E-tiquette

I believe that with the passage of time, manners and general etiquette has severely waned over the last 15-20 years. I am certain that everyone has heard the older generation say 'you would never do that when I was your age' and I fear in my early 30's I fear that I will be muttering this soon.

Yes I admit there are cultural nuances but I think the general electronic etiquette or e-tiquette as I call it - is shockingly poor.

I have recently advertised a room in my apartment for rent on gumtree and craigslist. I purposely do not leave an email address as I can't be bothered with the back and forth. As you would expect, people would call and text me about details about the room. We set up mutual times for those interested to come by and see the place. By my estimates, I would say that about 40% don't show up and a great deal of the rest are late and don't bother to call or text in regards to their tardiness.

Most recently some random person emailed me about general information about living in Australia. Out of the goodness of my heart I replied to their questions, thinking to myself, why not help someone out who needs it, even if it is in this faceless medium. This individual did not even have the decency to say thank you.

Now I ask you - what the hell do these people think? I am running a public because I have put an advert on the internet and I am here at their beckon call? It seems that common courtesy is the least common thing around when you deal in cyber-space. Or rather was I instilled with a certain set of values that does not ring true any longer - and this behaviour is the norm and it is me who needs to render a new set of values?? (I truly hope not).

Do I believe there is a solution to this all - not a chance - but I am hoping that people will make some effort to be courteous so I do not age prematurely and sound like a grizzled pensioner well before my time.