CSC 379 SUM2008:Week 1, Group 1

Netiquette Best Practices: Online Communities

At the time of writing of “Netiquette” and RFC1855 in 1994-95, it would have been difficult to envision the variety of community structures and ranges of participation that characterize the contemporary internet. Despite being written over a decade ago, most of the guidelines remain relevant today; however elaboration is needed to address interactions in the new and emerging mediums of the web, such as social networks, blogs, wikis, and other interactive websites. Examine existing Netiquette guidelines, identifying those that have grown in importance, and propose several new guidelines applicable to these online communities. Provide short explanations for each proposal, citing evidence for its consideration as a “best practice” for the development of and/or interaction within online communities. Include justification for each of your proposals on the basis of ethical principles. DUE FRIDAY 11:30PM

Origin

The term netiquette is a portmanteau word using the words net, referring to the internet, and etiquette. The earliest known use of the word dates back to 1988 from columns in Dear Emily Postnews.<ref>Dear Emily Postnews</ref> The need for these rules arose during a time when the main use of the internet was text based email. Most considered it inappropriate for anyone with a commercial agenda to send their messages this way. This called for a set of ground rules to regulate behavior of users.

Basic Rules

1. They're people too
   • Respect others:
     • Feelings
     • Opinions
     • Time
     • Privacy
2. Your Internet persona should be an extension of you
   • Act the same way online as you would in real life.
   • Don't incriminate yourself.
3. Know where you are on the web
   • Certain domains may have specific rule that users are required to follow.
   • Look for questions you may have in the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document before asking them.

Social Networking

• YouTube

From movies and music videos to "what I ate today ", YouTube has transformed the Internet from the text-based world of the 1990's into the streaming-video fed society that it is today.

With the world watching YouTube on a daily basis, care must be taken in what content is uploaded. You never know when something that you meant for a small audience might end up receiving national attention such as the infamous Star Wars Kid

On the other hand, when you really want to get the word out about something, such as being tasered you really can't beat YouTube. This is especially true if your video is worth giving you 15 minutes of fame.

• Facebook

A social utility that began as a networking tool for colleges students now has over 80 million worldwide users. Facebook gives users the ability to learn about people in many different networks, such as schools, regions, or companies. In 2006, facebook became open to anyone, allowing people with friends and others who work, study and live around them to stay connected.

• MySpace

Message Boards

• Help keep flame wars under control
  • Don't post or respond to flame bait.
  • Apologize for your mistakes.
  • Be forgiving of others mistakes.

External Links

• Netiquette by Virginia Shea
• Netiquette on Wikipedia
• RFC1855 Netiquette Guidelines
• Internet Etiquette for kids
• Basic guidelines from AL6400.com
• n-etiquette.com