ABC’S OF ONLINE SAVVY – PART 2: WEB

By Jenifer Tull-Gauger

Last time, I shared e-mail etiquette tips.  This time, I would like to share some tips on using websites for posting information or communicating.

ONLINE GENERALLY

A) When chatting, commenting and communicating online, DO NOT USE ALL CAPS LIKE I AM HERE!  Avoid sarcasm, as well as playfully making fun of people, to avoid confusion.  Keep it short and to-the-point.

B) It is professional to respond to communications for your business within 24 hours, or one business day.

C) Do not post things that you would not want your grandmother or a future potential employer to see.  You may think you are anonymous, or that only a few select people will see it, but that thin curtain is removable.

D) About meeting people you got in contact with online:

KIDS: Do not do this!  Exception: you are with an informed and savvy parent AND it is in a public place.

ADULTS: Do so in a public place and tell someone else what you are doing.  If that is not practical, have a friend (ideally and advanced karate student) with you and be wary.

E) Do not assume that anyone you get in contact with online is who they say they are.

F) On money: Do not wire money in online dealings.  Be aware that many money orders are counterfeit.  If you receive a check from someone solely through online dealings, it is likely fake.  If you deposit it, do not spend any of the money until you are absolutely sure that it cleared (not just seeing it posted on your digital banking statement).