N: Netiquette

N:  I'm pretty sure someone made up the word, netiquette, but it might be real and it doesn't have to do with tennis.  Certainly the idea is real. And just looking at the construction of the word, it's easy to figure out the definition.  Netiquette is proper behavior and using good manners online.

This is likely challenging for lots of people.  The world wide web is a rather impersonal way to communicate with others of the human race.  You type on a keyboard, almost like having a conversation with a machine.  But your words are being read by humans.  Your comments are directed at people.  Your judgments are touching other professionals.  Despite the old saying, words can really hurt.  Words can cause anger and destruction. Perhaps words won't harm your physical body but they can bring near fatal injuries to your reputation. 

So what is netiquette? I think it is remembering what you share and opine online is being read by people, real people.  People who have feelings, people who have influence and people with memories.  Once it is said online, it can never be unsaid.  When you say something on your blog, facebook or any other social site, write with the same inhibitions, forethought and politeness as you would as if responding in a face to face interaction.  Read what you wrote before clicking on 'post.'  Are you being open-minded? Are you being insulting? Is the tone of your post unprofessional, defensive or angry?  Is something you've typed so controversial you'll become the subject of blogs about crazy, career-killing writers?  Use good manners and common sense. 

Do you take care with your online manners? Have you ever wished to take back something you said? Have you read posts or comments that make you cringe?