Will you pass this test?

In this week’s virtual session on Internet communication I have read something about “Netiquette”. Of course it was not the only interesting topic of the session but it somehow affected me most. It stands for “network etiquette” and shows you the do’s and don’ts of online communication. Before reading it I have never noticed the mistakes I made when communicating via Internet. I am glad to be able to avoid them now.

To make sure that all my readers benefit from my new knowledge I have invented this little test. It is similar to the personality tests you find in magazines which tell you if you are a good friend or lover. My test will tell you if you are the perfect Internet communicator or if you may have to pay more attention to your behavior online.

Let’s go! The test is composed of two parts. The first part consists of questions which a perfect Internet communicator would answer with “yes”. The questions of the second part should be answered with “no” by an expert for Internet communication. If you do not always have the right answer do not panic! Just pay more attention to the way you behave online and you will be fine! I hope the test will help you and you’ll enjoy it!

FIRST PART:

Do you remember that you are communicating with real people in the Internet? Always?

Do you keep in mind that your messages might be stored somewhere? Always?

Are your standards online and in real life the very same?

Do you know where you are and with whom you are communicating? Always?

Do you keep in mind that netiquette varies from domain to domain? Always?

Do you take a look around when you enter a domain to get to know its netiquette? Always?

Do you ensure that the time others spend reading your posting or message is not wasted? Always?

Do you ask yourself whether others really need to know or want to know your opinion or message? Always?

Do you make yourself look good? Always?

Do you pay attention to your spelling and grammar in messages? Always?

Do you keep in mind that you will be judged by the quality of your writing? Always?

Are you sure you know what you are talking about in your messages? Always?

Are your notes clear and logical? Always?

Are you pleasant and polite while communicating via Internet? Always?

Do you share expert knowledge by asking or answering questions about important topics?

Do you respect other people’s privacy? Always?

SECOND PART:

Do you forget that your conversational partner is a person with feelings? Sometimes?

Do you misinterpret your conversational partner’s messages? Sometimes?

Do you consider a lower standard of ethics or personal behavior acceptable in cyberspace? Sometimes?

Do you expect instant responses to all your questions online? Sometimes?

Do you assume that all readers will agree with your arguments? Sometimes?

Do you use offensive language? Sometimes?

Do you use your expert knowledge to take advantage of others? Do you abuse your power? Sometimes?

I hope you all passed my little test! I am looking forward to your multitudinous comments!