Inc. The Genealogist's Internet Primer, by Sharon L. Brevoort Netiquette Online, when working with the written word, it is important to make a good first impression and to put on your company face. At least some of your communications will take on a life of their own and be remembered much longer than you would ever have guessed. Emily Post gave us the basics of common courtesy. The principles are much the same online, but the practice is just a little different. Listed below are some widely accepted guidelines for e-mail, chat group, newsgroup, and mailing list correspondence.
Many people use an alias or pseudonym online.
This is ok, but before joining a discussion, watch for awhile before deciding whether or not to use one. It may be considered impolite to use any name other than your real name. For a newsgroup submission, add your e-mail address below your name. For newsgroups and mailing lists do not include surnames in your signature since this interferes with the archiving process. Keep your subject title specific.