Endless September (10 quick rules)
Every year, IT professionals at colleges have to deal with an influx of newbies, all of whom ask precisely the same questions as the newbies did last year. It's Sisyphean.
Of course, every day on the internet is like September, because there are always newbies, or people who didn't get the memo. The internet is a connection machine, a community. It has swimmers and lifeguards, givers and takers, the honest and the grifters…
Here are ten things to remember, feel free to share with those that are less experienced. Happy September:
- Don't hit 'reply all' to an email unless you have a really good reason. And don't write, "take me off this list" to a listserv, because everyone on the list will probably get your note. That's been true for thirty years and it's still true.
- You may think you can recall a sent email, but you probably can't. Best to breathe three times before you hit send.
- Don't type in all caps.
- Don't buy anything on the phone (or by email) from a stranger, especially anything having to do with your small business, your computer, your Google listing or a charity. Just hang up.
- Everything you click on or surf on or do online is being recorded somewhere. Act accordingly.
- Backup your data, get tenant's insurance and turn on 'Find my iPhone' on your Mac.
- When in doubt, restart your computer. If that doesn't work, visit duckduckgo and type in your question. You'll be amazed at how many people have had the problem you're having.
- To become an expert in something, you're going to need to read more than the first link that comes up in a search. And before you forward something you're not an expert in, check Snopes.
- Offer help on something you're good at to the community at least three times before you ask that community for help. Someone is always coming up behind you.
- Don't believe everything you read online. In fact, don't believe most of it.
Bonus #11: Be kind. Thanks.