MHB Radio Chat Etiquette

Here are some basic chat room rules of proper etiquette that will help your chat room experiences be more pleasant for you as well as the others in the room.

This is probably the most important rule. Do not verbally abuse, attack, embarrass, or threaten anyone else in the chat room, no matter what they might say to you. You are bound to find some troublemakers on the Internet. But, the best way to deal with them is to just ignore them or simply leave the room.

Do not use obscene, offensive, or sexually explicit language. You don't need to use this kind of language in order to speak to someone or to get your point across to others.

Never type your messages in by using all capital letters. On the Internet, this is considered to be screaming or yelling at another person, and, of course, this is nothing short of rude. If you want to *emphasize* a word or phrase, simply type an asterisk in before and then directly after your word or phrase. This is a widely recognized way to get your point across without being rude.

There are two things that are sometimes typical, especially with young chatters, which you really should not do. One is what is commonly known as the Sex Check. This is when someone in the room sends a message to everyone asking whether they are M (males), or F (female). This is not generally considered to be in good taste unless you are in a chat room that is specifically for people who are looking for a love interest.

Remember how it is bad manners to ask someone, especially a woman, their age? Well, the same rule applies to an Internet chat room. Never ask everyone in the room how old they are. This is another typical thing done by young chatters who want to meet a guy or girl.

When you are entering a chat room, you should always greet everyone whether you know them or not. Be sure to wait until there is a lull in the conversation already in progress, though. Don't interrupt. And, when someone else enters the room, you should make it a point to at least recognize their presence and greet them with a friendly "Hi (their screen name)!"

Don't speak unless you know what the conversation is about first. And, in speaking while in a chat room, don't type in long, detailed messages that will take alot of time and space. Also, never interrupt someone else. Be patient; you will get your chance to speak.

Do not over bother the DJ, request your song and if he/she has room in the queue then your song will be played.

Do not PM anybody unless you already know them or have their permission to do so.

By following these rules, your chat room experiences can be positive ones. You can make new friends and connect with others who share your same interests.

Any repeated infractions on these rules WILL get you kicked! You have been warned.