If you haven't heard of Bebo or MySpace you've been living under a rock [I know it's a cliché, I must try harder].

Supre sells I Love MYSPACE and I Love BEBO tops and the new pick-up line of the pre-pubescents is "You got Bebo?". But Bebo and MySpace aren't just for rebellious teens keen to tick off their parents and teachers. Uni students, travellers and parents around New Zealand are now jumping on the Bebo-wagon and creating profiles.

It is with them in mind that I write this post...

There is MySpace and Bebo etiquette. It's not just a myth.

Social sites Bebo and Myspace tend to adopt an anything goes policy which makes great news fodder whenever another bullying case among tweens breaks. For those starting out, here's my run-down. Follow it or not, it's up to you. I really don't give a toss - I'm just bored.

An etiquette guide/how to: to Bebo and Myspace:

Put in your real name. No one can find you if you don't put in your REAL name. If you don't want randoms contacting you, set your page to private.

Don't post pictures of people without their permission. You may be quite OK with posting pictures of yourself spewing into a gutter but your friend "Melz" might not like her breasts being exposed to pre-pubescents the world over. If you must post drunken pictures make sure all parties know you are going to put the pictures up. If a friend asks you to take a picture down, do it. It's not your image you're screwing with it's theirs.

Never tick the picture share file. On Myspace change your setting so that people who view your page can't save your pictures to their computer. Do you really want Gazzy69 from Wangarei to have that "HAWT" picture of you and your "best friend forever" getting frisky outside the Loaded Hog as his screensaver? Once a photo is on the net you can't take it back.

Also, be wary of posting pictures of your kids. In an ideal world you wouldn't have to worry about sickos getting these pics but unfortunately you need to keep your guard up. If you want to share pics of your young'uns keep your profile private and only add people you know and trust. Or set them up their own page that is always private. Allow family and friends to view it. That way you can keep your site public.

If you are female, under no circumstances put pictures of yourself in a bikini up. For the men, pictures of you shirtless, flexing your muscles are not necessary. Sure you have nice "guns" but you come across as a tragic moron who is trying to score on the internet. Girls, I'm sure you worked hard to get your bikini body but do you really feel flattered by comments like "girl, ya get a foine ass! wanta make a baby?" It's called respect hun, it's not just a song.

If you must put up body shots please steer clear of grainy cell phone shots [it looks like porn] and shots of yourself leaning over "mad" cars. Don't put up pictures of yourself in a bikini with the caption "eww I so fat!". If you really thought you were you wouldn't put it up. This is not a support group. It's a website.

Postings/Blogs and Bulletins
Write like a human being. You are not texting. You can't be in that much of a rush that you can't spell out words and sentences properly. Enough of this "Yo, me iz from Welly hood, al up in dis shizzle". You are not GangStar you are a white 16 year old from Gore. Hey is spelt Hey, not Hai. My is spelt My, not Mai. Use grammar. It really is your friend. Don't LOL everything. Saying "that's funny" is the new black.

Use your blog, that's what it is there for. By all means put your "getting to know you" quizzes on there. Many of your friends would be genuinely interested in where you were born, places you want to travel etc. Don't put in your sexual history. Questionnaires that start of with "Have you ever..." should generally be avoided like the clap. To those under 16, your parents could read it. Don't think they won't, they're not as stupid as you think. Don't you realise that all they have to do is search your name and they'll find your page? If it's not something you'd tell your grandparents then don't put it in. For those aged 16 to 18. Yay, you're having sex, good for you, use protection and don't advertise it on Bebo. For those over 18, what are you so proud of?

Don't use your blog to publish angsty poetry. If you're hurting tell you friends offline. Or see a counsellor. Don't put up poetry like "Darkness fall on my soul, I'm all alone, no Fall Out Boy tickets, I feel sick-it's...my goal." Also, don't put up blogs like "I hate the size of my hips, I hate my life, Roger won't go out with me and I just hate everyone."

Make your own quiz with interesting questions. Instead of "what side of the bed do you sleep on" why not try something that will make for interesting answers? "If God exists what does he/she look like?" Write about things that have captivated you, something you saw on the news, an interesting dinner conversation, a change you've decided to make in your life.

Don't use bulletins unless it's for something important. Sending a bulletin every time you add photos or a videos is annoying. If people care enough about you they will be checking your page regularly to see if you have changed your layout. If you have a different profile photo they will know you have added new photos. If they want to see them they'll look.
Bebo Love. Every day you have one heart to give away on Bebo. This is called Bebo Love. Bebo love is coveted by many. Here are the rules of

BeboLove:

Don't beg for love if you're not prepared to give it.
There is nothing more annoying than someone who has obviously scrolled their friends list and begged for love.

The desperation of many Bebo users is astounding. Some seem to believe reaching 1000 profile views is the be all and end all. For others it's all about the love. Share it around, by all means reciprocate but don't become obsessed with Bebo love - Honey, it aint real.

Also, if you're a couple, that's grand. Add them as your other half to keep the stalkers at bay but don't give them love every single day and have them do the same. It's just lame my friend. I know you luff them and they lurrrve you back but the rest of your friends aren't interested.

Music, Bands
Add bands and comedians you like. One of the best aspects of Bebo and Myspace is your ability to meet people from all over the world. If you have a band or you're a DJ stick up your music. Getting to hear unsigned music from all of the world is great thing. Support local music by searching NZ bands.

Use your page for activism. If you want teenagers to have the right to vote at 16, or you want an end to youth rates start a petition. MySpace and Bebo are the best places to gather support for causes that relate to young adults.

Comment on blogs, photos, polls, quizzes. Comment everywhere. Let your friends know you agree or disagree with them. Let them know what you're up to. That's the purpose of Bebo and Myspace.

Write reviews for local bands, movies, shows. Post up your photography, art. Give people a reason to continue visiting your page. Then you'll finally get the love you want.