To our generation's
progress, the use of internet has and is continuously becoming a tool for
everyone to make their jobs easier which upholds how reliable it can be as
nowadays, we DO rely on it. How though? We use it to transport or share
information, our higher-ups require it for the job to do, we use it to connect
with our family, friends and even to keep in touch with what's happening in
just a form of a click. It's not as simple as it sounds though, because just
like our system outside the internet, we must follow certain behaviors and laws
to keep it real, civilized and a good environment. And probably, at least
knowing the basics would help you determine right from wrong which can help you
avoid breaking laws or offending people more evidently, in other words,
etiquette. Here's how to present good etiquette in the Internet.
On
what you want to say
We must always remember that each and
every one of us internet users have very different points of views, religions,
principles and beliefs. So watching your words would be the best start to
maintain etiquette. But It is quite understandable that you must not only be
the one to adjust, because, who are others to constrain you from what you want
to do? Here are some tips to do it properly.
· Post
advisories or pre-cautions, a warning so that you can limit your audience.
· Be
general, open awareness on your motive and make sure it is rational and not
one-sided.
· DO NOT
state or attack anything about what you don't know especially if it pertains or
is a potential conflict to other people's views, beliefs especially on religion
and race.
· Evaluate
if it is appropriate and always raise awareness of its relevance.
Respect
Copyright laws and cite your sources
This is definitely a must, especially
when working on research, thesis’s, publications, etc. It is wrong in many ways
to take information or works of others in to your use especially without giving
it recognition or citing the sources, having no permission from the owner for
your usage and of course, disgracefully claiming it to be yours. This crime is
called Plagiarism. Generally, one must always cite the source/s if they are to
use it, if asking permission is too much trouble. Though Plagiarism might be a
broad topic to take on, maybe the punishments for committing the crime can
alert you.
"Most cases of plagiarism are considered misdemeanors,
punishable by fines of anywhere between $100 and $50,000 -- and up to one year
in jail.
Plagiarism can also be considered a felony under certain state
and federal laws. For example, if a plagiarist copies and earns more than
$2,500 from copyrighted material, he or she may face up to $250,000 in fines
and up to ten years in jail."
Not only have you violated the law
if ever, but you have also disrespected the author or the creator of the
information you have taken for your use without citing.
Be
Professional
We're
all getting older and older as each day goes by and in time, being immature
despite your age of capability will continue to disregard irrational excuses.
And even so, we are all being evaluated by our higher-ups, professors, bosses
and such. That's why we must always be professional, even in the cyber world,
where it is mostly required for most jobs in the whole world now. To keep up at
least basically, here are some tips.
· We must
respect the confidentiality of the information given to us by whomever.
· It has
been given to us because there is a somewhat trust invested by the giver,
whatever motive might have pushed them to do so.
· As a good
recommendation, as much as possible we must be impulsive in protecting or being
confidential on our information, the information given to us and as a
consideration, even the information of possible threat that can lead to a mess.
· On sending
requirements, information, e-mails and anything business related,
· Respect
and obey the requirements or formats to be followed
· Have your
work or paper format to be comprehensible; generally, black font on white
space, appropriate font sizes and sufficient spacing.
· Of course,
avoid profanity.
· Leave any
forms of your contact so that you can be kept in touch for feedback or requests
ONLY IF the one you're giving it to is trusted, academically related, related
and in the confines of your job or requirements, legitimate and has legitimate
identification to increase your security.
Be
polite and nice
Definitely a root of anything
positive, being nice and polite is the most recommendable manner to be in when
in the internet or not. This makes others think of you as accommodating and
would inquire what they really want to know especially when it pertains to
business. It creates a very positive character and reputation and would
definitely help you avoid trouble. This also includes not being profane in
expressing yourself and using the common good manners that have been taught to
us in our young years.
Internet
phrase shortcuts
To cope up with the trends or better yet,
to understand it, here are some common acronyms that users often utilize:
·
LOL- Laugh Out Loud
·
AFK- Away From Keyboard
·
BRB- Be Right Back
·
BTW- By the Way
·
K- Okay
·
B/C- Because
·
NVM- Nevermind
·
TC- Take Care
These are only some of them,
but it is better only to understand them and not to use it because really, not
everyone can.
These indeed are
instructions to follow proper internet etiquette but with further practice for
this, it can lead up to a great change for the better, especially if everyone
would participate. For the least, it could be of the welfare of the cyber
world, but it must not always be in the cyber world. We are capable of creating
great significances, and yes, the internet may be an excellent example for that
but there is certainly a greater extent that can seer over our attachments to
the contemporary products we have created with our hands.
Photo Sources
Contributed by: By Jan Miranda, August 2013
