Getting along on the Internet is usually fairly easy. There are only a few things that you should keep in mind:

• It's a good idea to listen before you talk. If you are a new member of a mailing list, newsgroup, or bulletin board, read what others are posting for a few days to get the flavor of the list, group, or board before you post. This is called "Lurking." On many mailing lists, your first post is expected to be an introduction of yourself so the other members will know who they are talking to. Introducing yourself is not usually done on newsgroups or bulletin boards, but there are some where it is the common practice.

• Many mailing lists, newsgroups, and bulletin boards have a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers. On newsgroups, the FAQ message is usually posted at regular intervals. On mailing lists and bulletin boards the FAQ message may be posted, or it may be on an associated web site. It is a good idea to look at the FAQ message before asking a question as the answer may already be there.

• PLEASE DON'T SHOUT. Messages in all capital letters are considered shouting.

• Remember that people can't see your face or hear your tone of voice. It is very easy to say something that someone else may misinterpret. Try to think about how somebody else might interpret what you have said, and give others who seem to be saying something offensive the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes it helps to add a smiley :-) to tell people that you are only kidding. There are also certain abbreviations like <g> (grin) that can be used. A list of smileys and abbreviations is in the Nerdsville: Computers & the Web department.

• Sooner or later you will get "flamed." A flame is a nasty message or even hate mail in response to something that somebody thinks you said. If you get a flame, the best thing you can do is ignore it. People who write flames don't like being ignored and they will soon go away. I usually answer flames or hate mail with a message that says only: "Thanks you for your input."

• The Internet is full of good information. It is also full of bad information. Consider the source of anything you read. The Internet is like a giant game of pass the message. People pass on what they think they heard somewhere else. They pass on incorrect information with correct information. They pass on untrue rumors with truth. Be sure anything you pass on is both true and accurate.

• The Internet is like real life. There are good people and bad people. NEVER send your password or credit card number to someone who you do not know or trust.

Copyright © Jim and Gloria Winer. You may make a copy of this article for your own personal use. Copying for commercial purposes is prohibited.

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