Netiquette

"Netiquette" is not drastically different than etiquette. Basically, it is etiquette for the Internet. On IRC, this translates into a sort of Golden rule, treat others as you wish to be treated. If you treat others on IRC networks with a lack of respect, they will not respect you or welcome you in their channels, on their servers, or on their networks.

How Current Users View "Netiquette":

Defender:"Be very very nice to everyone you meet. Sorta like the rest of life."

LadyGwen:"Having concideration for others in the room, dependant on their ages, not lurking in rooms"

Anonymous1:"A set of standards which a person should adhere to, to facilitate better communications with others, and to ensure that behaviour that can be labelled as inappropriate does not come into play. It is basically the virtual version of 'common decency'. Netiquette is something intangible, but is represented by a person's behaviour rather. It includes such things as not flooding a channel, treating others with respect in general, not imposing kicks or bans for no reason, and so forth."

Jamesey:"YOU MEAN LIKE THIS!! NETIQUETTE IS not typing in all caps. It's not flaming the n00bs, unless they flame first. Don't flood. that's annoying. Seeing 10,000 messages about how Joe Blow rules is not fun."

Anonymous2:"Being from Texas, I have always defined it as "home training" *in a very southern accent* It means there are mutually accepted rules of behavior for the Internet and IRC, just as in any situation."

Sophosis:"a general behavior for the internet"

Anonymous3:"being polite, not begging for ops, not asking asl"

shard:"Treating others while online as you would have them treat you."

MissMinx:"basically everything else.. just be yourself and if you don't get along with someone don't talk to them and put them on ignore.. just like everyday social interaction.. "

Basic Rules to Follow While on IRC:

-Avoid using all CAPS, this is the Internet equivalent of shouting

-Read FAQ's and policies if provided before asking questions

-Avoid attention seeking practices: flooding (sending numerous messages in a short period of time) is not going to get a response, in fact it will probably get you ignored at best. And at worst, a channel operator may kick you or ban you.

-Remember that IRC operators do not get involved in "channel issues" unless they are in breach of network policy. Then it is handled on a case-by-case basis. If you have concerns about a channel, take it up with the channel operators or channel owner.

-Try to avoid private messaging someone without their permission.

-Avoid the dreaded "a/s/l": contrary to popular belief by newbies, it is not a greeting. It is taken as extremely rude by many IRC users and in most cases will promptly get you ignored. Personal information on IRC is not usually something that is shared with complete strangers. If for some reason you have to ask for any of the information in an "a/s/l", ask the actual question politely, and be prepared to accept a decline to state as an answer.

-Please do not perpetuate the Evil Spam. We all hate unwanted advertising, from mass emails in hotmail accounts to annoying popups on websites. IRC is no different, unwanted solicitations are generally not welcome, and on some networks and channels, forbidden.

-While English is not the only language spoken on IRC, please try to speak English in a channel, unless the topic clearly identifies the channel as a "foreign" channel. For those of you who prefer "MiXeDuP" text or "L33t" terms, unless a channel clearly identifies itself as L33t friendly, conversational English is generally preferred and you might get labeled as a complete idiot. In other words, before you complain about abusive channel operators, check and see if the channel is really the right place for you to be.

-Avoid asking for operator status in a channel you have just entered. Channels generally choose their operators based upon what they need and who they see will fit that need; not based upon who asks for it. In fact, "op begging" generally annoys most channel owners and significantly reduces your chances of being allowed to stay in the channel.

-While excessive cloning, having multiple connections open to a single IRC network, is generally not tolerated on most networks; some channels do not tolerate any cloning of any form. To clone or not to clone? Don't. Save everyone some headaches unless you have a valid reason.

-Testing features, clients, scripts, etc. should generally be done in an empty channel or in channels where you have permission to do so. General chat channels are usually accepting of newbies trying to learn how to use their IRC clients, especially if you ask for help and are willing to actually listen.

-Can't understand the acronyms or smileys someone is using? Here's a quick guide to some basics from WellnessWeb: http://www.wellnessweb.com/WELLNESS/smiley.htm And instead of assuming what someone is thinking, you could always ask, *politely*

-If it's your first time on a channel, you may be inclined to just lurk, sit in the channel without talking. Be careful though, some channels may take this as offensive and kick you for it.

-Always remember you're talking to humans (well, except in the case of bots, but mistaking a human user for a bot is highly offensive). Would you like to be treated with a lack of respect? Also remember that harassment on IRC is still harassment. Your actions on IRC may have legal repercussions depending on the situation.

If the golden rule lacks resonance with you, try to remember how Anonymous phrases it: "I am what I am. Don't get in my way, I won't get in yours."

Survey Respones About the Worst Breaches of Netiquette

Defender: "Script kiddies with too much time on their hands and the ability to use IRC Zombie Bots."

LadyGwen:"lurking... hanging out and not talking to others..... young kids coming in and being nasty"

Anonymous1:"Getting flooded on a public channel is very irritating. People revealing personal information about others without their consent is also irritating. People 'begging' continuously for operator status on a channel with no reason to do so is annoying."

Anonymous2:"Whether it is netiquette or etiquette; I truely have a problem dealing with mean people."

Anonymous3:"ummm its a toss up between op begging and asking asl"

shard:"People who just don't listen, there is a big difference between ignorance and stupidity."

MissMinx:"bothering someone who has told you to go away, spamming(advertising channels and such), acting like a stalker, using capital letters (yelling), trying to find out a/s/l "