Midwifery/Online Etiquette

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For those unfamiliar with text communication Virginia Shea has produced 10 rules for ['netiquette']. The following are adapted from these rules '''Finally don't worry too much about rules just get in and start communicating. We can't have a conversation if nobody talks so take a deep breath and jump into this exciting environment that you will find has so much to offer.'''
 * Remember you are talking to other people and not just a computer screen.
 * Keep the human focus in mind and be respectful of others and their opinions. It is OK to disagree but do so politely.
 * Try to be responsible in your postings.
 * Remember the others who will be reading them.
 * Our blog postings will be in a closed group to minimise issues of confidentiality. Rather than criticising practice you are encouraged to critically appraise evidence which supports practice and consider how you will act as a midwife in a particular clinical situation.
 * Although this is a closed group you must consider issues of confidentiality. Names and identifying characteristics of people involved in situations in your blog need to be obscured to maintain anonymity.
 * By all means express yourself as you need to but try to keep your discussions to the point of the conversation that is occurring.
 * This will save others time when it comes to reading your postings and will allow them to get to the point before they give up.
 * Do not expect immediate responses to everything you post.
 * Other people are not necessarily sitting on the end of the line waiting for  your words to arrive.
 * Be polite and avoid swear words or words that could offend others.
 * It is considered rude to type in capital letter.
 * This is the same as shouting in face to face communication.
 * Typing in red text might also be considered shouting.
 * If you find a useful reference or online source make sure you share it with others.
 * This ability to share is one of the real values of this type of communication


 * Link to other resources related to online etiqutte

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