Netiquette

"Netiquette" refers to Internet etiquette. This simply means the use of good manners in online communication such as e-mail, forums, blogs, and social networking sites to name a few. It is important to use netiquette because communication online is non-verbal. Most often online communication consists of reading something someone else has typed. This type of communication does not allow each person to see facial expressions, body language, or hear intonation. Because of this, messages can often be misinterpreted. By following netiquette, online communication becomes clearer. Especially in business and career related online communications netiquette should be used to ensure that correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation are put in place to project professionalism. Netiquette also includes the use of emoticons (such as :) :( ;) and others) to explain an emotion. In e-mail, netiquette means not flooding someone's inbox with forwarded messages or spam mail. Following netiquette will help you to maintain and establish positive online relationships as well as develop a positive online reputation.

Helpful websites:

• Why Do People Use Netiquette?
  http://www.ehow.com/about_4609432_why-do-people-use-netiquette.html
  This website gives a succinct explanation of what Netiquette is, how it can be implemented, and the benefits of using Netiquette. It also provides links to EHow.com articles on netiquette.
• Netiquette Home Page
  http://www.albion.com/netiquette/
  This is a very comprehensive website that includes a link to the online edition of Netiquette by Virginia Shea. It also includes a netiquette quiz and mailing list subscription.
• Netiquette (Internet Etiquette)
  http://www.livinginternet.com/i/ia_nq.htm RFC 1855
  This website breaks netiquette down into three categories and provides links to more information on each. Those categories are: Netiquette Basics, Netiquette of Sending, Netiquette of Replying, and Netiquette of Confidentiality
• Internet Etiquette
  http://www.dtcc.edu/cs/rfc1855.html
  This is a very lengthy website that details various types of netiquette. It breaks things into categories such as communication to one and communication to many.
• Learn the Net's Netiquette
  http://www.learnthenet.com/learn-about/netiquette/
  This website includes many articles on navigating the internet. It includes a video on netiquette, Internet lingo, and links to a list of emoticons. The website also discusses social networking, e-mail, and surfing the web among others.