Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Do's and Doesn't's

guide to online etiquette
phraseology borrowed from my LC girl

Raise your hand if you have ever gotten burned in an online interaction...

I think we all have.

Rudeness is intolerable in real life. It is no less intolerable in online interactions.

Here are 15 guidelines to measure your online manners by...

1. Don't say in writing what you'd never say to someone's face. Do stick to the same behavior standards you would follow in real life. If you wouldn't say it to their face, don't say it online.

2. Don't steal content-whether pictures or words. Do give credit where credit is due, and do ask permission when in doubt.

3. Don't start a message off with the words, "I often read your blog and love it, but never comment..." And then proceed to lambaste the person. Do temper criticism with praise. If you don't ever comment positively, then don't comment negatively.

4. Do share your opinion, in a respectful manner. Realize there may be differences of viewpoint and opinion. Respect other's opinions. Do start a discussion. Don't pick an argument.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

5. Do feel free to not read a blog or unsubscribe from a feed if you are continually riled up about the content. There is variety and freedom in the www, and there is no need to keep reading content that doesn't bless, challenge or edify you.

6. Do remember that each person will give an account for every idle word. This includes written words.

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36, 37)

7. Do think before you hit the send button. Reread your words. Review, review and then send. Consider how the words might come across. Leave it sit for a while if you aren't sure.

8. Don't use profanity. Profanity comes off as immature and ignorant and not generally the heartfelt tone you were aiming for.

9. Do be careful with the use of humor. It is often misunderstood. Qualifying statements with just saying does not negate their hurtfulness.

10. Do put yourself in the other person's shoes. How would you feel if someone commented this on your wall, in your feed, or in an email to you?

11. Don't spam.

12. Don't type in all caps.

13. Do remember there is a human being with whom you are interacting. A human with feelings and opinions and good & bad days.

14. Do be forgiving. Water off a duck's back...

15. Do be discreet. Some things should never be shared online.

How polite are you online?