China DOS Union

Basic netiquette
Rule 1: Remember that there are people on the other end
The Internet gives people from all over a common place to gather. This is an advantage of high technology, but it often also makes us forget, in front of the computer screen, that we are dealing with other people, and so our behavior can easily become rougher and more rude. Therefore, the first rule of Netiquette is “remember that there are people on the other end.” If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online either.

Rule 2: Behave online the same as offline
In real life, most people obey laws and rules, and the same should apply online. Morality and law on the Internet are the same as in real life. Don’t think that just because you are dealing with a computer online, your moral standards can be lowered.

Rule 3: When in Rome, do as the Romans do
Even among websites, different forums have different rules. Something you can do in one forum may not be appropriate in another. For example, joking around and spreading rumors in a chatroom is different from spreading rumors in a news forum. The best advice: lurk for a while before speaking, so you can get a feel for the atmosphere of the forum and what behavior is acceptable.

Rule 4: Respect other people’s time and bandwidth
Before asking a question, first spend some time searching and researching on your own. Very likely the same question has already been asked many times before, and ready-made answers are easy to find. Don’t be self-centered; other people have to spend time and resources to look for answers for you.

Rule 5: Leave a good impression of yourself online
Because of the anonymous nature of the Internet, others cannot judge you by your appearance, so every word you say becomes the only basis for their impression of you. If you are not very familiar with a certain subject, read a few books before speaking up. Shooting in the dark will only earn you the title of chatter king. Likewise, carefully check your grammar and wording before posting. Do not deliberately provoke others or use foul language.

Rule 6: Share your knowledge
Besides answering questions, this also includes the following: when you ask an interesting question and get many answers, especially through email, you should write up a summary afterward and share it with everyone.

Rule 7: Argue calmly
Arguments and flame wars are normal phenomena. Use reason to convince people; do not make personal attacks.

Rule 8: Respect other people’s privacy
Records of email or private chats (icq/qq) between you and someone else should be considered part of privacy. If you know someone goes online under a pen name, it is also not good behavior to reveal his real name on the forum without permission. If you happen to see someone’s email or secrets open on a computer, you should not go around broadcasting it.

Rule 9: Do not abuse your power
Administrators and moderators have more power than other users, and they should use that power carefully. Experts in the game room should go easy on newbies.

Rule 10: Be tolerant
We were all newbies once, and we all make mistakes. When you see someone write the wrong character, use the wrong word, ask a basic question, or write an unnecessarily long post, don’t make a big deal of it. If you really want to give advice, it is best to suggest it privately by email.

Good! A must-read for net addicts!

Ha~ nice.