Digital Code of Conduct

Digital Code of Conduct

·         Identify yourself:

o       Begin messages with a salutation and end them with your name.

o     Use a signature (a footer with your identifying information) at the end of a message

·         Include a subject line. Give a descriptive phrase in the subject line of the message header that tells the topic of the message (not just "Hi, there!").

·         Avoid sarcasm. People who don't know you may misinterpret its meaning.

·         Respect others' privacy. Do not quote or forward personal email without the original author's permission.

·         Acknowledge and return messages promptly.

·         Copy with caution. Don't copy everyone you know on each message.

·         No spam (a.k.a. junk mail). Don't contribute to worthless information on the Internet by sending or responding to mass postings of chain letters, rumors, etc.

·         Be concise. Keep messages concise—about one screen, as a rule of thumb.

·         Use appropriate language:

o       Avoid coarse, rough, or rude language.

o      Observe good grammar and spelling.

·         Use appropriate emoticons (emotion icons) to help convey meaning. Use "smileys" or punctuation such as :-) to convey emotions. 

·         Use appropriate intensifiers to help convey meaning.

o     Avoid "flaming" (online "screaming") or sentences typed in all caps.

o     Use asterisks surrounding words to indicate italics used for emphasis (*at last*).

o     Use words in brackets, such as (grin), to show a state of mind.    
    Use common acronyms (e.g., LOL for "laugh out loud").