#netiquette

This is a topic I hold very dear. There are things you just should not do, that are rude on inconsiderate in any form of communication, even "electronic" and "faceless" ones.

And I'm not even talking about abbreviations, e-mails without a subject, abusive caps-lock or not using BCC to broadcast lovely_kitten.pps or loving_cougars.pps.

I'm talking about new ways people found to spam, to be generally annoying, inconsiderate or simply going "look at me, I'm so funny!" over social networks.

a) A forum is a social network. But not that kind of social network. If you want to gossip, blab about the news just to try to look smart and funny, as opposed to have a discussion and even (God forbid) learn something or change your mind, then stay off forums. Use Facebook for that.     Please???

b) I DO NOT CARE how many points, kills or other achievement you got on "COMMAND OF DUTY 35" or WTF is the name of the game you are currently playing. But if you must spam, do this on facebook (mainly because I don't use it...). Because that's where <strike>crap</strike> gratuitous and frivolous information should go.

c) It may come as a surprise, but NOT EVERYONE that sees your posts or tweets CAN HAVE LUNCH OR COFFEE with you. If you really need some company, use Instant Messaging (IM) for it (and I don't use it much, so...), and bother that guy you can see is doing nothing, right next to you. Yes, that one, drooling of boredom and about to fall from his chair.

d) Instant Messaging (IM) is not where you go to bother your co-workers to do your job for you, or compromise/agree to something, with the plausible deniability of never having put that on an e-mail. Want something work related from me? Send me an e-mail (now you know why I don't use IM much...) THAT is what it's for, nor for porn. Or kittens either.

e) MOST PEOPLE DON'T CARE about where your are, were or are going to. Unless they are stalkers. Or robbers looking for an empty house. But, if you must then use Gowalla or Foursquare (wich... you guessed it, I don't use).

f) Finally, but most importantly, DO NOT aggregate social networks in to one neat little app that is "just great" because it "posts on all your networks, simultaneously!". You're not being effective or smart. YOU ARE SPAMMING.


That's it, for now... Going for lunch... anyone?