Online etiquette

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   pburgerposted 13 years ago

   Does online communication have rules?

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      rebekahELLEposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      yes, but some don't see online as real, so they don't use common online etiquette. a lot has been written about it.

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         pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with you rebekahELLE, 'some [people] don't see online as real' and  for me that is odd because in my other threads many people take great umbrage to what they perceive as a lack of etiquette, and yet they cannot see how they do not communicate with respect.
         
         And if so much was written about online etiquette, how come so many people know so little about it?

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      oishiposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Yeah, same as real life too. Since online community is generally more expanded nad includes people of various cultures , it is very important that we should not post any content which hurts any community . Staying away from racist comments of any type is paramount.

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         pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         What about when you receive abuse?

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            Marisa Wrightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Pburger, when you receive abuse on Hubpages, there are two things you should do:
            
            1.  Rise above it.  If you sink to their level and retaliate, you're giving them what they want (most online abusers are attention-seekers).  Keep your dignity.
            
            2.  If it's a personal attack, use the report button to report them to HubPages.

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               pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Dear and kind Marisa Wright
               
               Thank you for those plain and powerful ideas. I shall keep your advice in mind when next I encounter a tempest...

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               RNMSNposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Ive had 2, my first ones, this month...I wrote that I chose to leave them up and wished them well///it was weird but I agree/rise above them

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                  pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  Hi RNMSN
                  
                  Clearly, I can empathize with you... Do you find rising above the fray easy? Do you find the effort worthwhile?
                  
                  Is there some lesson we can feedback to the off-line world?

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      Ben Evansposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I think there is online etiquette.  I think more than anything it is an awareness of what you are saying to others online. 
      
      Our faces are hidden so often we can hide from the words we write.  There are some people who are bad.
      
      I would have to say that the majority of the people are contientious and care about the impact of their words on the internet.

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         pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Hello Ben Evans
         
         Thank you for that the reminder that 'the majority of the people are contentious and care about the impact of their words on the internet'.
         
         The minority of flamers does tend to obscure the majority to whom you refer.
         
         And I agree that because 'our faces are hidden ... [we think] we can hide from the words we write'.
         
         Peace be with you

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   earnestshubposted 13 years ago

   Sure, SHOUTING is poor online etiquette apparently.

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   Ultimate Hubberposted 13 years ago

   http://www.google.com/search?hl=en& … mp;spell=1
   
   http://www.google.com/search?hl=en& … mp;spell=1
   
   Yes

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   Cagsilposted 13 years ago

   Hey pburger, I might have an answer to that question. The explosive growth and expansion of the Internet, has led to many new people having access. Therefore, it appears as if no one really understands etiquette or what it is.
   
   Just one thought.

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      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Definitely that is part of the answer more people have access to the technology.
      
      But does explain why so many people construe online communication as an medium devoid of emotion:/
      
      Does it explain, why people construe the written word as a medium that does not convey emotion.
      
      Does it explain why people 'overload' their online communication with emotion, and deny the emotional impact of their communique?

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   AEvansposted 13 years ago

   Yes on-line communication has etiquette rules everyone who uses the Internet is aware of them but there are those who choose to ignore them.

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      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      'Everyone' who uses the internet is aware of the etiquette? I'm sure what you mean by 'everyone' and I'm just not sure 'everybody' knows that...
      
      But I take your point - etiquette exists...
      
      Why do you think people ignore the etiquette?
      
      What do you do when people ignore the etiquette?

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         Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         If you drive through my local supermarket's parking lot on Saturday afternoons you'll find people who ignore etiquette there too.     There'll always be people who ignore etiquette, and there'll always be some who don't realize what some etiquette "rules" are.    I overlook stuff that could just be someone's not realizing something, and pretty much write-off-as-a-jerk people who are really rude online.
         
         In fairness to a lot of people who come across like rude jerks, though:  Sometimes a person's intent or tone doesn't come across online; so the typing can just come out as rude when, maybe, the person was trying to be funny or else just "straight and to the point". 

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            pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Lisa,
            
            That's all good, but I have in mind clear cases of abuse, followed by a complete denial of any intent to abuse. Turn the other cheek?

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               Lisa HWposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Online?  Sure.  I don't really think anything someone online says is worth spinning our wheels over.     Maybe someone meant it.  Maybe he didn't.  It doesn't really matter.    If we're dealing with someone in our "real" life who acts that way we need to figure out what to do about it.  Online - I'd just steer clear of the offender and move on.  They're out there.

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   Don Simkovichposted 13 years ago

   Online etiquette includes not arguing via email, leaving constructive comments on blogs vs. simply going on to multiple blogs to leave random comments for promoting a web site, and participating in social forums by leaving useful information.

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      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Don
      
      What does the etiquette say about probing a post, that is, for example, questioning people about their opinions? Is that rude? Is my reply to you rude because I ask for more information?

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         Arthur Fontesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         
         
         I think the difference is between a request and a demand.
         
         Ex.
         
         Could you provide links?
         
         VS.
         
         Back it up with facts.

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            pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Thanks Arthur
            
            Yes I agree we have such means.
            
            But I read many posts where someone puts aside my words and attacks me based on the opposite of what I wrote.
            
            For example, in a question I posted on my hub, I wrote 'I eschew create, creator, and creation...'
            
            Someone replied 'So you are trying to justify the obvious BS of creationism by floating threads of fake ideas, which is how creationism is intruding into rational thinking.'
            
            Clearly, then, the word we use do not have the right 'effect' - so simply asking for more information is no solution because people do not read and think about 'the message'. People either focus on the words too literally, or they ignore the words and impose an interpretation...
            
            How then do can I make clear my lack of understanding  without offending the other person? And without wasting interminable wordage on clarifying myself?

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   SpanStarposted 13 years ago

   The problem of online etiquettes. I believe goes further than simply the Internet. We are who we are and whether or not we are on the phone or typing on the computer keyboard. If a person is inconsiderated on the phone. Most likely they will be inconsiderate, online. People right here at this website have talked about the decline of morality, certainly in America, and therefore lack of etiquettes would not surprise me. From my perspective, I believe people forget that change is within our grasp. Elevating what we do and how we do it provides an excellent platform for others to follow.

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      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Span Star,
      
      I can only agree - our offline communication is carried into the online medium. But I'm not sure, in this digital age, whether the philosophy of 'Elevating what we do and how we do it provides an excellent platform for others to follow'. One aspect of the online medium is that we encounter so many different points of view that the elevated view is often countered by another view that seems elevated from another perspective.
      
      Does that make sense?
      
      Do you understand me if I say 'The mosh pit of online communities encourages a plethora of codes of etiquette'?

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   SpanStarposted 13 years ago

   pburger,
   
   I believe I kind of understand the message you are conveying. The elevation I am talking about pertains to how we conduct ourselves. When faced with vulgarity, resist the temptation to do likewise. When being ridiculed. Try not to be insulting. This is the sort of platform that I am referring to, because whether or not, we know it or not each and every one of us is a role model to someone. And many times we may not even know who that someone is.

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      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Span Star
      
      I understand where you are coming from... but I think you put forth an ideal based on the polite conversation...
      
      Alas, however, I don't think the practical situation is like that online.
      
      For instance, I posted two questions on my Hub and a number of people took to insulting me.
      
      So I see that abusive people usurp the space because quiet retiring folk surrender the space. I see that the loud minority dominates and threads become clusters of 'friends' who defend the 'space' against alternative points of view.
      
      In my mind, a corrupt power relation such as that must not continue - and sometimes one must fight fire with fire - give as good as one gets...
      
      Alas, this wins no popularity but that is neither here nor there to me...

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   SpanStarposted 13 years ago

   Pburger,
   
   I am not going to say you're right but I'm also not going to say you're wrong! All sorts of people make up the world and we as individuals have to choose our own path. When we look at role models for example which would you prefer:
   
   Michael Jordan or Dennis Rodman?
   
   Jesus the Christ or Lucifer?
   
   Mother Teresa or Princess Diana?
   
   Each of these individuals chose their own path and by doing so they set an example for others to follow which is the point I'm trying to make.

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      pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Why do you feel the need to say 'I am not going to say you're right but I'm also not going to say you're wrong' and punctuate that thought with an exclamation mark?

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    SpanStarposted 13 years ago

    pburger,
    
    I express it that way because we are flawed creatures and we can't always do what we should do. I also do not know the mind of God I can only presume or interpret what he might expect from us.

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       pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you

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    wingedcentaurposted 13 years ago

    pburger,
    
    I know you know this, but people seem to bring both the worst and best of themselves to each new venue, including the Internet. Many observers seem to think that something about the relative anonymity of cyberspace provokes some people to recklessly give vent to their worst instincts, their petulance, their sometimes staggering nastiness.
    
    I'm sure there are formal rules posted..... somewhere. But like anything else, as you know, there are the rules (whatever those might be) and then there is what people do.
    
    I'd like to say, here, that in reviewing some of the forums you've hosted, if that is the word (you pose the question), I notice that one or two hubbers have been giving you a hard time, even making unkind comments about the quality of your questions.
    
    Two things. A) the only "stupid" question is the one that is not asked; it is not asked because it is assumed - usually in a very wrong way, as it frequently turns out.
    
    B)If they don't like the way you express yourself, they are, of course, free not to participate in dialogue with you. No one is putting a gun to their head. I guess I don't like seeing people picked on.
    
    But you don't let it stop you. You persevere and I admire that.
    
    Good Day, pburger.

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       pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Kind Winged Centaur
       
       Thank you for the generous spirit of your thoughts.
       
       I agree wholeheartedly that the perceived 'anonymity of cyberspace provokes some people to recklessly give vent to their worst instincts, their petulance, their sometimes staggering nastiness.' And I read about other people who share my experience...
       
       I shall continue to voice my opinion and ignore the petulant few who seek to as stand tall as a mushroom amid a pine forest...
       
       Thank you again for your kind words

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    Joy56posted 13 years ago

    i have read this thread with interest......  Etiquette, is decreasing around us daily, and sadly  on line too.
    
    I admire pburger, and his attempt to bring this to our attention once again.  It can be hurtful, we surely can all disagree without being disagreeable, or just don't comment.  This is not a battle field.

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       pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Joy56
       
       Thank you for the moral support. I totally agree with you that 'we surely can all disagree without being disagreeable'...
       
       I hope to meet you again

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          Joy56posted 13 years agoin reply to this

          i am sure we will meet again, maybe i will be your follower even,,,,,

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             GoldiStringposted 13 years agoin reply to this

             Online etiquette:  No stalking! ...I just stalked you.

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                pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                Thank you GoldiString
                
                Did someone say I need stalking? Never mind! I feel quite safe ... knowing you're there

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    eliteeservicesposted 13 years ago

    etiquette, like anything, only works if people follow the rules, which they rarely do.  internet works on premise of lack of rules or 'rule of what works'

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       pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Dear eliteeservices
       
       Thank you for your comment, and while I agree that etiquette works when people choose to work within the conventions, I'm not sure the internet works without rules.
       
       The internet works without a centralized authority - but that is not rule-less... For an example of the rules that operate on the internet I draw your attention to the 'report' button on these threads... People might not think to use the option but that's also a behavior that mimics our off-line world.
       
       We may not be aware of many rules in both off- & on-line communities, but surely that does not mean the rules do not exist...

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    nikipaposted 13 years ago

    Manners are important for good impression and will guarantee a more successful future in online communication.
    
    There are some tips to follow:
    -Remember there is a real person communicating with you and only say things online that you would say to them in person.
    -Ensure the time people will spend reading your postings is not wasted. 
    -Know what you are talking about and make sense.  Make sure your notes     are clear and logical.  Spelling and grammar are important for clarity of messages.  Only use appropriate vocabulary and avoid profanity.
    -Don’t be afraid to share what you know. If you have posed questions that you received excellent answers for, compile the responses and share them with the group.
    -Help keep flame wars under control.Flaming is expressing an opinion with (typically negative) emotion. Flaming  is acceptable provided it does not turn into a flame war where two or three people direct angry messages at one another and control the content of the discussion.
    -Don’t abuse your power.Knowing more than others or having more user rights than others does not give you the right to take advantage of others.
    -Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.If it is a minor error you may choose to ignore it. If you decide to inform someone of their mistake, point it out politely and privately.
    
    These rules of behaviour generally apply to all forms of online communication.
    
    I also have written a hub about online friends, something from my experience online.  http://hubpages.com/hub/Online-Communic … munication

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       pburgerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you nikipa
       
       Your contribution has genuine value for me.
       
       Flaming and flame wars? Wow - that was surely happening...
       
       And you make a timely and oft-forgotten recommendation to remember our communication to a real living person
       
       I will read your hub and point flamers to your wisdom
       
       Thanks and peace be with you

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