Old Rules, New Venue

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Image via Wikipedia"][/caption]

Over the past few decades, the rise of global chat networks introduced us to a way of communicating within in the bounds of polite behavior. Now, we have major social networks such as Twitter and Facebook. Polite behavior has not changed, just the venue.

Here are some simple rules chatroom users have used for years, now we need to move them into the social networks. They are easy and not over-demanding.

Be polite - Even if you don't agree with someone. It is ok to disagree, but not ok to insult someone. You must try to remember that these are real people who do have feelings.

Expect the worst - Because there is almost always someone who will be trying to ruin a good conversation. Some people don't know how to have a conversation, just let them burn out and don't fuel their fire.

Try not to use bad Language - As in the real world, foul language is inappropriate. A basic rule of thumb, if you wouldn't want your grandmother to read it or your toddler to repeat it, don't use it.

Be Careful! - Never give out your address or phone number to strangers! There are some really weird people out there. If you do not know someone, don't give them personal information about yourself. This means need to monitor your privacy settings as well. Some sites make changes to the way these function from time to time. If you don't want your real info getting out, make some up.

Using Caps - When in a chatroom using all capital letters is considered yelling. Avoid doing this because others may take offense. This is also true in your status updates. Yelling is still yelling.

[spacer size="20"]If you follow these simple rules, your experience on social networks will be better for everyone.

 

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