Participating in an online focus group is similar to being in a chat room. It is easy to "step on" or type over another person who has the floor. Follow these simple rules of online focus group etiquette, and you and the other participants will all have a chance to make your views known.

• Type an "!" when you would like to make a comment.

• Type an "?" when you have a question.

• Wait for the facilitator to acknowledge you. While you are waiting, go ahead and type the comment or question you have. When the facilitator recognizes you, simply hit the enter key and your comment or question will be shown.

• If there is not enough room to type your complete comment, type ellipses at the end of the line, like this… and continue your comment in the next blank box starting with ellipses.

• If you see ellipses at the end of someone’s comment, wait for the person to complete their thought before entering your question or comment.