Netiquette, a compression of network etiquette, refers to the basic principles of good behavior in writing e-mails and posting messages online. Netiquette advises Web users to avoid rudeness, respect privacy and tolerate other viewpoints in online communications.Although the concept of netiquette is as old as the Internet itself, news sites continue to struggle with where to draw the line on offensive postings as they strive to maintain a balance between openness and civility.