(work in progress)

ITET Chat server

Purpose

The ITET chat server is a platform for real-time exchange of text-based information, a.k.a. instant messaging.

The nature of this information is:

• Short-lived and of momentary relevance
• Specific to a topic, reflected in an appropriate area i.e. a chat room
• Low in data volume

For information of a different kind please use more suitable services like e-mail, mailing lists, personal websites or polybox.

Usage policy and code of conduct

Summarized the following rules apply for use of this service:

• No illegal activities
• No abuse
• No spam
• Be polite

Detailled information about ETH wide rules applying to this service can be found here:

• Acceptable Use Policy for Telematics Resources, Benutzungsordnung für Telematik an der ETH Zürich (BOT)

• ETH Code of conduct

Behave like being physically in a room with other people

Use English

• It is the common spoken and written language used in the multi-cultural environment at ETH

Introduce yourself when entering a room

• This is considered polite
• It signals you want to participate in the conversation of the room

Be transparent about yourself

Use your first and given name as display name

• This service is not anonymous, a chat members username is visible to everybody
• It is more transparent to identify members of a chat room

Keep personal information up to date

• If you decide to enter personal information in your chat profile, make sure you keep it up to date

Match topic to recipient area

• Join a room matching the topic of your information or question
• If the topic of a conversation changes, relocate to an appropriate room or create one if it doesn't exist.
• If the conversation evolves into a dialog, continue in a private conversation

Keep data volume low

• Do not send high volume content like movies or large images
• Instead, place your content on a suitable service and provide a link to it
• Close your unused chat rooms

Best practice

Identify room members before you chat

• Make sure you know who is in a room before you post sensitive or confidential information
• Use encryption if appropriate

Ask moderator

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