1.5 Informal rules on the internet
As well as governing your own behaviour online, it is important that you learn to follow the rules set by others. There are some spaces that have no rules at all, but as your learned above, many groups on the internet have rules that are set by the admins who set up the group.
These informal policies are designed to govern the behaviour of members of their groups. For example those below are based on one from an OU specific Module Group.
- No Plagiarism or offering help with essays!
- No links or ads to advertise any 'help' to do essays etc. This will be reported and removed immediately. This group has not been set up to help people copy work or commit plagiarism.
- Be kind and courteous
- We're all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let's treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
- No hate speech or bullying
- Make sure that everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual or gender or identity will not be tolerated.
- No promotions or spam
- Give more to this group than you take. Self-promotion, spam and irrelevant links aren't allowed.
- Respect everyone's privacy
- Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What's shared in the group should stay in the group.