Etiquette = good manners

We all know rules we abide by, things like table manners, how to be have on public transport, etc. How we converse on the internet, is just another set of such rules. It is not supposed to be restrictive, instead a chat etiquette is meant to make sure everybody understands what kind of respect we show each other. Because of this, they're intentionally formulated quite loosely

It's just common sense...

Even if this might come across like a set of rules, in all fairness, it's basically just common sense, things we all agree are OK. I compiled this list from what is usually told users on IRC, it is somewhat tailored to the differences we're facing here.

1. Follow the spirit of the rules, not the letter. If you aren't sure if something is okay, ask.
2. Don't act as an idiot. If you want to be respected, then first respect each other.
3. Don't ask if you can ask a question. Just ask.
4. All rules have an implicit "unless it's really funny" after them. If you think it's funny and the rest of channel doesn't, you're wrong.
5. Saying something ironically is still saying it. You think you're funny; everyone else thinks you're offensive.
6. Borderline spam is still spam. For example, rambling for a long time when no one is responding or participating. Use the Blog for that.
7. No advertising other communities or chat networks/systems. Naming other networks/communities is totally fine if they happen to come up, but it's obvious when you're just namedropping to try and draw traffic.
8. Never be rude without being funny. Remember to retain a certain level of family-friendliness and political correctness, if you're sincerely rude you'll be asked to leave.
9. No posting NSFW links.
10. No using AOLspeak. "how r u" and teh liek. ur mbrysng urslf n evry 1 arnd u.
11. No statements which are completely hurtful and have no other value. Offensive jokes are fine; being genuinely offensive is not. This covers all -isms and almost never comes up.
12. CAPS LOCK IS NOT YOUR FRIEND. HOLDING DOWN THE SHIFT KEY IS EVEN WORSE. Shouting does not help prove your point; it only makes you really annoying.
13. Clones are unwelcome and will be removed.
14. Repeating.....Repeating.....Repeating.....Repeating....(is annoying). Refrain, please, once is enough.
15. Don't flood the channel. That means you're putting random comments that are taking over the channel.
16. Don't troll. That means someone who makes arguments and wants attention.

This will pretty much get you reported right away:

1. Clear-cut spam. Sending the same line, meaningless lines, advertising lines, et cetera over and over to channel. There is no possible valid reason to ever do this.
2. Ban evasion. If your account has been suspended, it was for a reason. Keep making new accounts, and you won't be warned again.

Things you should always consider and do when using the Chat:

1. Do guard your privacy! You never know when a stranger may pop open a window showing you your street address and your phone number. Keep private information PRIVATE.
2. Do mingle, make conversation, watch Chats like this might be intimidating at first, but with some practice, and good listening skills, you will be making new friends from around the globe in no time at all. :)
3. And most importantly of all, Be Nice, Play Nice, and Have Fun!

I'd like to stress, I'm by no means someone who enforces those kind of rules, let alone single handedly formulate them for this community! I'm just another user, who's just used to this kind of rule set. Remember, IRC has been around since around 1988, and it still works by pretty much the same loosely formulated rules. As the title suggests, it's common sense.

Why do we need an Etiquette?

Arguably, the Kommchat is one of the websites best features. Lot's of people like being able to talk to each other in real time. However this imposes the need for a certain code, by which we all must deal with each other, so this chat stays a pleasant way to talk to each other.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to really moderate the channel - It's basically a free-for-all. People can still be reported to the Mods, but there is no means of reacting immediately on disruptive behavior.

But aside from that, sometimes people need to be reminded of how to deal with each other, even - and especially if - they are behind the anonymity of the Internet!

Is the Kommchat a bad place to be?

Well, no, I wouldn't say that. In contrast to well established things like IRC, the Kommchat is - and I'm not trying to blame anyone of anything here - a little crudely implemented. As I said above, the Chat is basically a free-for-all, no immediate moderating functionality, no means of creating additional chat rooms (or "channels" as the term I'm used to from IRC). All those shortcomings just means we have to take extra care, that's all.

What if I play by the rules, but someone else doesn't?

I should note, that most users are good users. The occasional annoyances are rather infrequent, and mostly unintentional. If you see someone clearly being annoying, intentionally or not, I suggest these steps:

1. Confront:
   Tell the person that is spamming, being offensive or annoying, that they should stop. Make it clear what you don't like about their behavior, and if they don't stop, make it clear you'll report the person.
2. Ignore:
   This may sound a bit contradictory, but we have many young people here. If someone goes completely out of line, this might actually be hurtful to some people or downright perverted. If someone goes that much out of line, ignore the user! (Bring up the "Members Online" menu and use the little context menu to ignore (or un-ignore) a user).
3. Report:
   Send a message to a K-Mod about what happened. Remember to include the date and time when this conversation took place. Always remember to send a portion of the chat contents to the K-Mod, otherwise there is no real basis upon to act (Simple copy/paste works really well with the Kommchat, but a screenshot is fine, too).
4. Warn:
   Tell other users about what happened. Don't lash out on the person who misbehaved, just tell other users what he had done, without breaking any rules yourself.

I'd like to note, those "rules" - if you can even call them that, are not ratified by the officials here. I will however try to get them ratified, but I'll also accept suggestions. It's a matter of: "We have to do SOMEthing".