AT the center of etiquette is just respect. And though it may seem like we are not dealing with real people with feelings in virtual reality, we are.
That is why it is very important to know that real people will be reacting to whatever you haphazardly post. It helps to be guided by basic rules of etiquette:
- If you are selling something, do not post it on someone’s comment or feed when it is totally out of the topic. This comes across as very rude and desperate.
More than this, if the people there did not ask for information about your product, they probably won’t be interested. There are group buying and selling sites for every particular item which you can use.
- If you are crowdsourcing for a particular thing, make sure that what you are asking for is not readily available in Google. This means that if you are asking for the definition of amalgamate, for example, you not only come off as lazy, but also not very smart, for not thinking of typing those same words in Google.
Crowdsourcing is more correctly used for something specific which your network can provide. It is also useful if you want to get personal reviews of something.
Be sure to thank anyone who has given any input to your crowdsourcing. That person took the time out of his or her busy day to give you a bit of advice, so the least you can do is to like their comment or say thank you.
- When in a discussion about politics or anything else you may disagree on, make sure that you respect that the other person may not share the same views as yourself.
It doesn’t matter how many valid points you have, because if that person has made up his mind, no amount of links to prove your point can change that. Always remain respectful because whoever you are arguing with is someone’s friend, brother or daughter.
Like any good debater, know that your ideas are just that and not an extension of your ego or importance. You can be wrong, or they can be wrong, but if you conduct yourself with politeness, you will always be held at a high regard. Try to find a way to always end a thread at a common note, or else, agree to respect each other’s differing perspectives.
- Do not like sad posts. There are now different feelings which you can put instead of a “like”, so a “sad” would be more appropriate. Make sure that your reaction is appropriate to how close you are in real life. In real life, a sad icon is not the same as typing, “Condolences to you and your family in this time of grieving.”
Part of respect is treating the things that are important to people as important as they treat that topic or issue. It means you acknowledge their feelings about it, and that also shows that you acknowledge their importance to you.
- Events are easily made on Facebook. However, if you really want people to go, your chances of success are tripled by personally sending a private message.
Being invited to an event could open the possibility that you just randomly selected all of your friends. But if you personally invite someone even by PM (private message), they know that you really want them there.
Make sure that you address them by their names, and that they know that you didn’t just cut and paste your PM addressed as “Dear All”.
If you are going to a private party or event, it is better to ask the host if you may post it on Facebook.
- When taking other people’s photos, it is also good to just ask if you may take their photo.
It is assumed that you may be posting it elsewhere already, and if the person refuses, then don’t include them in the photo. In a group photo, you can announce that you will be posting this, so that anyone who doesn’t want to be included can at least get out of the photo.
If you say you will be the one to take a photo for the group, you must upload it in a timely fashion, and possibly tag the ones that have requested a copy. If they do request for it, apologize for the delay.
They might have wanted to take a photo of it themselves, and when you are the “designated photographer”, you should be responsible in providing it for everyone.
- Last, speaking badly about someone online is the worst that you can do. If what you are saying is, firstly false and, secondly, containing motive to besmirch their good reputation and they are private individuals and not public personas, then you will be liable to a law suit. If however, your claims are evidenced then you would have the “right” to do so, but certainly that person should be able to give their response.
All this would be trouble with a capital “T,” and is only used for the common good. For example, if this person has defrauded you of money, or committed a crime and you wish to prevent it from happening to someone else, then social media is there for us to help each other. I’ve heard it said a million times, but it encapsulates anything you might say on the web: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
Take this to heart and keep your good manners even in the World Wide Web!