Avoid Getting Humiliated on the Internet

If you've read Encyclopedia Dramatica, Portal of Evil, or other satire web site, then you know what people are capable of doing on the internet. They hide behind anonymity and distance and humiliate those who stand out and are vulnerable. Ever since the beginning of email, chatrooms, and newsgroups, there has been the potential for being trolled and humiliated so badly that you cannot return, at least not under your usual handle. It's an unpleasant but avoidable experience.

One good rule to remember is to in general be courteous and observe the rules of the forum or site you are joining. Don't annoy or threaten the regulars, because on the internet, people can and do take revenge - they often do not hesitate to resort to nasty tricks if pushed far enough. Observe how the others act, and learn from them as well as from the mistakes of others. Remember that YOU are responsible for your behavior, regardless of any mental condition or disability you have. Anything you post, upload or email can be used against you if you are not careful.

What not to do:

* Do not hurt others, because they can hide behind anonymity and hurt you..

* Never try to be a moderator - it's often fine to heckle someone who is acting stupid, but don't jump into something if you haven't the faintest idea of what you are doing. Moderators are there for a reason, and often will choose new mods by observing a member's activity and ability to take charge. These people usually have no aspirations to be moderators. Wannabes are usually never considered for the position.

* Don't stalk people. You might be head-over-heels for an internet celebrity, but remember that many people have a lot on their plates and cannot be everyone's super-duper best friend. Stalking ex-friends is not a good idea either; if your former 'best friend forever' has given you the boot, then leave. It can be hard when a friendship goes sour, but with help you can get through it.

* Don't burn bridges. It might be tempting to send your ex-best friend a nice big 'goodbye' in the form of a shock-site post, or share that person's confidential information, but that can come back to bite you. Unless that person has screwed over a lot of people and is in general hated, you will be seen as vindictive and end up losing more than you gain. Flooding that person's inbox with lots of big attachments might help you feel better, but you could end up losing your email account for it. Often just forgetting that person and privately warning others is the best course of action

* Don't write in chatspeak, use excessive capslock, or swear every word. It makes you look uneducated, not cool. l33t-speak is another no-no. Just type in proper English.

* Posting links to pirated software or other media in public is grounds for banning. Just get a free or cheap alternative.

Other activities to avoid include:

* cyber-sex with anyone who may be under the legal age - your virtual girlfriend or boyfriend might be a twelve-year-old kid playing around and trying to get attention

* uploading anything that would be considered child pedophilic, even if it's just drawings

* posting your art or writing if it looks like a two-year-old did it

* posting something in public that is fetish intensive, gross, or racist enough to offend the average user

* whining about every little disappointment or inconvenience in public

* plagiarizing other peoples' art or literature

* blaming your behavior on Aspergers syndrome, bipolar disorder, or any other mental condition

* freaking out at trolls on youtube or any other forum; you do not want people to know that they can get a reaction from pushing your buttons

If you feel you are about to be humiliated, or if someone has written something you don't like, just calm down and realize that it's unlikely anyone besides a few people the troll is friends with will read the post. The more you complain, the worse it will get. Just let the issue go, and maybe learn from it. Always listen to criticism or critiques on your art and writing, because that can help you improve and show others that you have a good attitude and thick skin. Remember that nobody can ever be right one hundred percent of the time, and that opinions need to be respected. Follow these rules, and you will avoid humiliation.