Would you...
say it to the person's face?Writer and Macintosh evangelist Guy Kawasaki tells a story about getting email from some fellow he's never met. Online, this fellow tells Guy that he's a bad writer with nothing interesting to say.
Unbelievably rude? Yes, but unfortunately, it happens all the time in cyberspace.
Maybe it's the awesome power of being able to send mail directly to a well-known writer like Guy. Maybe it's the fact that you can't see his face crumple in misery as he reads your cruel words. Whatever the reason, it's incredibly common.
Guy proposes a useful test for anything you're about to post or mail: Ask yourself, "Would I say this to the person's face?" If the answer is no, rewrite and reread. Repeat the process till you feel sure that you'd feel as comfortable saying these words to the live person as you do sending them through cyberspace.
Of course, it's possible that you'd feel great about saying something extremely rude to the person's face. In that case, Netiquette can't help you. Go get a copy of Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior.
Comments (13)
I'm definitely more rude in person than I am in email (whàt even mòre rude?? Yes, it's possible )
I call it being honest and direct, someone else might call it rude... most people don't like hearing an awful truth or aren't open for a view that's not their own.
Ofcourse I'm not deliberately rude or trying to hurt peoples feelings, but I can't be bothered with etiquette if it says I need to lie.
I do like Guy Kawasaki though, he has lots of interesting stuff to say
Happy Friday
You're right about using tact; for me it would depend on the topic as well as the person though
And yes, we do mellow down with age... I tend to ask questions now, instead of criticising
The temp is very nice, it has been about 10 - 15 degrees last week, but very grey and drizzling. Hope spring will get here soon; I already bought some daffodils to brighten up my room.
How is it at your end?
Well, in my opinion youok, well I thinkthat youare just, OK, try this again...This blog is justaMAN....this read and re-read stuff wears a person out!!!