Among users of network telematic services, primarily the Internet, and in particular among readers of Usenet “news” services, over time a series of “traditions” and “principles of good behavior” (etiquette) have developed collectively known as “netiquette.”
Keeping in mind that the entity providing access to network services (provider, public institution, employer, etc.) may regulate the duties of its users even more precisely, we present in this document a brief summary of the fundamental principles of “netiquette,” which everyone is expected to comply with.
1 When you enter a new newsgroup or a new email distribution list, it is advisable to read the messages circulating there for at least two weeks before sending your own messages out into the world: this way you understand the topic and the approach used within that community.
2 If you send a message, it should be concise and clearly and directly describe the issue. Always specify briefly and meaningfully the subject (“Subject” field) of the text included in the mail. If you use a “signature file,” keep it brief and meaningful.
3 Do not digress from the subject of the newsgroup or the email distribution list.
4 Avoid, as much as possible, broadcasting your message to many mailing lists (or newsgroups). In the vast majority of cases, there is one and only one mailing list that constitutes the correct recipient, including all and only the users genuinely interested.
5 If you reply to a message, highlight the relevant parts of the original message to facilitate understanding for those who have not read it, but never systematically include the entire original message unless necessary.
6 Do not conduct “opinion wars” on the network through message and counter-message exchanges: if there are personal disputes, it is better to resolve them via private email correspondence between the parties involved.
7 Never publish the content of email messages without the explicit permission of the author.
8 Do not post silly messages or messages that merely side with one or the other party in a discussion. Always read the FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to the topic before sending new questions.
9 Do not send advertising messages or communications via email that have not been explicitly requested.
10 Do not be intolerant of those who make syntactical or grammatical errors. Whoever writes is still obliged to improve their language to be understandable by the community.
The previous rules should be supplemented with other criteria that stem directly from common sense:
A – The network is used as a work tool by many users. None of them has time to read useless, frivolous, or personal messages that are not of general interest.
B – Any activity that burdens network traffic or services, such as transferring large archives or sending email messages with large attachments to many recipients, degrades the overall network performance. Therefore, it is recommended to perform these operations in ways that minimize impact on the network. In particular, it is recommended to:
– perform archive transfers during off-peak hours (for example, at night), taking into account any time zone differences;
– not send large amounts of data via email; indicate (where possible) the location (URL) of the data in the message, making them available for download or consultation on the network.
C – There are several file server sites on the network that contain updated copies of documentation, software, and other objects available on the network. Find out in advance which server node is most accessible for you. If a file is available there or locally, there is no reason to retrieve it over the network, thus unnecessarily occupying the connection and taking longer to transfer.
D – Software available on the network may be covered by patents and/or various usage restrictions. Always carefully read the accompanying documentation before using, modifying, or redistributing it in any way or form.
E – Clearly improper behavior by a user, such as:
– violating the security of network archives and computers;
– violating the privacy of other network users by reading or intercepting email intended for them;
– compromising the functioning of the network and its devices with specially crafted programs (viruses, trojan horses, etc.);
– constitute actual electronic crimes and as such are punishable by law.
Ethics and good usage rules for network services (source: Network Information Center)
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