Online chat room etiquetteManners and protocol of chat room etiquette.
The Internet has opened up a whole new world for us to meet online and converse real time about our hobbies, thoughts, and beliefs. Here at Bettermost we are no different. However, as in face to face communication, there are some common courtesies and protocols that must be observed while addressing others online.
There are some proper greetings you should know in order to initiate a conversation. The best way to accomplish this is to use a simple, pleasant greeting, such as “Hi Everyone”, or “Good Morning”.
If this fails to catch anyone’s attention, you could attempt to address a particular member with a question. An example of this would be “mikeg, can you recommend any good mystery novels”. The person you are addressing will usually respond, thus launching your chat interaction. IF they do not respond do not take it personally, simply move on and engage someone else in conversation. While it is nice if a significant number of people in chat are discussing the same things it is not mandatory. Side conversations while often difficult to follow in a crowded room are not considered rude. Because they are difficult to follow however many people opt to use the private message option for these or to create an invitation only room and step away from the general conversation to converse in private.
While you are chatting, always make sure you do not type in capital or boldface letters, as this is considered yelling in the online world. While it may attract attention, it is hard on the eyes to read, and you will either be scolded or not addressed at all.
Inappropriate chat room behavior:- asking others personal questions such as their age, sex, and marital status. While it is tempting to want to know more about the person you are conversing with, use the same judgment as you would in a face to face conversation. Unless you know the person very well, and you are both comfortable with sharing personal information, refrain from asking such questions.
- Many people in chat rooms tend to let their guard down and may insult or verbally abuse you. In fact, there are many instances where someone will enter the chat room just to annoy others in this way. While your instinct is to fire back in the same manner, try to restrain from doing so.
- If the verbal sparring is a result of a disagreement with another member, try to remedy the situation by politely talking it over together.
- Remember to respect the beliefs and opinions of others in the room.
- At the same time, if you find you are in the wrong, be sure to promptly correct yourself and apologize to those that you have offended.
- be inclusive not exclusive. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate
Tips to follow when chatting online. - First, welcome and respect any newcomers that are entering for the first time.
- Offer advice when asked, as they may not be sure what to do or how to converse.
- Also, if you are a chat room moderator, or regular, try not to overload the room with constant advice or opinions and give others their chance to speak.
- If your messages are long, try to type and send it in sections to avoid constant scrolling on other members’ screens. If possible, send the lengthy message privately or to a couple of members at a time.
Finally, remember to treat others online in the same way you would want to be treated. By observing these basic rules of etiquette, everyone can have a better online chat experience. Keep it light, keep it fun
