Is It OK to Poke You? Like any social interaction, Facebook has its own etiquette.(Cover story)

Byline: -Kurt Soller

Once upon a time, before the Internet, calling after 9 p.m. was the most serious communication taboo. But with new technology comes new rules, and Facebook is no exception. Before your kids, co-workers or parents ask you "WTF?", read our guide to Facebook politesse.

The friend request: This tool lets you invite anyone on the site to become your friend. But don't go overboard. In the beginning, seek out your freshman-year roommate and high-school boyfriend. But get to know someone before pressing the request button. Is the woman you spent five minutes in line with at Wal-Mart truly one of your "friends"? If someone denies your request, sending another request is sure to annoy.

Photographs: Ideally, your profile picture clearly displays your face. And only yours. No need to cloud your image with friends, lovers or an homage to your favorite Nick@Nite star. This is Facebook, not fakebook, after all. When "tagging" others (attaching their names below the photos), refrain from posting anything people wouldn't have put up there themselves. You might want to showcase your best friend's bawdy ...