File Sharing

File sharing is the practice of distributing or providing access to digitally stored information, such as computer programs, multi-media (audio, video), documents, or electronic books. With the internet becoming a useful tool for group work, many people are starting to use file sharing programs like Dropbox, Google Docs, SkyDrive, or any other file sharing program to communicate and share project ideas/work. As the idea of collaborating online as a group sound convenient, there should be some form of etiquette for those that are new to the whole idea or to simply avoid being a jerk to others and prevent any miscommunication between the group members.

•  Name folders after projects, not people

Naming folders after projects instead of people should be useful since you want others to keep track of what each folder contains rather than see who made the folder.

• Ask before deleting individual files.

It is common courtesy to ask your project members if it is okay to delete any files just in case someone may need the information. Do not add more frustration to the project by deleting something that could be crucial for another team member to use in order for them to complete their task.

• Don't change file names or rearrange files.

Don’t change file names or rearrange files because doing so could become detrimental for those that are using it. Even though you may be doing a favor for them, it may bring upon more confusion and upset those that didn’t know the change since they might have had a procedure or structure that worked well for them. An example of this would be that you wouldn’t want your roommate or some other person to fix your room and have your things placed in unfamiliar territory. If you still have that that urge to fix the arrangement of the folders, then politely ask or offer some assistance or suggestions and see if the group agrees.

The best thing is to have a group discussion about how the folders and files be organized. Miscommunication is a nuisance and can waste the groups' time. Having too many folders isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as they make sense and don't contain repetitive files. If you go by these guidelines, your group may communicate effectively and there shouldn't be less discrepancies among each group member.