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Email: What is it?, Addresses, Software, Sending, Reading, Finding Attachments | Lists: What are they?, Joining, Leaving, Finding, More Info | Netiquette: Guidelines, Mailing Lists, Spam | Supplemental Links
Playing Nice: What is Netiquette?
Most netiquette guidelines developed because of the differences between written and spoken communication. The lack of visual and verbal cues in written conversation can lead to misunderstandings that result in flames—angry and mean-spirited mail messages. Responding to a flame with another flame can escalate into what is called a flame war of angry messages. A good understanding—and use of—netiquette will help improve your online communication and go a long way toward gaining the respect and assistance of other Internet users. In the following sections we outline guidelines that apply to composing email messages or participating in electronic mailing lists.
The Master Internet Volunteer Program was developed by the University of Minnesota Extension Service and was adapted for use in North Dakota with permission. Copyright © 2000 North Dakota State University. All rights reserved. North Dakota State University Extension Service |
Over the years, the
Internet community has developed its own set of informal rules and guidelines for
communicating with others. We call these guidelines "netiquette," or the electronic
equivalent of knowing which fork to use.