If you are looking for
“Ten Commandments for
Teachers on the Web”
Have you heard the new saying?
What happens in Vegas
stays on FaceBook forever.
To prevent good people from making bad posts, this list has been created. These Commandments have already helped thousands of people use the web responsibly. Please share this list with people using the web.
(Note: multiply the cautious attitude of this list by infinity if you are a minor.)
1. Thou shalt never publish anything you wouldn’t show your boss or mom.
2. Thou shalt avoid intoxicants in posts or pics
3. … the same generally goes for anything that legally requires 18 years.
4. Thou shalt only post pics with a minimum of boxers and a T-shirt on, regardless of sex.
5. Thou shalt not post pics of anyone without their permission, nor shall you use their real names unless they are over 18 and have expressly given consent.
6. Thou shalt not curse, dummy (even this sentence would be shocking to a 1st grader, and they are on the web too!).
7. Thou shalt avoid ANYTHING erotic or sexual.
8. Thou shalt never break any local, state or federal laws. If you are foolish enough to break laws, for HEAVEN’S SAKE! don’t document that fact online!
9. Thou shalt remember you are what you post. Therefore, look for every possible chance to include posts or pics of you being successful, confident, and/or your accomplished works.
10. Thou shalt never lie in a post. It’s a terrible precedent to set for the future generations.
What do you think? Did I leave something out? Do you disagree? Help me refine this list.
Remember ,
“What happens in Vegas stays on FaceBook forever.”
Copyright © 2010 David Mach
Great suggestions! Added rule: use privacy settings when possible!
I’m glad you liked them, Stefanie. I love the added rule. I will incorporate it into the post!
Nice list. Thanks for posting it! I have often heard that many people, when upset. Write the post, but save it in draft mode…then come back to it the next day. It gives them a chance to stop and think if what they are posting is “appropriate” or not. I say, if you might be questioning whether it’s “appropriate” or not, go with “your gut feeling” and don’t.
Thanks for the reply, Corey. Good addition to the Commandments: “if you think it not might a good idea, you are probably right.”
Your “10 Commandments” list may be especially helpful to young (20-something) newly-credentialed teachers of the Facebook age.
Great tip, Jason. I owe you one for such a insightful and helpful tip. Let me know if I can ever return the favor.
I am looking into reaching more
(20-something) newly-credentialed teachers of the Facebook age.” Please direct any new teachers to my FB account: David Mach.
These are great commandments that I wish all bloggers would read. I personally am not the most conservative person but I do take offense to swearing in a post. Having gone to business school I learned the importance of professional demeanor and etiquette both offline and online and wish this was shared more. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Thanks for the positive feedback, Daniela. I feel the same way; I am not personally conservative, but my job demands it. Fortunately, I love my job so it makes up for the restriction.
I got a lot of the ideas for this list by reading a lot of books for business school.
Great cautionary blogging list! Fbook/blogging is like talking in an open crowded hall. must be prepared to be overheard.
Thanks for the feedback, Justine! I think your metaphor is correct. Additionally, we can’t forget that the internet is like a crowded hall where everything you say is recorded forever.
Great post. I will definitely share this with the teachers at my school. I used to think the new younger teachers needed this information, but I’m finding out that even the experienced teachers need this information.
Thanks, Chuck! Yes, I don’t think anyone (young or old) really knows how much of a liability posts, tweets, or pics can be. This is especially true for for public figures!
I would like to approach our admin about possibly using this during new teacher training. I do not know if they would want to use it as a handout, presentation or other form.
May we use it with the appropriate citation back to you?
Jamie, I am pleased that you would think of using my work in your school. Yes, feel free to use it, just please cite me. I hope it helps!
I like your photo of the tank.
Glad you like it! Can you please tell me what you like about it?
What do you mean? More details about what? Examples?
Dear Mr.Mach,
I really like the ten commandments you posted. It makes students like me think twice before posting anything online. It’s useful outside and inside of school. Many people around the world can also follow this great list and it can make them better people. I really enjoyed this a lot. Keep up the great work, Mr.Mach !
Thanks, I’m glad you agree! Yes, I hope this list helps people everywhere use the internet in a safer way.
Your blog needs more excitement. Why don’t you let us post video about ourselves? I think that is a wonderful idea.
Hmmm…. as you know from reading the commandments of the web, I can’t post videos of you on the internet without your parents’ permission… However, if you make the video, I will work on getting the permission to do it.
You should make your blog more exciting!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I agree! How do you suggest I do that?
I think number 1 of the ten commandments of the web is really helpful because it’s true. Why would you post something that you know you don`t want your mom or teacher to see? I think number 1 is really helpful.
Yes, I agree. If you know your mom is going to see something, then you always think twice before you do it.
Why did they make up the ten commandments?
Do you mean the REAL commandments? If so, ask your parents.
If you mean why did I write the Commandments about internet safety, then the answer is to help people use the internet in a smart way.
The Ten Commandments of the website are great, but some of them are a little weird.
What do you think is weird about them?
I really like comment number 1 because it’s going to be very helpful to me because its true. We should never talk back to our mom or dad.
You sound very wise, and you must have very happy parents!
I like the photo of you next to the tank. You look like you’re in the military! :]
Thanks! I felt really proud standing next to it… but also it was a little sad to think that machine was made to kill other human beings… war is a terrible thing.
The ten commandments are great Mr.Mach, but i think you should put another one saying: Don’t do anything dumb on the internet because your friend told you to do it or because your friends are doing it.
Great addition to the commandments on the web!!! I love it! You are the first of my students to ever suggest another Commandment on the web! You get a Homework Pass!
Hello fellow students! A week ago in Mr. Mach’s class I learned how to do 4 Steps Phase 2, and it was exciting. THANK YOU Mr. Mach! I cant wait learn Four Steps Phase 3.
Glad you like the 4 Steps! I hope you feel that way when you have to write Phase 3 every night for homework!
Mr Mach, I’m glad that I can be in your class and learn all these new things from you because I’ve learned a little bit. Like how to really type things. Now I think I know a little better how to type a letter. I’m really happy your my language arts teacher cause your also really nice.
Thanks! I’m glad you are learning new typing skills that can help you in your life! That’s the point!
I liked that it really sounded like is was from the Bible. That’s funny. =p
I’m glad you liked it! I was hoping it would stand out more if it sounded like it was from the Bible and so that people would realize how serious I think internet safety is.
I liked the last commandment the most because lying is a horrible thing. Every time i lie, i get caught
Thanks for the comment! Do you hate lying only because you always get caught? Haha.
Hey Mr.Mach, I think that these rules r gr8t because all of them could really happen to you on the web.
What happens in Vegas stays on Facebook forever.
I’m glad you appreciate the crazy things that can happen just because of a simple post!