Step1
Have fun creating your personal profile and designing your space, but always remember that anyone can view it. Yes, you can set your profile to private status. But, remember that anyone can look at your page if they go through one of your virtual friend's profiles. Be professional and respectable at all times. Your best friend's boyfriend can read that nasty comment you posted about him through a joint friend's comments.
Step2
Only post pictures that could never get you into trouble. That includes those snapshots your best friend took of you one spring break in Cancun. If you wouldn't want an employer viewing the photos, it's best not to post them. This should be the guideline you live by. If your boss wouldn't want to look at them, some of your MySpace friends probably feel the same.
Step3
Be considerate. If you comment a friend and don't automatically get a response, it's never a great idea to inundate her inbox with angry emails or follow-up comments. When and if she or he has the time to respond to you, they most likely will.
Step4
If you comment a friend and they never respond, it doesn't mean they dislike you or are angry with you. Many a times, this can end up in hurt feelings and grudges. Remember: if the person approved your comment, they don't harbor negative sentiment about you. They may be very busy and didn't think your comment warranted a response from them.
Step5
It's fine to post bulletins, but limit yourself. There is nothing worse than the bulletin-happy friend of yours that has the urge to post four consecutive memos announcing their new CD release or weekend party. This doesn't increase the chance your post will be read...people will be more inclined to avoid your bulletins altogether.
Step6
If you have a music MySpace page, it's fine to share the word about your new music or song. Just remember, if someone is nice enough to befriend you via MySpace, it's best to respect them. By sending continuous comments including links and images of your band or song samples, you run the risk of annoying your virtual friend. It's fine to advertise your band or album. It's going overboard when you get on people's nerves.
Step7
Add fun images, graphics and videos to your profile, but remember the loading time. Friends have to visit your site when they comment your profile, so keep your profile as condensed as possible. Not everyone has the highest speed Internet around, so keep this in mind.
Step8
Use MySpace to communicate with friends, but don't use it as the only method you use to get in touch with friends. People notice when you only speak to them via their MySpace profile and may start thinking you only value your friendship online.
Step9
If someone you know has a hacked account, alert them. MySpace commonly invokes hacked accounts, where password stealers circulate ads and garbage through your MySpace account. If you get a racy comment and image from an otherwise stable friend, drop them a line or email that their account may have been compromised.
Step10
Many people use MySpace to "spy" on past lovers or an ex's new significant other. This is fine. Everyone does it. But, if you're posting nasty comments on your ex's new girlfriend's page, you've gone too far. Simply because you're behind a computer screen, it doesn't give you the right to act out of line.
Comments
Cherst1031 said
on 8/1/2008 I'm new to this MySpace concept, but you have some good common sense suggestions here :) Thanks.