These rules help govern how to properly communicate online.
Never forget that your message is read by a person with feelings that can be hurt.
Do not message anything you would not say to face-to-face.
Do not try to incite an emotional response deliberately.
As in real life, be ethical, and do not break the law.
Standards vary across websites, so be mindful of the content and tone of your message.
Recognize that not everyone prioritizes your messages similarly.
Send messages to the appropriate group of people.
When appropriate, use a private message (PM) over messaging an entire group.
Always check the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and documentation first.
Check grammar and spelling before sending messages.
Only send knowledgeable and coherent messages.
Provide help and offer answers for those who ask questions.
If you answer your own question, share the solution with the group.
Do not respond emotionally to messages; give yourself time to cool.
Do not deliberately insult or try to evoke an emotional response out of someone.
If you do any of these things, explicitly apologize.
Do not read other people’s private messages.
With great power comes great responsibility. Use it well.
We are humans, after all!
adapted by Virginia Shea’s Netiquette book