Netiquette

This page combines netiquette pointers for e-mail, netnews, and all other forms of electronic interaction.

Network etiquette, or "netiquette", is plain courtesy on the net. For the most part, if you behave on the net (in your articles, e-mail letters, etc.) in the same polite way you would in a face-to-face conversation, you'll probably do fine. However, some situations apply specifically to a computer network, and you should be aware of what is considered appropriate behaviour in those instances as well.

For a crash introduction to what's permitted and what's not, read the brief list of forbidden activities on Alcor; while this list is tailored for Alcor users, it is relevant to all Concordia computer users.

Of course, the final word about such matters is Concordia's Policy on Computing Facilities; additional Alcor-specific details are available on the Alcor web site in the rules and regulations section.

There have been a number of useful FAQs written on the subject of netiquette. Particularly good ones include:

Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on Netiquette (mostly about netnews, with some e-mail pointers too).
The Copyright Myths FAQ explores copyright law and its violation in various electronic media.
Many pointers to documents of relevance to netnews can be found in the general netnews information section.

Despite all these pointers, we still tend to have lots of trouble with local users who send chain e-mail (and of course get their accounts suspended shortly thereafter). If you are at all tempted to send chain e-mail, read this anti chain letter first.

If you will be creating your own web pages on Alcor, you should be aware of IITS' rules in that respect.