Zooblog Etiquette Guidelines

Now that class enrollment has stabilized and we are returning to a routine, I wanted to post some basic guidelines for students using Zooblog.

1. Blogs are a platform designed to conduct on-line discussions concerning a specific topic(s); don’t stray from the central theme.

2. You are writing for a “global audience”. What you post is viewable by the public at large. When you post e-mails, blog comments, tweets, etc., these records come to reside permanently in cyberspace. Be courteous and respectful no matter what. Remember, many employers today conduct Internet searches on potential employees before hiring them. Your reputation and integrity is at stake here and what is done cannot be undone. Once you press the send/enter button, you cannot take it back.

3. Avoid plagiarism as you would in any form of media. It is not OK to copy and paste or use other people’s work without permission. If you refer to another author’s work, you should cite the reference. This applies to text/narrative, pictures, videos, and music.

4. It is OK to express your opinion, but you should try to be constructive and tactful. Again, remember that your reputation and the reputations of others are at stake here. If you offer a rebuttal try to make sure it is thoughtfully constructed and on topic. Avoid derogatory remarks and foul language.

5. Avoid SPAM. Do not unnecessarily advertise yourself or another website on someone else’s blog. If you want to post a link, you should contact the host 1st.

6. Stay current. If you are going to participate in a blog, try to keep up with the discussion and contribute. If you are managing a blog, give your readers something to look forward to. Reply to comments.