Title of the Article: Netiquette
Author: Scheuermann, Larry and Taylor, Gary
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing , Limited (1997)
Document URL: http://search.proquest.com/docview/219853714?accountid=141440
Abstract:
This article entitled "Netiquette", a term produced by combining the words "network" and "etiquette", identifies the most frequently cited specific suggestions for online users. It refers to the proper etiquette on computer networks. Most breaches of politeness and courtesy do not always bring retribution but it may reflect poorly on the individual user. A user who knows the rules of this emerging culture may have an advantage over the other user who does not know the rules.
1. I have learned about the following most frequently cited specific suggestions for proper netiquette:
1. Think first. (Never write while angry)
2. Write in upper and lower case. UPPER CASE ONLY looks like SHOUTING and lower case only is difficult to read.
3. Avoid abbreviations. "pls fwd pod atn amy asap" may make perfect sense to a seasoned employee in a delivery company but would be meaningless to anyone else. (Please forward proof-of-
delivery to the attention of Amy as soon as possible) Even if the receiver knows familiar
abbreviations the complete words are still easier to read.
4. Be concise. Brief, well-written notes usually have far more impact than those filled with unneeded
extra verbiage.
5. Avoid smileys (or emoticons as they are sometimes called. People don't read with their heads
sideways to the monitor.
6. Don't flame. Respond to others in e-mail conversations the same as if the conversation were face-
to-face. Flames are insults or crude remarks sent to other network users. Flames take focus
away from the substance of a discussion.
7. Don't take offense easily. Some messages are not sent to tease or deride.
8. Don't evangelize. It is much better to offer a humble opinion and write with reason and diplomacy
than to preach.
9.Know the audience. Most news groups have their own expectations. Reading a news group a while
before posting to it is good advice.
2. It is good to know some Netiquette rules for advertising:
1. Rule #1:Never place blatant advertisements in News groups unless that group is specifically for
advertising purposes. Generally, this means that ads can only be placed in some sort of
classified section.
2. Rule #2:Never e-mail information to people who have not requested it. Sending junk mail is the
most cardinal of sins on any network!
3. Employers who allow their employees to access noncompany networks can effectively set standards
for internet use. They should see to it that the set rules of conduct are being followed by the
employees.
Implications:
The rules mentioned above are just suggestive of anyone who desires to be good and polite while communicating and interacting in the cyberspace environment. Some may agree and disagree depending on the culture that they have accustomed to. An act that is polite in one place may not be acceptable in another place. Your act or behavior might be offensive to others when you think that it is just fine. But it's good to know that we have these rules than none at all because your integrity as an individual is at stake.
Furthermore, employers play a role in checking that the set rules of conduct are being followed. Employees who are sending e-mail messages as a business tool must must do it appropriately or it can harm the company's public image which might result in loss of business.
In a library setting, a librarian's being polite in answering reference questions through e-mail can help a lot in promoting the public image of a library.
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