What happens if you don't mind your manners on myspace? What happens if you're rude or, worse, break the policies of myspace? The consequences include (but aren't limited to) getting your account shut down and deleted, having your internet service terminated (no more going online!), and even legal repercussions such as fines and jail time.



You may like to think of the online world as not being the real world, but it is very real. You have to be polite! You may not think you have to be considerate in how you treat other myspace users, and you are wrong. The reason you have to consider their feelings and how they will react to what you do and say is because they have every right to report you for violating myspace's terms of service.

To stay on the safe side, here are some suggestions for myspace etiquette.

DO NOT:

Leave a comment thanking someone for the add without personalizing it to them and saying something useful

Leave comments/messages about your band or other business venture without personalizing it to the person you're sending it to (and that doesn't just mean include their name; ask them about their day or something at the VERY least!)

Threaten anyone in ANY way

Swear/curse on ANY comments or in your status updates

Swear/curse in mail messages except with those you know won't mind

Gossip about anyone, whether someone on or off myspace

Message people without saying who you are or why you are messaging

Leave mean or overly-provocative picture comments

Harass famous or up and coming celebrities

Be a pest to anyone who doesn't want your attention

Make unwelcome sexual advances (this is considered REAL illegal sexual harassment)

Do or say anything you wouldn't want seen by your family, friends, coworkers, or legal officials

DO:

Thank people for messaging/commenting

Be responsive to those who take the time to send you something

Report any abusive behavior, spam, etc.

Take the time to read and comment on people's blogs, pictures, and page layouts

Reply to all your messages (think of how much it hurts you when you write someone and they don't respond)

Be honest with people if they are trying to hit on you, if you are not interested (don't lead people on)

Stay positive and kind, like you would towards people you know in real life

Use common sense and be cautious

Support bands and other good and talented people trying to get their name out there (yes that includes picture commenting models!)

Remember that myspace is a very public place, it's not private

Keep in mind that your behavior can be seen from search engines and elsewhere and can affect your future, including employment opportunities

Myspace and other social networking sites are fun to use as long as you do your best to be courteous!