Question: Why should you worry about etiquette? Nobody can punch you in the face through your computer.

Answer: To play! People come to play, not to argue. If you're annoying them, they can easily boot you out of their game and password lock the game room. Besides, if you make friends instead of enemies, you'll always have someone to play with!

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Here are some guidelines to getting along in the MSN Game Zone:

Don't rush the Host - Don't jump into a game room and start typing "Go, go, go, go, go!" The host is the only one who can start the game, and he may be waiting for more players. Or some players may be downloading the add-on track. Rushing the host just tells everyone that you're probably an impatient kid. Are you so self-centered that you really believe they were only waiting for your arrival?

Read the Information - A good host will name his room for the track he is running, and will post a download link if it is an add-on. You are wasting everyone's time if they launch the game and you don't have the track installed. Few hosts will change to a stock track after launching just to accomodate your lack of observation.

Don't Curse - You are just a button-click away from being reported to the MSN Game Zone monitors, and they can restrict your access to the Zone if somebody turns you in for swearing. Besides, Mommy will wash your mouth out with soap.

Don't Use the CB Radio Feature - It doesn't work. No matter how nice a microphone you have, it doesn't work. It's a problem with the program, not your equipment. Sounds come through all garbled if they come through at all. Most people just turn it off in their options.

Limit Your Horn and "Yee-Haw"s - Some folks like to continually use their horn and their "yee-haw!" buttons. If you can find opponents who will tolerate you doing that, fine. But most people think it's annoying and will boot you from the game. The occasional blast to celebrate a great hit is okay and even enjoyed.