The following rules were posted in the online class I’m taking at NSCC. I thought they were appropriate for general use, and I hope they are helpful to you. Because no one wants to be a noob on the InterTubes.

• Use an accurate subject line
  Always type a subject line for your e-mail or discussion board post that reflects the content of your message. Never leave a subject line blank. If you are in an extended online discussion the subject may change, and you should change the subject line. This makes it possible to revisit specific emails or posts at a later date without an undue amount of searching.
• Stay on topic
  If you need to change the subject, start a new post. Do not clutter up message threads with posts that carry the discussion in multiple directions.
• Use mixed case
  Do not use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS or all lower case letters. Using all caps is equal to shouting or screaming. It’s considered rude to shout online. This is one of the primary rules of online communication. It is especially rude to type entire paragraphs in all caps because it is extremely hard to read. Do not expect others to tolerate this behavior without comment.
• Use a blank line between paragraphs
  Adding a line of white space between paragraphs aids legibility. Reading online can be difficult. Do not make it harder.
• Remember the Human
  Forgive others for errors of spelling or fact. Before you take offense at something you read, consider that it came from a person, not a machine. Don’t send a message in the heat of the moment. Save it, review it later, and consider whether your reply conveys inappropriate anger. Remember that no-one can see your facial expression, or clenched fist, or sheepish grin, or outstretched arms. Your words might express the opposite of what you intended.
• Don’t be a “flamer” or “troll”
  Do not make personal attacks, no matter what the provocation. Do not respond to personal attacks directly. Contact your instructor instead. Do not post antagonistic or inflammatory messages designed to start controversy.
• Be brief, but be clear
  People are more likely to read a shorter message, and appreciate it when you are succinct. Do not ramble, but take time to be friendly. Messages that are overly brief can be interpreted as being terse. Refer to: “Writing for the Internet” for guidance.
• Check your spelling
  Review and edit your words before you send a message. Remember that this is a classroom.
• Be selective
  This site is password protected, but other sites are not. Consider any information you put in emails or on web sites to be viewable by anyone. This includes the instructor, future employers, and governments of all nationalities.
• Respect copyright laws
  Don’t use words or images created by others without permission. Don’t forward emails or use web site content without permission. Visit the Library of Congress’ Guide on “Copyright Basics” for some guidelines.
• Acknowledge others posts
  If you post a question and receive a reply, say thank you. If you receive an email, send a reply. At the least, send a message that you will reply more fully at a later date, and say what that later time is expected to be. Do not make someone wonder if you read the message they worked on so carefully.
• Do not send SPAM
  Online unsolicited advertising messages are called SPAM. They are the electronic equivalent of junk mail. They are not appropriate in email, are not appropriate on discussion boards, and are not appropriate in the classroom.
• Don’t forward chain letters
  If you receive one, notify your instructor.
• Remember you are not anonymous
  What you write in an e-mail and web site can be traced back to you. Messages might be archived and read years later. Don’t send anything you may regret sending later.
• Help the newbie
  Those who are new to the internet are sometimes called newbies. Remember that you were once new yourself and received assistance from others with more experience. Pass on the favor.
• Search before asking
  The information you want is probably posted somewhere already. Check out the FAQ pages and other content before you ask someone. If someone went to the effort to put a fact where you could find it, they expect you to look for it.

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