Skyward Fire

People tend to forget that when they use electronic public services like the internet, the Xbox Live, of the PSN, they are actually interacting with other people. I’ve recently come across multiple situations of that sort on some online forum, Twitter, Xbox Live, and PS Home. Obviously, there is no specified manual on how to behave over the network amongst the rest, but with a little bit of self-policing will go on a long way, and help you appear as mature as you really are, and not as the douche-bag you would otherwise appear as. Again, it completely depends upon you. If you’re treat others well & politely, chances are feelings from the others would be mutual.

1. Nothing Personal – If a certain someone says a certain something in a context, avoid taking it personally, and if it’s something personal directed to you, ignore. There is just no point dragging an argument over the internet if it can never be reasoned out.
2. Ignore/Report/Block – Most websites and online services have a feature where you can just black out someone spreading all the nonsense. As mentioned before, a reasonless argument & not tackling it sooner is pointless and a total waste. You can also report the person to the related governing ban-hammer. Just facing all the BS and not doing anything about it, at times, just leads to more trouble.
3. Ordering Around – Never tell anyone what to do do, unless you’re doing it politely, or you’ve been asked to do so by the person concerned. You don’t own them, and neither does anyone else owns you. Most of the time, you don’t even know who the person is, what he does, or how he thinks, so don’t bluntly question what he has to say, instead, come up with a reason. I can’t stress more on how important reasoning happens to be.
4. Opinions & Judgment – Internet is a true free world. I you have can back your opinions with facts and reasons, you have the complete liberty to do, and so does everyone else, unless and until you’re doing that in a private space that is governed by its own set of rules and regulations. Respect what others have to say, and if you think they’re wrong with what they’re saying, cancel them out and point them in to the right direction with reasons, or just leave them alone. You are no one to tell them that what they’re saying is wrong unless you can ship out a good reason along with your counterstatements. Just because someone thinks the complete opposite of what you think, doesn’t mean they’re wrong, and this works both ways.
5. Language – Always keep in mind the audience that would be absorbing what you’re putting forward in public. If there’s a chance that a young audience will be receiving your opinions, refrain from tough language and the swearing. And no matter how old your audience is, racist remarks, baseless derogatory comments, verbal abuse, and personal attacks based off hatred should be avoided at all costs.
6. Responsibility – When you’re on a network, you must not forget your opinion can be influential. So, don’t say anything that might have adverse effects on a whole. Obviously, this does not apply if what you’re expressing is backed up with enough proof and reason, because the freedom of honest and proofed-up expression is your first right.
7. Treating Women – A very important sentiment (more preferably for the men who’re reading this) that one must keep in mind, no matter in your virtual life, or real life, you just have to treat women well and respect their privacy. At many instances, women are extra careful about their privacy online, so pestering them, hitting on them, and sexually explicit remarks should be highly avoided.

So there you have it. These are the seven simple rules which will make your virtual sessions a breezer, and wont cause an awkward moment for anyone else either. Do feel free to add to what I have to say if you think I’ve missed out on something important.