Chatting etiquette isn't much different from e-mail etiquette, and common sense is your best online guide. Here are some additional chat behaviour tips.

• The first rule of chat is that a real person, with real feelings, is at the other end of the computer chat connection. Upsetting them or being hurtful is not acceptable under any circumstances.

• The second rule is if you don't know the other chat visitors, be cautious until you feel comfortable with them. However the people in the room will be book club members and mostly they'll want to talk about eBooks.

• When you first enter a chat, wait and read the messages for a while to figure out what is happening, before you send a message to the chat group.

• Keep your comments short and to the point. Avoid digressing from the main conversation topics.

• Never use insults and/or foul language. Globusz has a zero tolerance policy on foul language and abuse.

• Members who do not respect the Globusz code of conduct will be contacted by the book club coordinator. Chat room access may be denied and the member blocked from entering.

• Private messaging is fine, as long as they're short and used sparingly. Remember it's the same as whispering, and we all know it's extremely rude to whisper.

• Private messages are not visible to the other members. Nor can they be viewed by the administration team.

• It is a good idea to email friends and arrange a chat session at a time that suits everyone. Setting up the chat in advance will save you coming into the room only to find it empty.

• We recommend pre-arranged meetings. Decide on a day and time that suits, meet for a few weeks to see if the meet up time works for everyone.

• If you have any problems please use the contact form to email Christine and she will assist you.   click here for the contact form.