2 Fords Network Netetiquette Page

'Netetiquette Page

What is netetiquette?: The Internet is vast and reaches all continents (including Antarctica). So different are the views and cultures on the Internet that a base "netetiquette" has been generally agreed on.
Why should I use netetiquette?: It will keep you and The 2 Fords Network from looking like someone who does not care (at best) or a complete jerk (at worst.)
O.K. So I am not going to be that crass, but what is this flaming stuff?: Flaming is when you make an intentional or unintentional mistake on the 'Net and some of the (appointed and self appointed) consciences of the net either privately but more often publicly ridicule you. It is interesting that many of these self appointed flamers often violate the etiquette, moral, or principal that they are supposedly flaming someone else for violating.
Gosh, sounds like I should not even try to be here.: Actually, the vast majority does not have any problems nor do they make problems. Everyone has the ability to voice their opinion and lets look at a few simple things to remember and you will do fine..
What is the most important thing you can think of for netetiquette?: The most important thing is to think! You are not talking to a computer. You are using a computer to talk to another human. Do not say anything that you wouldn't say to someone face to face.
Is that all? No problem.: That is not all, but it is a good start. The second biggest mistake is to type in all capitals. All capitals means that you are SHOUTING at someone.
O.K. no caps lock on the key board, but what if I am flaming someone else?: Don't flame anyone else. Because the Internet is almost instantaneous, the temptation to fire back a nasty gram or a flame is very tempting. Stop. Stay cool. Save the message and go back to it several hours later. Is it really intended to offend? Often times people will attempt to use wry humor or biting satire. Most of the times it fails miserably. (Which brings up a point about saying what you mean later on.) If you stay out of the fray and ignore the comments, more than not someone (or an entire group) will come to your defense. The 'net does not usually like flamers. Nor does the net like for two people to get into a flame war in public that should be held in private.
What is the point you wanted to say about "saying what you mean"?: A good way to stay out of harms way is to say exactly what you mean and how you mean it to be said. Be as concise as possible. Smileys sometimes do the trick of conveying that it was a joke, but if you have to use smileys , it probably could be written better.
How long or verbose should my messages be?: Messages (unlike this web page) should be long enough to get the point across, yet short enough to keep the reader's attention. The use of TLA's or three letter acronyms helps a lot, but only if the person reading it understands what they are.
I think I am getting the hang of this. Any more words of advice?: Two things. Spelling and bad etiquette mistakes. One of the easiest ways to look like a jerk (or joke) on the internet is have constant (intentional or unintentional) spelling and grammar mistakes.
Any last words?: The Internet is not a scary place. It is just people talking through computers to people. If you remember that last point, you will be alright. You will find your experience on the net a much more pleasant experience if you take the time to read all the NFO and FAQ pages, as well as the NEW USERS PAGES, and any of the other information pages that have been put up on the 2 Fords Network.