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WELCOME TO OUR CHAT ROOM GUIDE – THE BELOW IS A GUIDE TO CHAT ROOMS ON THE INTERNET
HOW TO BEHAVE IN CHAT ROOMS – A GUIDE
Cyberspace chat is a great way of connecting people with similar interests be they gay or straight. Chat rooms come with their own etiquette, or “netiquette”, which may confuse or even intimidate a novice. Here are some suggestions on how to take part in web chat without causing undue offence. This online guide to Internet chat rooms behaviour range from creating a persona, clarity, grammar, web abuse, and the safety element.
Step #1 – Find the right chat room.
Whether you are interested in unusual pets, sex, horoscopes or dance music there is likely to be a chat room, discussion board or forum that caters for your needs. Have a search on the internet to find a discussion room you like the look of.
Step #2 – Know The Rules Of Chat
This site has rules while others have a frequently asked questions page, read them carefully. Many sites are very specific about what is allowed and what isn’t, and you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot. As a rule of thumb, this site does not allow anything illegal or immoral to be discussed. By entering this chat service you agree not to discuss any illegal activities.
Step # 3 Create a persona.
To join in the chat fun you will need to input a User name. It’s not necessary for this to be your real name – use any you like. Many websites also like you to create a profile, this gives you a chance to let the other Users know a little about you – however it’s not the place to enter any personal details, not even your surname. Your town is as specific as you need to be, as are your preferences (but keep it clean!)
Step #4 – The ins and outs of lurking
“Lurk” before you leap. Before you post a message, or jump into any conversation, ‘lurk’ a little. This means that you should get a feel for the topic being discussed and the tone being used. This also stops you from repeating another User’s posting. Happy lurking boys!
Step #5 – It’s cool to be clear!
Be clear. When you are ready to post a message keep it to the same topic and be concise. No one will read a long involved block of text. On the same note, don’t waste peoples time by posting gibberish or by repeating yourself, this will make you very unpopular.
If you are making a specific comment about an earlier message, include that part of the message as a quote with your response below.
Step #6 – Mind your internet manners
Use your manners boys! Dominating the conversation is a never a good thing, nor is making rude comments. If you wouldn’t do it in real life, don’t do it on the internet.
Step #7 – Respect grammar.
Although the internet is less formal than other forms of written communication the same grammatical rules apply.
The only exception may be the use of acronyms such as BTW – ‘by the way’, LOL – ‘laugh out loud’ or FYI – ‘for your information’. These acronyms change and develop all the time, so keep up with the zeitgeist.
Avoid using excessive punctuation. You may think it emphasises your point but it can make your comments appear sarcastic, or even condescending.
Step #8 – Smiley Face 🙂
Use emoticons and smilies on occasion. Online communication lacks the tone and body language that we use to express ourselves in face to face conversations. Therefore the use of smilies, or emoticons, are often applied to clarify the meaning of a posting. There are thousands of variations of these, if you are not sure of a particular smilies meaning have a quick internet search. Use these sparingly, a posting littered with smilies can make it difficult to read.
Step #9 – Have Fun!
Step 10 – Keep Safe Hunty!
Don’t give out any personal details – this includes your address, phone number, bank details, full name, passwords or work place. Be suspicious of people who ask to meet you in person. There is no guarantee that they have been honest about who they really are.
Step 11 – Enjoy your chat time.
Approach chatting to friends online with a good sense of humour, a desire to make and maintain friendships and to discuss topics actively and calmly.