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For each of the different ways there are to meet people online--chat rooms, blogs, personal "spaces," and forums, as well as e-mail, instant messaging, and text messaging--there are written and unwritten codes of behavior. Here are some general tips that can help you get started in the online world with a minimum of bumps and misunderstandings. Chats, forums, and online communities • Read the rules or guidelines of the chat room, forum, or online community before you post. • Protect your privacy: Never use your full name. Don't ask for the full names of others. • Stay on topic. • Don't use offensive language. • Avoid using ALL CAPS to emphasize—this will be understood as "yelling.” • Keep messages short. • Check your spelling. • In forums, before you start a new topic thread, always check that there isn't a previous thread on the same subject. If there is, respond to that one instead. ************************************************* E-mail • Don't send or forward junk mail. • Don't send or forward Internet hoaxes . To find out if a story is true, check a reliable source, such as Snopes.com. • Don't send or forward virus warnings. These might be hoaxes. • If you are replying to an e-mail that was originally sent to many recipients, reply only to the people to whom your answer is relevant. • Avoid sending large attachments to multiple recipients. In general, it is a good idea to remember that nuance is often lost online. To avoid misunderstandings, speak plainly and be even more careful with humor than you would be in person. The impersonal nature of the online world makes it easy to communicate much more forcefully than you might in person. It is always a good idea to ask yourself if you would make your comments to someone's face -- before you post them. If you would not, it might be worthwhile to reconsider your phrasing. And finally, keep in mind that things stay on the Web for a long time. It's a good idea to consider your audience, which may even include future prospective employers ten years from now. If you're interested in finding out more about etiquette online, you can try searching the Web on "netiquette." Most online encyclopedias include entries on the topic, with advice on such subjects as how to avoid "flame wars," sudden eruptions of hostile exchanges, sometimes started by "trolls," users who intentionally provoke other users to conflict or anger. *** Was This Information Useful? ***

The Basics Some key facts about you: where you live, your age, etc. Most of the questions are optional, but the more you answer, the better your chances of attracting the right people. The Description This part is easier than you think. Be creative, yet honest. Write enough to make it interesting, but not too much. In other words, just be yourself. Describe yourself and the one you're seeking. Your Photo A picture is worth a thousand replies - well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but ads with photos get a whole lot more responses Before you go on your date It's a good idea to take precautions when meeting people online, just as you would do in the off-line world. The following tips are just some of the things you might want to consider as you begin online dating. These tips are not designed to scare you, but to encourage you to be smart, use common sense, play it safe, and have fun. Online Conversations Remain anonymous. You should avoid being identified online. Never give out your real name, phone number, or address in chat rooms or in personnel's ads although me ask for your information it will not be displayed on the site. If you decide you want to give out personal information anyway, be sure you're giving it to someone you can trust. Be honest. Be truthful in your ad and in online conversations. Make your intentions clear. If you're just flirting, be sure that the other person isn't taking you seriously. Being honest can prevent disappointment for both you and your potential date. Just remember - you could end up meeting this person. You don't want to hurt others' feelings with false impressions. Always pay attention. Listen to your intuition - it's your best defence. Use common sense. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Even if you feel it, it's a smart idea to save saying "I Love You" for a face-to-face encounter. Pay attention to habits and moods - are they changing? If something doesn't feel right, feel free to stop communicating with that person. Wait till you're comfortable to call. Let the other person bring up the idea of talking on the phone. When he or she asks for your number and you're not ready to give it out, politely say "no," but ask for a number you can call when you're ready. If you decide to call, pay attention to who answers the phone and the background noises you hear. Do they match what you know about the person? Take it slowly. Spend as much time communicating electronically as is necessary for you to feel comfortable enough to actually meet the person. Don't be coerced into meeting face to face. If someone really wants to meet you, he or she will wait till you're ready. Tell someone your plans. As soon as you have concrete plans, tell your best friend or a family member exactly where you'll be. If you have a mobile phone, enter some emergency phone numbers and bring it along. Just because you feel like you already know your date doesn't mean that you actually do. Treat this first date just as you would any other first date. Use common sense and good judgement. Use your own transportation. Don't rely on your date for transportation. If things aren't going well, it will be easier for you to leave if you have your own way home. If you aren't driving, make sure you have enough cash in your pocket for a taxi ride, or arrange for a friend to pick you up at a designated time and place. When Meeting Face to Face Agree to meet in a public place. Go to a popular restaurant, cafe, bar or any public place where other people hang out. Double date with a friend if it makes you feel more comfortable. Don't agree to meet anywhere isolated, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable for you.