Chatting etiquette isn't much different from e-mail etiquette, and common sense is your best online guide. Here are some additional chat behavior tips.

• The first rule of chat is that a real person with real feelings is at the other end of the computer chat connection. Hurting him or her is not okay.
• The second rule is that because you really have no idea who that other person is, being cautious is okay.
• Read messages for a while to figure out what is happening before sending a message to a chat group.
• Keep your comments short and to the point.
• Avoid insults and foul language.
• Many systems let you create a profile about yourself, which other members can access. Having a profile is polite. You don't have to tell everything about yourself in your profile, although what you do say should be truthful.
• If you want to talk to someone in private, send a message saying Hi, who you are, and what you want.
• More people are out there whom you don't want to meet than people whom you do, although quite a few potential friends are chatting too. If the rudeness and banality of the chat turn you off at first, try other groups.