1. Presume good intent. What is the best possible way the other person could mean by what they said? If your initial reaction to what somebody says is negative, pause. Take a deep breath. Try to detach from your own personal context and put yourself in their context. What might they have meant by that? Maybe you�re misinterpreting what they�re saying.

So pick the best possible meaning, and respond to that. What�s the worst that can happen? They correct you and say, �No, I really meant��? On the other hand, if you respond to your negative reaction, the worst possible thing is that an escalation begins � a vicious circle. Sound familiar?

You�re never backed into a corner online. Take the time to cool off and re-think it before you reply.

2. Don�t say anything online that you wouldn�t say in person. Would you say it to their face at a networking event? If not, then why would you say it here? Don�t think that the relationships here are any less important, the feelings any less real, etc. And don�t think it won�t have any impact on your business.

No one looks good when they get emotional in an argument, even when they�re right. Does it reflect better on you to be right? Or to be someone who�s easy to get along with?

I�m not saying people shouldn�t voice their opinions, or debate their differences of opinion, but not at the expense of their relationships and even their reputation.

(http://www.thevirtualhandshake.com/blog/2005/08/02/preventing-flame-wars-two-basic-principles-of-netiquette)

I think many of us could remember these principles, except IB... this is exactly what she does before posting... so they are done with intent. Hang on, that�s not unlike me . i.e. if I�ve offended or upset someone it�s because I meant to...

AB,  I think your friend Douglas has left the building. Good night everyone, it �s time for me to turn off the computer, AKA my ombilical cord to ESLprintables.

Alas, my post was nowhere near as original as Abdelhadi�s... it�s primarily a cut & paste... hence the weblink...