Why is it important to follow the netiquette guidelines when using the Internet?
   
    It is important to follow the netiquette guidelines when using the Internet because of the following reasons,

 We are all human, even on the internet.
Never forget that the person reading your mail or posting is, indeed, a person, with feelings that can be hurt. Here are some key points to keep in mind.It's not nice to hurt other people's feelings. Who are you trying to prove anything to? Just keep offensive comments to yourself and try to be constructive.Never type a whole message in caps, whethere its an instant message, a reply to a post in a message board, or in an email. writing a whole message in caps means that one is yelling (unless you do not mean it that way). If you do not mean it to come across that way, make sure you tell people you are not yelling. Remember, people can not tell what mood you are in by just typing something (unless you are using a webcam and microphone ). So please do not use caps to write messages. Thanks!Never mail or post anything you wouldn't say to your reader's face. The internet is not a place to find or pick a fight. There are people out there with the same intentions you have of just researching and just finding useful information and that is all. No need to start any trouble.

 Follow the same rules online that you would in real life.Be ethical and do not jump to conclusions. People who surf the internet come from many different places around the world and have different views on things. Be open to listening to others and what they have to say. This is the internet, try to learn something new. Breaking the law is bad Netiquette.

 Remember where you are when you are online.Netiquette varies from place to place. Not everyone follows the same rules. So always try to keep an open mind and if needed, make constructive criticisms, not negative ones.. If you happen to jump into a chatroom or forum, do not post any comments right away. Try to read and catch up to what is going on and observe what people are saying. After you feel comfortable and think you are ready to add useful information/comments to the conversation, do so.

 Have respect for others when you are online.It's OK to think that what you're doing at the moment is the most important thing in the universe, but don't expect anyone else to agree with you.Post messages to the appropriate discussion group. If you cannot find one and you have a feeling that you must post it, then make sure you label the subject of your message as off topic so people know it does not pertain to their current conversations.Try not to ask stupid questions on discussion groups. If it is a simple question that can be answered simply by going to google, do not post it. On the other hand, if it is more an opinion type question, that may be different. Make sure you let people know you are just looking for an opinion or second though on an idea and I am sure people will be glad to help out with that.When appropriate, use private email instead of posting to the group. If there is something you need to ask or comment on but feel it is unappropriate or unneccesary to post for others to see, email the individual. I am sure they would also appreciate this gesture.