Netiquette Rule #1: Spell check


Spell check and proofread all written internet communication because errors diminish the credibility of the message.

On the internet, grammar and spelling errors are common for many reasons. Better spelling, grammar, and punctuation help you communicate with more people because

Netiquette Rule #2: No All Caps


Do not use all caps on the internet because it is shouting. All caps is considered shouting on the internet. Shouting is not polite. Therefore, it is bad netiquette to use all caps on the internet because shouting is not polite.

Using all capital letters in electronic communication is like shouting at someone in person. It is a common technique used by HUSTLERS to get attention.

Netiquette Rule #3: Tell the truth


Honesty is good netiquette because network communications are not valid without it. Be honest in your profiles and other communication because honesty creates the best online experience.

Without truth you have nothing but entertainment. The internet is not legitmate without truth. The internet is not a court of law, so you do not have to tell the whole truth or fill out forms completely, but you do have to be honest for proper netiquette.

Netiquette Rule #4: Be yourself


Be yourself online because you are not anonymous online and others users are real people too. Do not say or do things online that you would not do in reality because you cannot be taken seriously if you do. Your online image is important. Don't ruin it by being someone you're not.

Netiquette Rule #5: Do not flame

Do not flame or respond to flames because they are uncivilized. A flame is a personal insult communicated through the internet. Netiquette rules civilize the internet, cybersphere, because it is the social code of the internet.


A troll is a catch all term for trouble maker. There are many ways to make trouble. Posting flames is one way.
A flame is a specific type of action by troll. It's personal. An off topic comment is not necessarily a flame.

Netiquette Rule #6: Do not spam


Do not spam or follow pop-up and spam links because they can lead to viruses, spyware, and malware.

Spam, in terms of security, is an automatically generated email sent to a bulk list of email addresses. Any unsolicited email is spam, but the ones that pose the most risk are automatically generated ones to bulk address lists.

Netiquette Rule #7: Be conservative

Be conservative in email you send and liberal in email you receive because quality is better than quantity.

Conservative composition and sending ensures your messages are read. No one reads long emails completely and people who send too many emails get ignored. If your email is not read it is low quality no matter how well you wrote it.

Netiquette Rule #8: Do not send email at night


Do not send email late at night because it may call your life style into question.

The hours of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM are generally considered sleeping hours. Therefore, email sent during this time may call your life style into question. Do not send email between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM local time.

Netiquette Rule #9: Shop secure sites

Shop secure websites because they protect your information when you check out.

Security certificates provide the best security for transaction processing and are required by most credit card processors. Transport layer Security (TLS) and Secure Socket Layers (SSL) are internet protocols for protecting your data, cryptography.

Netiquette Rule #10: Use Discretion

Use discretion in everything you do on the internet. This includes creating social networking profiles and posting comments.

When you sign up for a social networking website you must complete a registration form. Fill out the required information and use the privacy controls to manage your online image. Understand, nothing is truly private on the internet.