Just as there is etiquette and cultural norms for in-person social situations, there is also etiquette for interacting with others online, and it's important!  The feeling of anonymity we can get while sitting in front of the computer can make it easy to forget our manners.  Please keep the following guidelines in mind while interacting with others on TuDiabetes:

• Writing in all CAPS is considered to be SHOUTING on the internet.  Please don't shout.
• Be very careful in using sarcasm and other forms of humor, as they are easy to misread and misunderstand online.
• Don't respond to messages in anger.  Cool off before you post or hit "send".
• Check messages for misspellings or misstatements.
• Respect others' privacy and your own (for example, don't post your phone number on you TuDiabetes profile).
• Don't forward private messages to people they weren't intended for, or copy others on replies to personal messages.
• Remember: nothing on the internet is ever really private and a copy may exist in cyberspace . . . forever.  So refrain from writing things you don't want to "get around".
• Be positive, open-minded and respectful.  Just because people can't see you does not mean this is a good place to be your worst self.
• Assume the best intentions from others at all times.
• Put your best foot forward at all times.
• Avoid emotional responses and knee-jerk reactions.
• Reread your messages before sending to ensure that nothing you wrote could easily be taken in a way you don't intend.