Principles for responsible online conduct

1. NETIQUETTE
R U L E S F O R E T H I C A L O N L I N E C O N D U C T

2. WHAT DO YOU MEAN NETIQUETTE?
• In the simplest terms possible, netiquette is just a play on words on how to conduct
business online in a professional, morally-responsible, and ethical manner.

3. HOW DO I PRACTICE GOOD
NETIQUETTE?
• I have comprised a general list of principles to guide one in becoming and maintain
good digital citizenship status.

4. 1ST PRINCIPLE: RESPECT
• Practice the “golden rule” (Remember to treat others the way you would like to be
treated)
• Please keep in mind the rules for discussion and abide by them.
• Respect opinions even when they are different than yours.
• Don’t lose the human element: If you wouldn’t say it “in-person”, then you should
avoid typing it.
• Use appropriate language

5. 2ND PRINCIPLE: TAKE IT SERIOUS
• Type responses in a professional manner: These are not text messages (Avoid using
emoticons and abbreviations)
• Read all comments before clicking the send button.
• Use data and relevant sources to provide evidence for your responses.
• Add new meaningful comments to the discussion board as opposed to repeating what
others have said.

6. 3RD PRINCIPLE: BE ETHICAL
• Protect the identity of others.
• Avoid using names of individuals in subject lines of emails.
• When possible, try to avoid mass email lists. (This just increases the chances of
compromising someone’s identity to others.)
• Avoid culturally insensitive comments
• Avoid “baiting” (Saying something for the purpose of making others angry to spur
discussion)
• Avoid foul and/or offensive language.