PTSA List Netiquette


When using this list, we ask that you follow the following “Netiquette” rules:

  1. Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life. Be honest, respectful, and polite.
  2. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it online.
  3. If you disagree with someone, criticize the idea, not the person. One good way to do this is by asking questions or by using “I” messages. Instead of writing, “You’re nuts!” you could write, “Can you clarify what you meant by ?” or “I disagree with that idea…”
  4. Don’t flame. Avoid offensive language and personal attacks. If you realize you are part of a flame war (more than two or three angry postings back and forth between two people), go offline to finish it off. Don’t monopolize the listserv with your disagreement.
  5. Be conscious of your choice of language – sometimes words that might not sound hurtful when said in person (when tone of voice and gesture can help communication) might feel offensive to someone when they are written. Sarcasm and sardonic humor do not translate well into writing.
  6. Avoid generalizations about entire groups of people, including racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual preference or other stereotypes. For example, lumping “all teenagers” (or “all parents”) together is unfair and inaccurate.
  7. If your message is directed at a specific person (and would not be of interest to everyone), reply to that individual rather than the entire listserv. This particularly applies if you have a private or sensitive comment to make. Do not post personal emails on a public list without first obtaining the author’s permission.
    • Remember others right to privacy. Refrain from naming names, especially those of students other then your own, when raising issues that may be sensitive or controversial.
  8. Know what you’re talking about and make sense. Proofread your message before you post it. Do not post rumors or information that you have not personally verified, particularly if they might be damaging to someone.
  9. Be forgiving of other people’s mistakes. Assume people mean well, and that any omissions or offensive comments were inadvertent. If you really feel the need to correct them, do so respectfully and, if it’s personal, in private.
  10. Respect other people’s time and bandwidth. Keep your postings short. If you would like to share a longer article, post the URL for it.
  11. When replying to a previous poster, delete any irrelevant text and copy only the relevant part of her or his message into your posting, not the entire discussion.
  12. Some topics may be of interest only to a small sub-group of the Blair community. To assist readers in finding messages that are relevant to their interests, indicate a specific subject in the subject line. E.g., CAP event next Saturday” is more helpful than “Coming Events.”
  13. Be especially careful that your subject line is appropriate to your message. Don’t just push “reply” without also considering whether you need to change the subject line for clarity and accuracy.
  14. It is not appropriate on the list to name a teacher or staff person with whom you are having issues. You MAY talk in general terms about classwork, expectations, etc. But if you have issues with a particular teacher, please deal with that teacher directly.
  15. This list is not a classified ad list, please do not use it as such. Remember that there are hundreds of users on this list and each one has at least one item the would like to advertise for sale.
  16. We all have an interest in some kind of political view point and/or party and/or candidate. Please share them with your friends and family, but please keep them off the list. Remember we have over 600 members on this list and that can lead to thousands of different points of view. In addition, the MBHS PTSA is an IRS Section 501(c)3 non-profit organization and therefore can not take any position on any political campaign.

(Compiled by Barbara Acosta and updated by Fran Rothstein, Dave Ottalini and Barry Johnson)

Again, welcome to the Blair High School Discussion Group and our school community

PTSA List Netiquette