Netiquette is the blend of the words 'network etiquette' and refers to a variety of rules applied to online discussion forums to facilitate efficient interaction.

The following text appears by default at the homepage's welcome message in every LUVLE (Lancaster University Virtual Learning Environment) space set up or updated.

Anyone who submits to this space takes full responsibility for the content of their messages. Please comply with the following rules: 1. Know the rules of this space and follow them. 2. Respect the privacy and rights of others, if in doubt be cautious. 3. Never deceive, defame or harass people who use this space or anyone else affected by what you write. The owner of the site reserves the right to remove messages or ban participants if these rules are broken.

Some netiquette rules that you may want your online discussion users to follow:

Type in standard English and avoid using abbreviations, e.g.  ‘u’, ‘r’, ‘4get’. Also use mixed case and proper punctuation. Extensive use of capital letters looks as if you’re screaming or SHOUTING to others.

Give meaningful titles to your messages in the main discussion area. If not, other users may get confused and/or ignore your message.

Before posting a question, read the messages in the forum in case the same question has been already asked.

Respect other people’s time and bandwidth. When attaching files to your discussion messages make sure they are of reasonable size.

 

Do not use any personal information or data (e.g. e-mail, mobile phone, address) and/or images of other students and/or tutors. Any information provided in LUVLE is strictly used within this environment, unless permission is given.

If you believe someone has violated netiquette please report abuse of the forum to the discussion moderator (or e-moderator ).

Do not post a comment that is negative remark about another member. Personal insults are strictly not allowed. Please check the University’s Policy and Procedure on Harassment

Do not post spam messages or pirated material. Spam is any message that contains advertisements, copyrighted material, information to software piracy and/or information related to password cracking or the circumvention of security measures. Please read more about copyright here: http://libweb.lancs.ac.uk/copyright.htm .

Do not post comments which are likely to incite religious or racial intolerance of any sort.

Do not post messages that contain harmful or annoying HTML code or code that interferes with the display or operation of the virtual learning environment.