Topic 4 Exercise 2

Hosting good conversations

Three ways for more control in an online community
1. Taking in turns of speaking, use of symbol to show who should be speaking at the time.
2. Clear instructions to ensure understanding by participants on what is considered to be good manners
3. Listening/understanding instructions to ensure the correct use of the site, if you don't understand then ask so as not to irritate others

Three rules for online meetings
1. Follow the Agenda as some users may have limited time and resources (dial up/broadband) in which to achieve the desired effect.
2. Only use CAPITALS when you want to SHOUT, otherwise people may get offended.
3. Listen to instructions/directions- by muting your microphone it will make it easier and clearer for everyone to hear!!

Rules of engagement are important for the positive interaction between users of social software systems. They ensure that all members are heard and that input is welcomed as it is relevant to the group. I may be 'old school' but I believe that using manners is an excellent way to develop positive relations. In regards to document sharing systems I would still follow the rules of engagement that I use in social software systems. This process would allow for a relationship to be developed and hopefully the interaction would be positive. Once this has happened a judgement decision could be made as to the use of 'emoting' or slang.