Think before you write and send messages.
Once it's sent, your message is probably beyond your reach. It's also probably visible to the whole world (really!). Think about what you want the whole world to think of you.

DON'T SHOUT!
Using all capital letters on the Internet is called "SHOUTING." Even on the Internet people don't like it when you shout at them.

Keep it simple.
It's easier to communicate if you use short, clear sentences.

Don't give out email addresses.
Ask someone's permission before you give out their email address.

Bee shure and prufread it befor you sned it!
Make a good impression and spell-check your messages before sending.

Don't flame.
On the Internet to "flame" is to post something online that is really mean and nasty. For whatever reason, people tend to say things online they would never say to someone's face. In an online discussion group or chat, this can quickly get out of control. Do your part and ignore rude and mean people.

Remember to whom you are talking
If you are talking to another veteran Internet user, acronyms like "IMHO" (In my humble opinion) and "BTW" (By the way) are appropriate. To someone new on the Internet, these terms are only going to be a distraction. The same applies to people from another culture. This really is the WWW so don't assume other people understand your slang.

Remember the Golden Rule …"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Remember this and all the other rules of good Internet behavior will come easily!

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