My 7 Rules For Civil Behaviour on Facebook

Here are the rules I use on Facebook, especially when a conversation gets robust.

1. Disagree without being disagreeable. Never resort to name calling or online sledging. Leave that to AFL footballers and brogans.
2. Never say ‘Yes, but…’. A but negates everything said immediately prior so just get to the point. There’s no need to butter people up.
3. Don’t generalise.Avoid making broad, sweeping statements such as “Everyone knows you don’t believe that!”
4. Don’t respond to trolls. Trolls thrive on the attention they get making inflammatory and derogatory remarks. Leave them be and let their rubbish slip off the bottom of the newsfeed.
5. Have thick skinSome stuff I see on Facebook can be downright galling. Best to let these short pitched deliveries through to the keeper.
6. Don’t assume what another person is thinking and especially don’t put those thoughts in writing. A statement such as ‘clearly you’ve missed my point’ assumes something that’s not possible to know.
7. Don’t respond angry. The worst damage is always done when the blood pressure is up. Calm down first.

What rules do you use?