Since this is not a face-to-face setting, with visual clues, the following guidelines will help you communicate effectively.
- Be careful with humour and tone in your postings. Emoticons icons (smileys smile ) can help to lighten the tone, but remember that readers come from different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
- Do not make comments about participants personalities or abilities.
- Acknowledge before differing. Differences of opinion are an opportunity to learn.
- Be concise. Long posts are usually not read. If you have a lot to say, structure your message with titles and paragraphs.
- Avoid acronyms. If you must use them, explain them clearly.
- Avoid putting words into capital letters – they are the equivalent of shouting.
- Don’t post ‘I agree’ or ‘I disagree’. Instead give your reasons.
- To show support for one each others ideas, ensure that every post gets at least one reply.
- Refer to people you know (friends, family members) by their first name only.
- Don’t post photos of people with their name alongside.
Adapted from http://blogs.saschina.org/chemicalparadigms