Answer:

Following several guidelines for online postings, as detailed below, can help you avoid embarrassment later:

Know your context

Avoid assumptions about your readers; remember that culture influences communication style and practices

Familiarize yourself with policies on Acceptable Use of IT Resources at your organization.

Remember the human

Remember there is a person behind the words; ask for clarification before making judgment

Check your tone before you publish; avoid jokes, sarcasm, and irony as these can often be misinterpreted and get “lost in translation” in the online environment

Respond to people using their names

Remember that culture, age, and gender can play a part in how people communicate

Remain authentic and expect the same of others

Remember that people may not reply immediately. People participate in different ways, some just by reading the communication rather than jumping into it.

Recognize that text is permanent

Be judicious and diplomatic; what you say online may be difficult or even impossible to retract later.

Consider your responsibility to the group and to the working environment

Agree on ground rules for text communication (formal or informal; seek clarification whenever needed) if you are working collaboratively

Avoid flaming: research before you react

Accept and forgive mistakes

Consider your responsibility to the group and to the working environment

Seek clarification before reacting; what you heard is not always what was said

Ask your supervisor for guidance.*

Respect privacy and original ideas

Quote the original author if you are responding with a specific point made by someone else

Ask the author of an email for permission before forwarding the communication.

* Sometimes, online behaviour can appear so disrespectful and even hostile that it requires attention and follow up. In this case, let your supervisor know right away so that the right resources can be called upon to help.