, may come back and haunt the writer tomorrow. Personal messages can be accessed if you accidentally leave yourself logged on and photos or comments publicly posted can be viewed by your manager, co-workers, recruiters and granny!
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
Obey copyright laws. Use proper referencing and check the licensing on resources you find. Look for the Creative Commons logo and even if you don’t have to - always credit the creator.
Be patient and helpful with others. Remember, everyone was a newbie once.
Cyberbullying is increasing rapidly. 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 the police as soon as possible.
By following these simple and straightforward Netiquette guidelines, the online experience will be enjoyable and safe for all!
Adapted with permission from: Shoemaker-Galloway, J. (2007) Top 10 Netiquette Guidelines [online], http://internet.suite101.com/article.cfm/netiquette_guidelines [accessed 18/02/10]
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As always, Fife Council expects you to exercise a high degree of honesty, integrity and respect for others. This applies as much when you are using Fife Council IT and Telecoms as at other times. The Code of Practice will help you to comply with these laws, as well as guide you on acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.
If, after reading the full Code of Practice, you are not sure whether your proposed activity is an acceptable use, you should contact the IT Call Management Centre (6000) for guidance before engaging in such use.
Possible Consequences of Breaching the Code of Practice
Any breach of this Code may result in disciplinary action. Serious offences may lead to dismissal. suspension or criminal proceedings.
The Code of Practice consists of adhering to all existing guidelines set out by Fife Council and available in original format on FISH. Pertinent to the Portal are ?Email and Internet Guidelines? and ?Employee Code of Conduct? which are described below.