Before you post your next cutting remark

[Deuce Bigolo]

Think Before You Click ?Send?

One of the biggest problems we have online is that no one thinks between their brain dump typing and clicking ?send.? One of my friends, when she says something rude or inappropriate, smiles and says ?oh, did I say that out loud?!? That?s because we all think rude and inappropriate things, but generally don?t say them out loud. There is a filter between what we think and our mouths called ?being polite.? (There are special rules for being polite in cyberspace, called ?netiquette.? You can learn more about these rules at Ms. Parry?s Guide to Netiquette.)

Generally this filter kicks in when we are looking someone in the eyes and envision how they would respond and how others around you would respond if you say what you really wish you could say. But when we sit in front of the computer, there are no eyes to look into. Just us and the computer monitor. And just as we can say outrageous things in our diaries, typing them online seems private. It is also fun to say things that you know you shouldn?t say. Wouldn?t it be really kewl to tell that bully off? Or tell your best friend how mean they were?or that snotty girl in class that she really isn?t as gorgeous as she thinks she is?or that ?popular? guy how he is just stupid? Or tell your teacher that she isn?t as smart as she thinks, or [fill in the blank]? Everyone has things they wish they could say. But usually when we break the rules and say them, we wish we could take it back.

But you can never really take it back. And when you send or post something online, it lives on forever in archives, caching and other places?like the energizer bunny, it keeps on going and going and going.

So, what can you do? Find the superhero within you. Find your self-control and good judgment. Here are some ways you can do that. And the more you plan in advance how you will deal with hurtful things online, the easier it will be when they happen.

Now boys & girls play nice

You know you want to

[jj]

magoo wrote:
> Most of it was just people arseing around

Yes, but highly entertaining a.a.
Well done all.
Now... I must go and fuck up a few thousand peoples' morning commute.
Happy travelling !!

[Trumpton]

And a spell checker.

[Trumpton]

Btw, Wazzakins - still up at 04:07!!!