Answer: The top ten 10 rules of “Netiquette.” According to dictionary.com, Network + Etiquette is defined as “The conventions of politeness recognized on the Users’ Network” (the largest decentralized information utility in existence).

• Rule 1: Remember the human.
Visual is were it’s at on the Internet for the majority of users.... so I like to use emoticons with my e-mail... smile :) , winky ;-) , frown ;( , goes a long way.

• Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior on-line that you follow in real life.
Before I hit the ‘Send’ button:
Is it the Truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will to be beneficial to all concerned?

• Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace.
If I can figure out the “who and the what” when I land on a list or a site, chances are I will fit nicely into the scheme of things. It is enriching when I receive an e-mail from Turkey or India; or interface on a chat or listserv that is exclusively technical; or surf to Yahooligans! www.yahooligans.com for a shot of youth. Celebrate the differences that are available out there.

• Rule 4: Respect other people’s time and bandwidth.
Audience drives the content, so I send only what they need. It’s a Win-Win.

• Rule 5: Make yourself look good on-line.
I must consciously be aware of my “brand” when on-line. Everyday is a learning experience for me. My grammar, spelling, writing style, ego, knowledge, and patience grows with each human who gently lifts me to the next performance level.

• Rule 6: Share expert knowledge.
“...the Internet itself was founded and grew because scientists wanted to share information...” I love this rule because intention creates reality, collaboration, synergy, and universal flow.

• Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control.
There is an art and a science to this. When I am pulled into a flame, I ask to be removed from the discussion. This enables me to devote my thoughts, hence my words and time elsewhere (oh, by the way, ‘flame’ is when someone yells at or is rude with someone else about a topic).

• Rule 8: Respect other people’s privacy.
A very wise person taught me to always ask before getting something from a purse/wallet. User specific space on the Internet or a laptop is personal and is off-limits — until permissions are established.

• Rule 9: Don’t abuse your power.
Use the power for collaboration and common good.

• Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes.
Newbies — whew! — gotta love ‘um! From the conceptual to the abstract... we’ve all been there; are there; or will be there. Perception is the key.

Keep these in mind the next time you enter into discussions and you will cultivate “Netiquette.” Have fun with it ;-)

(Editor’s Note: Adapted from “Core Rules of Netiquette,” www.albion.com/netiquette by Virginia Shea, www.emoticon.com, www.rotary.org, and www.dictionary.com. Becky Wiles is the owner of 2Amazing Web Design. She may be reached at (360) 440-5860 becky@2amazing.com, ICQ# 6973819 or www.2amazing.com.).