There is a person behind the posts you read, inflammatory or not. Even if you disagree, it is important to respect the opinion of the other people in the discussion. A good rule of thumb is that if you would not say a comment to your granny, you shouldn't say it to someone online.

If you WOULD say your comment to your granny, but wouldn't want your granny to say it to you, it might not be wise to post. Your words have power. Use that power for good, not for evil.

If you're not sure about the spelling, grammar, or details of your comment or post, double check it. The fanatical grammarians of the Internet WILL find you and WILL attack if you misspell something or get a fact wrong.

That said, even if you know everything, as all Americans do, double check your writing anyway. Someone, probably me, since I grade your assignments, is using valuable time to read what you have written. Out of respect for your readers' time, make sure it is your best writing. Not sure about grammar/spelling? See previous rule.

Punctuation, including capital and lower case letters, affect. How. We read things.


Make. Sure. You have your punctuation and CAPITAL LETTERS in place, so that: it doesn't feel like you're SHOUTING.

Lots of sites call for an email sign up. Password. No big deal, right? Social security number? Credit card? Dental records? Eh. Whatever, right?

Nope. Your financial and personal information, should it fall into the wrong hands, can be used against you. If the website seems fishy, or you are thinking about sharing pictures of your new credit card and social security card on Ello, think twice.

Even though it is not good manners, lots of people will post inflammatory, rude, or grammatically incorrect comments. If you don't believe me, visit Rebecca Black's YouTube page. Even though people may seem like they are purposefully trying to start fights, don't sink to their level. They may drag you down to it and beat you with experience. Instead, be the netiquette you wish to see in the world.