As you surf more and more, you will find yourself running into the same annoyances over and over and over. Sometimes they are just the result of people being new and not knowing - these are just handled gently (no, please don't type in all caps - it's SHOUTING). Sometimes it's people wanting to make a living - these guys usually just need to be educated in how to do it ethically. Sometimes you'll run into angry or malicious people, these should be avoided. Then there's the one's who send out spam after spam or post pornography to children - these are best reported to the authorities.
Here are some general netiquette notes.
| Things to avoid | How to prevent |
|---|---|
| Posting anything that is infected with a virus or Trojan horse. | Keep your virus scanner up to date and use it regularly. |
| Posting any kind of stolen software. | People deserve to be compensated for their efforts. Stealing, even of small shareware programs and games, is illegal and is a criminal act. |
| Demanding help from anyone on the net and then getting upset because you don't get it. | People are busy and don't owe you anything. If you ask nicely you might get help, but it is not owed. |
| Posting anything without acknowledging the source. | Even if you have permission, it is generally considered good form to note where the item came from with a link or a short sentence. This does not apply to collections that you purchase unless noted in the terms and conditions. |
| Typing in all caps. | Shouting is rude. |
I've listed some pet-peeves on the pages following, with suggestions to guide you in the right direction. Remember the internet is all about communication, and part of communication is being polite and getting properly educated.
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Unless otherwise noted, all photos and text is Copyright © Richard G Lowe, Jr.