Always give credit where credit is due!

Anytime you use photos or copy from another source, you need to reference the source. The best policy is to link to the original picture or text. Most people don't mind having something they've posted used again to illustrate a point. But if the information is copied and unaccounted for, it gives the impression you created it, which is unfair to the person who's original work it is.

Beware of Over-share

Facebook, Twitter and blogs are great platforms to share your life experience, make friends and market yourself or your company. But beware. Just because we now have additional outlets to share various parts of our lives, doesn't mean its appropriate to share everything.

Now a lot of this advice comes down to why you are utilizing these various mediums. If you are looking to log the daily goings-on of your life and are a stay at home mom or a working person who avoids talking about their job, then feel free to share. But if you're a recent graduate looking for a job, you need to be discrete about the photos you put on Facebook. Likewise, you ditch work one day for something fun--if your boss or co-workers read your blog, don't post your beach pictures.

You always want to be genuine and authentic, but when you don't know exactly who may be looking or reading, its best not to over-share. You've all seen the Facebook status or tweet that was too graphic or too personal. Don't be that girl (or guy).

The best rule of thumb is "Would I want my grandma (or grandpa) to read/see/hear this?" If not, it might not be appropriate. (There are always exceptions to the rule, the above advice is of course erring on the side of caution.)

Email etiquette

Anything you send over the internet is forever recorded on the world wide web. Email is no exception. While email might seem like a casual method of communicating, you should be careful of what you are sending and to whom you are sending it.

Do not send jokes, chain letters, or suspicious emails to business associates. Double and triple check emails before sending. Because email lacks any tone, its imperative that whatever you send out be error free in order to avoid any misunderstandings. Avoid using all CAPS throughout an email as it can be misconstrued as yelling.

When composing an email get to the point as quickly as possible and likewise, people expect prompt responses. If you are someone who only checks email once a week, let people know that so they can plan on it.

Online Etiquette

As all us spend so much time online, I think its important to know the proper etiquette. I've talked about a couple of these points before but this week I'll expound upon them and then they'll all be here in a weeks posts!

Its easy to forget that behind every avitar is a real person. With so many forms of online communication: facebook, twitter, email, gchat, ichat, its easy to get caught up in your "anonymity," get your feathers ruffled, etc. Beauty is fleeting but email is forever, so be careful what you say and to whom you say it. Much like real life, the online community is a small world after all. This week, we'll explore the finer points of online communication and learn together the newest form of etiquette.