WEB SEMINAR

Netiquette
by Ron Mader

PLANETA WIKISPACE
WEB 1, 2, 3 FORUM

There is no competition among lighthouses. (Entre faros no hay competitores.)
- Dichos

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FYI -- This document is part of our popular Web Seminar. As such, it is always a work in progress and we welcome helpful editorial suggestions. If Planeta.com can assist you, please consider making a financial donation or organizing a webinar.

MAKING CONTACT -- Email sent to Planeta may be published. If you don't want that to happen, just let us know. Requests for anonymity will be honored. (Email Tips)

There are no standard rules for net etiquette, no Emily Post.

A good first rule of thumb is communicating with Planeta.com is to simply follow our email tips.

How one uses the Web depends on understanding various points of view. What seems right to one, seems wrong to another. What one site considers "fair use," another considers copyright infringement. In short, there is no satisfying everyone. But you can learn to satisfy those with whom you communicate.

ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Our recommendation is to review the following questions with partners and associates. As long as all parties are comfortable communicating, you'll be making effective use of the Web.

EMAIL ETIQUETTE

When should messages be forwarded? Quoted?
If someone writes to you about a third party, can that message be forwarded?
Can a writer ask (and expect) that a message will not be forwarded?
To what degree do we communicate personal news?

INTERNET PHONE ETIQUETTE

Should IM be used before ringing?

CHAT ETIQUETTE

Are chats scheduled or spontaneous?
Should one ask permission to start a chat?
If a friend asks to chat at a specific hour (example: 11:00 GMT), what time should the chat begin?
If a chatter asks for a 5-minute break, at what time should the chat resume?
Should a chatter begin a chat when they only have 5 minutes?

CONFERENCE ETIQUETTE

If conference organizers announce an event online, should they be expected to post a summary?
How long should conference organizers be asked to archive results on the Web?

ACADEMIC ETIQUETTE

If a researcher posts a query online a forum or website, should we expect this person to submit a follow-up message with 'lessons learned' or publication news?

FORUM ETIQUETTE

Are participants who ask questions requested or required to provide follow-up and a summary of what they learned?

CONFERENCE ETIQUETTE

As mentioned in our Sustainable Tourism Wish List and our guide to Green Events, traditional conferences need to include parallel forums on the Web.

Please, no more closed door meetings that do not include an opportunity for a virtual dialogue among interested parties before, during and after the event. Interested constituencies without the money or time to attend the event in person should have the opportunity to participate.

GUIDELINES

Many sites -- including this one -- have guidelines that explain how one can best contribute content. In our case, we provide guidelines on submitting articles and links and using the Planeta Forum. Read the guidelines carefully to communicate effectively.

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