Thursday, February 18, 2010

Netiquette

We all have varying degrees of what is acceptable etiquette at the dinner table, in business meetings and when visiting foreign countries, so how do those rules translate to an online environment? Does removing the geographical and cultural surrounds that are so much more ephereal online mean that we all live and breathe the same manners on the Internet?

How do we navigate a vastly more comprehensive network of cultures, standards, and customs without offending? Showing the soles of your feet to people is offensive in some cultures - does using acronyms on the web have the same effect in parts of the internet ether?

There have been various studies conducted (usually with teenagers) to show that we interact via the web in a far more open manner – even with people we know. What we wouldn’t say to them in person, we’re much more inclined to reveal behind the veil of our computers. That makes sense. It’s the same with a telephone conversation and a little bit of bravado never hurt anyone. But where does bravado end and arrogance start? Nowhere is more rife with good and bad behaviour than social media.

Netiquette for social media
Watching organisations and individuals traverse the internet’s social media terrain, there are some that seem to bring their values and manners into the way they apply themselves to the space and others that grew up with elbows on the table and were never taught their pleases and thank-yous.

Treat others how you would like to be treated. It sounds cheesy and a bit school marmish but in the world of social media, having respect for those you are in the same game park as is going to get you further than bullying your way around. Here are a few tips for netiquette in social media:

– Don’t hog the limelight – it’s a moving, breathing space. Make your point and move on.

– Don’t use hash tags that have nothing to do with what you’re writing about. It doesn’t help anyone and annoys most.

– Don’t write the same way you would on your corporate website or on a job application. Be yourself, after all, you’re the only one who can do it well.

– Give your opinion. Good or bad is fine but remember that others can do the same.

– Find out where you stand and the rules before jumping in. Only a fool jumps head first into a pool they’ve never swum in before.

– Give credit where credit is due. People will respect you for it and will do the same for you.

– Be brave and give it a go. If you make a mistake, apologise and move on. Practice makes perfect…or at least moves us in the right direction.

There is no entrance exam on how to behave in social media but common sense and being yourself are a good start.

Post. CD