Proper etiquette on social networks.

First all, I would like to define and describe what etiquette is. According to Merriam-Webster (m-w.com), etiquette is the conduct or procedure required by good upbringing or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life. I see it as using good manners, common sense, and appropriate conduct. In other words the right behavior in the right place at the right time. Why is it important to practice politeness and courteous behavior? Well, do you like being embarrassed or treated rudely? None of us do.

The do's

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Be polite. Putting personal, crude, sexual, or vulgar posts or info about you and others that you know, on your profile will only cause others to disrespect you before they get to know you. Even if they write back affirmatively and act amused or click "like' on an inappropriate post, they have still lost respect for you!

Be respectful. Humor those you don't know by congratulating them on an accomplishments they share, respect their opinions and ALWAYS honor their privacy. There is no reason to share things online that is no one else's business! Sharing an interest or a compliment will help people feel comfortable with writing to you.

Be a friend to those you friend. Stand up to bullying, slander/libel, and character assassination. Always report these!

Compliment the achievements of others and always try to return polite/friendly emails.

What to avoid

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Arguments- It is fun to debate Sports, Politics and Entertainment acts. However, it is unacceptable to join in on family, "office", or other arguments! I have asked people to handle their squabbles in other ways, and to stop attacking each other online. I am not faulting Facebook at all, but I do this behavior on their site more than the others. Facebook, to their credit makes it easy to block and report abusive people.

Insults- When someone is rude, it is better to report or block them than it is to insult them and to fight back.

Accusations- This can get you into serious trouble, and spoils the fun and spirit of a social network! If you have a gripe with somone, be an adult and deal with it like one!

Ganging up and bullying- Again block someone who is in appropriate. Two wrongs don't make a right. Stepping in to defend someone is fine but, make sure you do not get sucked into a battle that you can not easily get out of. Many agressive and mean spirited people do not care what the truth is, they just want to pull good people down to their level. If you allow this to happen to you, then they win!

Its a jungle out there so keep your language clean, your intentions harmless and , of coarse be safe and have fun!