Groups are great places to share experiences and have conversations with those of like minds. I am a member of several groups (and forums) related to my consulting business. The best ones, by far, are the groups that have a zero tolerance policy for spammers or attentions seekers. Emailing … [Read more...]
Providing Photos and Personal Information
A site visitor writes: In informal communications through a game message board I frequent, a man I helped in another country with some of the questions he posted replied to me to thank me and then he asked about my age(!) and for a photo of me. I said I was glad to help and that I was sixteen. … [Read more...]
Always Read the TOS?
TOS stands for Terms of Service I know, I know, they are a mile long with teeny-weenie type filled with legal mumbo-jumbo. That's why most of us don't read the TOS before signing up for services or websites. We know we probably should make the effort so we are informed. And to ensure there … [Read more...]
Email Autoresponder Etiquette
Email autoresponders, also known as automatic replies or away/vacation messages are used quite often without a full understanding of how and when they should be used. While this email tool has many effective and useful applications, there are also times when using an autoresponder is not … [Read more...]
What Happens Online, Stays Online…
Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip. - Will Rogers I read an article recently that some onliners may have to literally change their names because so much of what they posted online, particularly in their younger years. would not be viewed as … [Read more...]
Ban Opinionated Signature Files?
A concerned site visitor writes: I've read your section on netiquette as it pertains to sig files, but I wonder if you could give me your opinion on the following. On a music mailing-list I'm on, someone has, as a sig, a two sentence statement that is political in nature. At least it's only 2 lines … [Read more...]
What the Heck is Lurking?
Lurking is the online term for staying in the background and watching before participating. Sounds sneaky, right? It really isn't! Why should you be a lurker? When this gig started it was only about community, and it still is with more of a commercial slant. You probably frequent … [Read more...]