NETIQUETTE REGULATIONS

As the Biofeedback Foundation of Europe offers online courses, it encourages participants and instructors to respect the basic rules of netiquette, or network etiquette. These regulations are basic guidelines formulated in order to promote a positive learning environment and to foster productive, respectful exchanges between individuals. Whether you are an experienced user, or if you are not used to Skype software, Webinars, chatting, e-mails, or any other form of internet-based exchange, the BFE strongly recommends that you read the following list of netiquette rules.

• Remember that you are dealing with people: remain polite.

TALK SESSIONS

• Use mixed case and proper punctuation, as though you were typing a letter or sending mail.
• Always say goodbye, or some other farewell, and wait to see a farewell from the other person before killing the session. This is especially important when you are communicating with someone a long way away. Remember that your communication relies on both bandwidth (the size of the pipe) and latency (the speed of light).
• Remember that talk is an interruption to the other person. Only use as appropriate.
• The reasons for not getting a reply are many. Don't assume that everything is working correctly. Not all versions of talk are compatible.
• If left on its own, talk re-rings the recipient. Let it ring one or two times, then kill it.
• If a person doesn't respond you might give the call another try. If the person still doesn't respond, do not continue to send.
• Talk shows your typing ability. If you type slowly and make mistakes when typing it is often not worth the time of trying to correct, as the other person can usually see what you meant.
• Be careful if you have more than one talk session going!

GENERAL INFORMATION

• As in other environments, it is wise to "listen" first to get to know the culture of the group.
• It's not necessary to greet everyone on a channel or room personally. Usually one "Hello" or the equivalent is enough. Using the automation features of your client to greet people is not acceptable behavior.
• Warn the participants if you intend to ship large quantities of information. If all consent to receiving it, you may send, but sending unwanted information without a warning is considered bad form just as it is in mail.
• Respect the guidelines of the group. Look for introductory materials for the group. These may be on a related ftp site.