If anyone were to ask the latest fad in communication, the easy answer would be the internet. More and more, people flock to the Internet each day. They create spend time on myspace, facebook, and just about any other site they can find that will let them type something. Among the favorite things to do on this site is blog. For some reason, we feel the compulsion to tell entire world what we are doing or how we’re feeling and why. My simple question is “Why blog?” Why does the whole world need to know what you did last weekend? Honestly, the main people who are going to care will be people you actually see in real life. Why do we go through the effort?
As newcomer to facebook and all this blogging junk, I quickly got exited a few weeks ago and yet now the glamour seems to have faded. My facebook is fairly stagnant with only a few posts going to people and the occasional poke. When does this poking thing end! Lots of people put up pictures from vacations and such, but, hey, I don’t even own camera. A blog sounding like it might be worthwhile, but it’s already frustrating me. You’ve probably noticed my name is here twice and there’s a perfectly good reason for that. When I tried to sign-on to this site, I quickly realized that I had forgotten my password. I tried to use the password recovery system, but apparently no user with my email exists so I my only option was to create a new account. There are way too many passwords to remember online and it only serves to add to my confusion.
So here I find myself, posting a blog. But, truly, what about does the world need to know so badly that I must post it. Do my friends and family who know not suffice? What should I tell the world? Do they want to know my first car? My favorite toy as a kid? My favorite TV shows? Who I’m voting for? I just can’t grasp what the world needs to know from me. Perhaps I’ve looking too far into this. It’s certainly true I’ve been feeling absolutely terrible for the past few days and my thoughts have suffered as a result. It took all my strength to crawl out of bed and go to class. Perhaps that’s what they want to know.—how I’m feeling. Well, I’m sick. I started coughing up a storm on Thursday and my voice disappeared for all intents and purposes Friday. As I had scheduled earlier, I went home last weekend where I took some cough drops and mucinex which helped me feel better. My mom tried to find Vicks 44, but someone figured out how to use it to make meth so you can’t really find it anymore. I felt a little better after the layers of mucous started to dissipate and my voice came back. Upon arriving at my dorm, my roommate offered some tea which served to help with cold, cough, and flu problems which helped more. Fortunately, I have gotten better throughout the day and should be pretty much back to normal by either Wednesday or Thursday.
So, there you have it, something about me.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Why I hate the Internet
I know the title of this blog post seems quite harsh, but I am going to look at the Internet from the other side of the fence. Most of the following are quotes or paraphrases from "Why I hate the Internet," written by an anonymous writer on geocities.com. To clarify, I do not agree with everything he writes; however, he does bring up several interesting points which I would like to discuss. First, he complains that "There's too much information." This is so true. People surfing the web are constantly inundated with pop-up ads, advertisements, links to other sites, search engines spewing out information, junk e-mails- the list goes on and on. Its simply an information overload. Our brains are only meant to process so much information at one time. When we try to process all of the information the Internet gives us, we spend a ridiculous amount of time in front of a monitor. The author also touches on the effect this has on schoolwork. Although the Internet makes research and citations a million times easier, it has a negative reciprocal effect on our study habits. Instead of reading an entire selection from a book to get some background on the topic,we simply copy and paste. It makes us lazy, and we completely forget how to research a tangible document. To be fair, I know there are upsides to having a mass of information. Instead of talking to an Indian telemarketer for the better part of an hour, i can compare vacation spots online. Then I can get directions there, rent a car, book a hotel, get tickets to shows and reserve a table at a fancy restaurant all online.
The second thing the author discusses (and the most annoying thing to me) is Internet junkies. People who have nothing better to do than to sit in front of a computer screen and live online. They meet friends online, they shop online, they read online, they play games online, some even date online. It is comical at times to see them- pale skin that hasn't seen the light of day in a long time, messed up hair, eyes bloodshot from playing to level 24 on World of Warcraft- you know the type. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is no longer limited to those people. It has spread to mainstream culture. Most people have myspace, facebook, youtube, and yahoo accounts. Not to mention they are frequent visitors to Google, eBay, news and gossip websites, and an online dating site. I critique this subject very lightly, for I am guilty in some areas. However, I have learned to manage my time online- a practice very few have achieved. All in all, I cannot say "I Hate The Internet." I can say that of all the means of communication and technology we have available, the Internet lends the largest helping hand to those who wish to misuse it.
The second thing the author discusses (and the most annoying thing to me) is Internet junkies. People who have nothing better to do than to sit in front of a computer screen and live online. They meet friends online, they shop online, they read online, they play games online, some even date online. It is comical at times to see them- pale skin that hasn't seen the light of day in a long time, messed up hair, eyes bloodshot from playing to level 24 on World of Warcraft- you know the type. Unfortunately, this phenomenon is no longer limited to those people. It has spread to mainstream culture. Most people have myspace, facebook, youtube, and yahoo accounts. Not to mention they are frequent visitors to Google, eBay, news and gossip websites, and an online dating site. I critique this subject very lightly, for I am guilty in some areas. However, I have learned to manage my time online- a practice very few have achieved. All in all, I cannot say "I Hate The Internet." I can say that of all the means of communication and technology we have available, the Internet lends the largest helping hand to those who wish to misuse it.
Identity Theft/ Online Stalking
Through all of our discussions of internet identity, we haven’t really discussed the issues if identity theft and cyber stalking. After researching these subjects I realized that they are very real and very dangerous. I learned that there are many different versions of theft and stalking online such as false posting on message boards, AIM/AOL harassment, threatening emails, fake websites, and so forth. I realized how serious these issues can be when I visited a web site called www.toxicpink.net. This web site tells the very real stories of people who have been stalked on the internet and had their identities stolen. The web site gave me some cautions to think about when blogging. It suggested that you get a LiveJournal account to ensure your privacy. It also suggested keeping your hotmail account active, knowing your online friends, realizing that emails can be deceptive, and not giving out last names. Until I got on this web site, I had never heard the actual story of someone whose identity has been stolen. I had never realized how serious and hurtful it could actually be. Not only does it affect the person whose identity is stolen, but it also affects that person’s family and friends. What’s really scary to me is that this web site gives the actual names of certain identity thieves and online stalkers, yet they are still out there and have not been caught. They are still very active in their pursuits to ruin peoples’ lives. I think that everyone who is going to be involved in blogging should visit this web site so they can prevent the same thing from happening to themselves.
Why is everything on-line?
Today everything can be done on-line. Most of my mail is on-line. You can order anything you can think of just by doing a casual search and it will be delivered to you in as short of period of time as you want it to be. The internet has really taken over our society. The world as we know it is now wireless. The more technology we create, the more we rely on it. The internet is a wonderful tool, but we use it for everything. Our homework for classes is even on-line now. In subjects like calculus and chemistry it just seems like an excuse for our teachers not to teach or grade any work. The students have to become their own teachers. You can find anything now on the internet. Some people just stay at home and run their own on-line business for a living. It all just seems too impersonal. Why do we flock to the internet for our every need? Need a map? Internet. Looking for textbooks? Internet. Want to know how your friend is doing? Internet. Why? Because we can?
Too much information?
In our past few assignments, my class has discussed the issue of online identities versus real-life identities. We have talked a lot about web blogs and the keys to writing better on the Internet. Most of the articles I have read about web blogs say that you should write passionately, about things that matter to you. Articles also say that authors should write often to avoid losing reader interest. In 10 Tips on Writing on the Living Web, Mark Bernstein writes, "if you don't write for a few days, you are unfaithful to the readers who come to visit." I agree that regularity is needed in a web blog, but how much is too much information? If you really do not have anything new to write about that is noteworthy, is a new post necessary? Many web blogs tell of insignificant personal events that no one, aside from the reader, cares about. Do we really need to know who you talked to at the store yesterday? Or what your mother said to you on the phone last night? When I read web blogs that contain unimportant personal information, all I can think about is how I could be using my time more productively. Don't get me wrong, I love to read articles that have a purpose. But blogs that bear no significance to readers bother me. With that said, I will try not to ever write about things that I feel are unimportant to readers. Because you should always practice what you preach.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
You're not hiding as much as you think
Lately we have discussed different ways any person can hide his or her identity behind a virtual mask. Many people carefully edit online profiles to display a personality that may or may not be their actual personality. They could be doing this for fun, curiosity, or to fool others. Sure, you may post pictures of yourself purposefully so that a certain person will see them, but it is surprising how many other people will see those photos -- and who those people are.
Since their openings, such networking sites as Facebook and Myspace have brought about many arrests, punishments, and expulsions in numerous towns, schools, and groups. Police and investigators have had an easy time finding criminals via postings on sites like these. Many times, people have shown photos of themselves participating in illegal activity, practically inviting a prosecution. During the summer before my senior year in high school, a friend of mine was expelled because a parent found a picture of him holding a gun, which he could not legally own.
A couple years back, churches in Alabama were being burnt to the ground. Police would not have been able to apprehend the criminals had the criminals not had a public discussion on Facebook about the activities. It is said that police are not allowed to search Facebook with the intention of looking for any discussion of misdeeds, but can use profiles to investigate after a complaint. It is incredible how easily anyone’s personal information can be seen or stolen. Just a few days ago, a friend of mine sent me an instant message telling me exactly the IP address, model of computer, operating system, and version of firefox I was using. For years, federal investigators have used false identities on Myspace to lure and capture “cyber stalkers.”
Just like those “cyber stalkers” found out that their would-be victim was a law enforcement officer, those people fooled into believing in a false personality will eventually meet the face behind the mask.
Since their openings, such networking sites as Facebook and Myspace have brought about many arrests, punishments, and expulsions in numerous towns, schools, and groups. Police and investigators have had an easy time finding criminals via postings on sites like these. Many times, people have shown photos of themselves participating in illegal activity, practically inviting a prosecution. During the summer before my senior year in high school, a friend of mine was expelled because a parent found a picture of him holding a gun, which he could not legally own.
A couple years back, churches in Alabama were being burnt to the ground. Police would not have been able to apprehend the criminals had the criminals not had a public discussion on Facebook about the activities. It is said that police are not allowed to search Facebook with the intention of looking for any discussion of misdeeds, but can use profiles to investigate after a complaint. It is incredible how easily anyone’s personal information can be seen or stolen. Just a few days ago, a friend of mine sent me an instant message telling me exactly the IP address, model of computer, operating system, and version of firefox I was using. For years, federal investigators have used false identities on Myspace to lure and capture “cyber stalkers.”
Just like those “cyber stalkers” found out that their would-be victim was a law enforcement officer, those people fooled into believing in a false personality will eventually meet the face behind the mask.
Anonymity and the Internet
Since the beginning of school, our English class has been discussing the Internet. What is the Internet and how does it influence our lives? Issues such as personal identity, social networking, and anonymity have been discussed. Where does one draw the line with anonymity and the Internet? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? I believe anonymity on the Internet can breed both positive and negative effects.
In a blog entitled "Engineering Ethics Blog," a man who recently kept his identity a secret, decided to reveal his name. After explaining his reasons for revealing his identity, he asks his readers, "Should we throw up our hands and say that cyberspace anonymity is neutral? Absolutely not. It depends on how it's used. If anonymity encourages otherwise shy people to risk more in the way of human encounters, then it may be a benefit. If a criminal uses it the same way he'd use a mask, then it's wrong." I totally agree with the blogger's assessment of anonymity. Anonymity on the Internet is both good and bad depending on one's reason for anonymity. Many people use the Internet to create a completely new self. People are often embarassed to express their opinions or beliefs unless they do it anonymously. The Internet allows people to express themselves in ways they never thought possible. It enables them to meet people and create relationships that otherwise never would have happened. Although the relationships are superficial due to anonymity, it allows the person to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Anonymity also enables people to express their true opinions. Many people often worry about criticism and failure. Due to their anonymity, these individuals know that their opinions will never be traced back to them. The anonymous Internet users can often teach others about politics, religion, and other debatable issues that otherwise never would have been posted on the Internet.
I am not saying that anonymity always breeds positive effects. Anonymity on the Internet can often lead to negative effects as well. Criminals often hide behind anonymity or create an entire new person online. They often use anonymity to create relationships with others. They trick people into believing that they are actually the person they portray themselves to be on the Internet. This can often turn into a stalker relationship or sexually abusive relationship. Many men use the Internet to stalk or even meet young women. He might portray himself to be an attractive, young man, when actually he is a sick, old man with filthy desires. Anonymity on the Internet is used for numerous reasons. While some users use anonymity for positive reasons, others use it for dangerous reasons. Although there are many harmless anonymous Internet users, it is never safe to trust anonymous Internet users, for we do not know their reasons for anonymity.
In a blog entitled "Engineering Ethics Blog," a man who recently kept his identity a secret, decided to reveal his name. After explaining his reasons for revealing his identity, he asks his readers, "Should we throw up our hands and say that cyberspace anonymity is neutral? Absolutely not. It depends on how it's used. If anonymity encourages otherwise shy people to risk more in the way of human encounters, then it may be a benefit. If a criminal uses it the same way he'd use a mask, then it's wrong." I totally agree with the blogger's assessment of anonymity. Anonymity on the Internet is both good and bad depending on one's reason for anonymity. Many people use the Internet to create a completely new self. People are often embarassed to express their opinions or beliefs unless they do it anonymously. The Internet allows people to express themselves in ways they never thought possible. It enables them to meet people and create relationships that otherwise never would have happened. Although the relationships are superficial due to anonymity, it allows the person to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. Anonymity also enables people to express their true opinions. Many people often worry about criticism and failure. Due to their anonymity, these individuals know that their opinions will never be traced back to them. The anonymous Internet users can often teach others about politics, religion, and other debatable issues that otherwise never would have been posted on the Internet.
I am not saying that anonymity always breeds positive effects. Anonymity on the Internet can often lead to negative effects as well. Criminals often hide behind anonymity or create an entire new person online. They often use anonymity to create relationships with others. They trick people into believing that they are actually the person they portray themselves to be on the Internet. This can often turn into a stalker relationship or sexually abusive relationship. Many men use the Internet to stalk or even meet young women. He might portray himself to be an attractive, young man, when actually he is a sick, old man with filthy desires. Anonymity on the Internet is used for numerous reasons. While some users use anonymity for positive reasons, others use it for dangerous reasons. Although there are many harmless anonymous Internet users, it is never safe to trust anonymous Internet users, for we do not know their reasons for anonymity.
http://ncnc.essortment.com/personalnarra_rucu.htm
The academia of the status quo seems solely concerned with the regurgitation of the discoveries of others. It seems unheard of that any one of the nameless college students all over the country would have an idea that was worth its assertion. Since this is the case, the personal essay seems to have been either outdated or replaced. In this essay I will show the benefits of the personal essay and their applications. All too often the students themselves even believe that they have nothing worthwhile to contribute; however, the number one reason that this form of essay has been abandoned is found within its name: personal. This form of essay removes the writer from his comfort zone and forces him or her to make her own assertions and support them.
Before we can discuss the essay itself, I must clarify what the essay consists of. The essai in old France was a form of theoretical introspection coined by one Michel de Montaigne. He used it as a means to both examine himself, and force the reader to examine his or her own self. This personal form of writing rarely makes actual statements; rather, it mostly poses questions from the writer that they choose to explore through the media of the essay. In the simplest terms, the main purpose of the personal essay is for both the writer and reader to find out as opposed to prove something.
I previously stated that the purpose of the essay is to find out; however, I never showed the virtue of this effort. Montaigne maintained that it was important for the writer to make his or her opinions known. If this never happened then no knew knowledge would come to light. The importance of the opinions of individuals is inherent in everyone. Without several opinions there would be no conflict, and without any conflict there would be no progress. The final benefit of this form of essay is that the writer may find that he or she has opinions in areas that they themselves didn’t even know. Many people possess assets that never come to light unless called upon. Instead of informing, this essay is more of an intellectual forum.
The final aspect of personal essay is its applications. The main and most important application of this form of essay is that I believe it quickens the learning process. In the current system, students, for the most part, are not called upon to think for themselves. This essay causes the “creative juices to flow.” It allows students to show their value to society.
In conclusion, I believe that this form of essay is invaluable and that it should be adopted immediately by the learning institutions of the world. I, like all other students, with to make a name for myself and prove my worth as an individual to the amasses intelligence of society today. I am unsure that Michel new what he was unleashing on the world in his time, but it could not have come too soon, and hopefully it will remain for the times to come.
The academia of the status quo seems solely concerned with the regurgitation of the discoveries of others. It seems unheard of that any one of the nameless college students all over the country would have an idea that was worth its assertion. Since this is the case, the personal essay seems to have been either outdated or replaced. In this essay I will show the benefits of the personal essay and their applications. All too often the students themselves even believe that they have nothing worthwhile to contribute; however, the number one reason that this form of essay has been abandoned is found within its name: personal. This form of essay removes the writer from his comfort zone and forces him or her to make her own assertions and support them.
Before we can discuss the essay itself, I must clarify what the essay consists of. The essai in old France was a form of theoretical introspection coined by one Michel de Montaigne. He used it as a means to both examine himself, and force the reader to examine his or her own self. This personal form of writing rarely makes actual statements; rather, it mostly poses questions from the writer that they choose to explore through the media of the essay. In the simplest terms, the main purpose of the personal essay is for both the writer and reader to find out as opposed to prove something.
I previously stated that the purpose of the essay is to find out; however, I never showed the virtue of this effort. Montaigne maintained that it was important for the writer to make his or her opinions known. If this never happened then no knew knowledge would come to light. The importance of the opinions of individuals is inherent in everyone. Without several opinions there would be no conflict, and without any conflict there would be no progress. The final benefit of this form of essay is that the writer may find that he or she has opinions in areas that they themselves didn’t even know. Many people possess assets that never come to light unless called upon. Instead of informing, this essay is more of an intellectual forum.
The final aspect of personal essay is its applications. The main and most important application of this form of essay is that I believe it quickens the learning process. In the current system, students, for the most part, are not called upon to think for themselves. This essay causes the “creative juices to flow.” It allows students to show their value to society.
In conclusion, I believe that this form of essay is invaluable and that it should be adopted immediately by the learning institutions of the world. I, like all other students, with to make a name for myself and prove my worth as an individual to the amasses intelligence of society today. I am unsure that Michel new what he was unleashing on the world in his time, but it could not have come too soon, and hopefully it will remain for the times to come.
Online Identity
During the end of class on Friday I was researching topics to talk about and I ran across an article titled "Online Identity and the concept of the mask." It is similar to the idea of false identity online, but I believe it is closer to the truth. I do not think that many people create profiles and online identities in the intention to falsley portray themselves. I do, however, believe that some people hide behind so called "masks." We discussed somewhat in class how it is easy for people to start arguments and be more brave online when they are hiding behind their computer screen. I know that I see this so much on Facebook. If anyone has a problem with someone they send that person a message through Facebook and they feel like a bigger person for it. I think it shows just how imature we can be. Back to the subject of falsley portraying oneself, I think that no matter if someone were to make a complete fake profile there would be something of themselves in it. An example portrayed in the article was of an individual acting like a rockstar online when, in reality he might not be one, but it does portray his interest in rock music. That person is just simply trying to hide behind the "mask." Overall, I really do believe that the computer is something to hide behind, something people can use to show their true identities or not, something that is constantly changing, but it is all simply up to the individual what he or she makes it out to be.
Is the Internet Consuming Our Lives?
We live in an era where technology rules the land. Let’s face it. We love it. We love coming home, watching our TVs, talking and texting our friends on our fancy cell phones, taking hundreds of digital pictures, and surfing the web. I love technology—I certainly won’t deny that. I had a friend once tell me that I was the reason the Apple Company was still in business. Yes, I do love Apple products, and I’m not ashamed to say so. I currently own a MacBook Pro, an 80 GB iPod, and iPod shuffle, and and iPhone. But is our love of technology healthy?
Let’s be honest with ourselves. I mean really honest. How often do you just simply come home, do your homework and then read a good book? I’ll be the first to say that I very rarely do that. In fact, usually the first thing I do when I get home is not even my homework—I usually immediately check my Facebook the moment I walk in the door. If I don’t check my Facebook first it’s because I’ve got a good TV show I’ve been obsessively watching on DVD (recently it’s been Heroes). But hey, once I get that Facebook check out of the way, I get cracking down to business…right. Actually, what usually ends up happening is that I do my homework. However, while I do my homework at my desk, I usually end up checking my Facebook every fifteen minutes—you know, just in case someone posted on my wall in that short amount of time. I've checked my Facebook 4 times throughout the writing of this blog entry--no joke.
But what’s really sad is that sometimes, I find myself lost in Facebook. I’ll start by just looking at my profile, then clicking on someone else’s, and so on and so forth, and before you know it—it’s been an hour and a half. That’s an hour and a half of my life I’ll never get back. At night, I’ll be dead tired coming in from some activity, and I’ll check my Facebook for a few minutes just before I go to bed—except those few minutes turn into hours and suddenly I’m no longer tired.
It’s not just Facebook though. YouTube is a powerful force as well. I watch one video, I’ll see a link to another interesting one, and before you know it I’m a lost cause. The Internet has consumed me. The Internet is one of the biggest reasons I became the biggest procrastinator ever in High School. The Internet always gave me an excuse to not do my homework—it was an escape from the real world. I mean seriously, what am I doing RIGHT now? I’m writing a blog post—FOR THE INTERNET!
Again, I LOVE technology, and I love the Internet. But it can be a powerful force—an addiction. I am convinced it can consume lives—take away from precious time we have to be doing bigger and better things. Much better things indeed.
Let’s be honest with ourselves. I mean really honest. How often do you just simply come home, do your homework and then read a good book? I’ll be the first to say that I very rarely do that. In fact, usually the first thing I do when I get home is not even my homework—I usually immediately check my Facebook the moment I walk in the door. If I don’t check my Facebook first it’s because I’ve got a good TV show I’ve been obsessively watching on DVD (recently it’s been Heroes). But hey, once I get that Facebook check out of the way, I get cracking down to business…right. Actually, what usually ends up happening is that I do my homework. However, while I do my homework at my desk, I usually end up checking my Facebook every fifteen minutes—you know, just in case someone posted on my wall in that short amount of time. I've checked my Facebook 4 times throughout the writing of this blog entry--no joke.
But what’s really sad is that sometimes, I find myself lost in Facebook. I’ll start by just looking at my profile, then clicking on someone else’s, and so on and so forth, and before you know it—it’s been an hour and a half. That’s an hour and a half of my life I’ll never get back. At night, I’ll be dead tired coming in from some activity, and I’ll check my Facebook for a few minutes just before I go to bed—except those few minutes turn into hours and suddenly I’m no longer tired.
It’s not just Facebook though. YouTube is a powerful force as well. I watch one video, I’ll see a link to another interesting one, and before you know it I’m a lost cause. The Internet has consumed me. The Internet is one of the biggest reasons I became the biggest procrastinator ever in High School. The Internet always gave me an excuse to not do my homework—it was an escape from the real world. I mean seriously, what am I doing RIGHT now? I’m writing a blog post—FOR THE INTERNET!
Again, I LOVE technology, and I love the Internet. But it can be a powerful force—an addiction. I am convinced it can consume lives—take away from precious time we have to be doing bigger and better things. Much better things indeed.
Web Celebs?
Researching online identities in English class has been a new experience for me. I have learned so much about the online world. Who knew there are now people considered “Web Celebs”? Forbes magazine recently named “The Web Celeb 25”. Web Celebs are just as famous as actors, singers, and sports figures. The celebrity playing field is now even between the web and reality. The Web Celebs were chosen for their online creations or having a recognizable online fan-base. People who were famous before they hit the web were excluded from the list. A list of 110 candidates was created and judged in five subjects: web references in Google, traffic on his or her homepage, Technorati rank of the website or blog, and media mentions and clips.
The first web celeb is known to most as Lonelygirl15. She skyrocketed the success of YouTube while it created her celeb status. She recorded a popular videoblog, which was scripted and used actors. This discovery only made Jessica even more famous. Perez Hilton, number two on the list, is a celebrity blogger known as “The Queen of Mean”. He is known to snuggle up to celebrities only to rat them out on his blog the next day. He is so famous that he now has his own television show talking about recent celebrity news. At number four is a news website editor, Matt Drudge. He is the editor of The Drudge Report website, which broke news of President Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky back in the day. He’s probably the only web celeb to bring down a presidency! Number nine is Robert Scoble, a tech blogger for Microsoft. He recreated Microsoft’s boring tech blog by praising other companies’ products and putting down his own company’s products, all while using a sense of humor. He even gave out his own phone number! Although he left Microsoft last summer, his own blog Scobleizer, and his video blog, ScobleShow, are hugely popular. Number 12 on the list is Wikipedia co-founder, Jimmy Wales. Only on the web could an encyclopedia nerd become famous. He is now one of the web’s most prominent names. At number 14 is Frank Warren, an online artist. He created the website postsecret.blogspot.com. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone to his site to post their secrets. Books have even been created of the secrets. But it is no secret who the success of the website goes to. I thought it was crazy that number 25 on the list was a sex educator! Violet Blue is omnipresent on the web, posting on at least four sites. She doesn’t fit in with the other 24, but she sure does show that anyone can become famous on the web!
The top 25 list really broadened my understanding of the popularity and usefulness of blogs, videos, and websites. Many people’s lives operate around the opinions of the celebs. I’ve only looked at Perez Hilton’s site, but I may have found some new websites, like the Drudge Report, that I should read on a regular basis.
The first web celeb is known to most as Lonelygirl15. She skyrocketed the success of YouTube while it created her celeb status. She recorded a popular videoblog, which was scripted and used actors. This discovery only made Jessica even more famous. Perez Hilton, number two on the list, is a celebrity blogger known as “The Queen of Mean”. He is known to snuggle up to celebrities only to rat them out on his blog the next day. He is so famous that he now has his own television show talking about recent celebrity news. At number four is a news website editor, Matt Drudge. He is the editor of The Drudge Report website, which broke news of President Clinton’s affair with Monica Lewinsky back in the day. He’s probably the only web celeb to bring down a presidency! Number nine is Robert Scoble, a tech blogger for Microsoft. He recreated Microsoft’s boring tech blog by praising other companies’ products and putting down his own company’s products, all while using a sense of humor. He even gave out his own phone number! Although he left Microsoft last summer, his own blog Scobleizer, and his video blog, ScobleShow, are hugely popular. Number 12 on the list is Wikipedia co-founder, Jimmy Wales. Only on the web could an encyclopedia nerd become famous. He is now one of the web’s most prominent names. At number 14 is Frank Warren, an online artist. He created the website postsecret.blogspot.com. Hundreds of thousands of people have gone to his site to post their secrets. Books have even been created of the secrets. But it is no secret who the success of the website goes to. I thought it was crazy that number 25 on the list was a sex educator! Violet Blue is omnipresent on the web, posting on at least four sites. She doesn’t fit in with the other 24, but she sure does show that anyone can become famous on the web!
The top 25 list really broadened my understanding of the popularity and usefulness of blogs, videos, and websites. Many people’s lives operate around the opinions of the celebs. I’ve only looked at Perez Hilton’s site, but I may have found some new websites, like the Drudge Report, that I should read on a regular basis.
Online Predators
Everyone has doubts, speculations and fears. There are various things in the world that get under the skin of the many people in the world. Things that could make me jump or send chills down my back might not even phase another person. We are all as different as sugar and spice.
One object that I find myself in constant doubt of is the internet. Do not mistake my meaning by this. There are definite perks to the internet. The world of information at your fingertips as you type a subject matter into the search box on the homepage of google is extremely alluring. We are linked to the rest of the world through a computer screen. I also am guilty of having a facebook profile; which I check almost daily. It helps me to stay connected to friends everywhere. Online journals, though, are where my comfort zone ends.
Journals in the old days were a private place to list the innermost workings of your thoughts. No one was allowed near my dairy when I was younger. I guess you could call it my secret garden. The place where I cry or laugh to anything my heart or head had to say that no one else was allowed to hear. The point being that it was a personal place that was not for anyone else but nyself. It is a scary thing posting your own thoughts in a place so public. You never know who could be reading it.
There are sick people in the world that love nothing more then the innocent child who is over zealost about allowing strangers to know to much about themselves. Though few chose to hear the pleadings of mothers who have lost their daughters to online predators, they cry for a reason.
Neive young girls in their awkward teenage years want nothing more than someone who understands them; they know that. Predators know just what to say. There is no real way of knowing if the nice guy one city away who is on the football team and is really close to his family is not really a forty year old man who likes to prey on young girls. Then once they talk for a while and build up a trust with you, they ask to meet.
Girls and boys have gone missing this way. Be careful. You never know who is hiding on the other side of the computer screen.
One object that I find myself in constant doubt of is the internet. Do not mistake my meaning by this. There are definite perks to the internet. The world of information at your fingertips as you type a subject matter into the search box on the homepage of google is extremely alluring. We are linked to the rest of the world through a computer screen. I also am guilty of having a facebook profile; which I check almost daily. It helps me to stay connected to friends everywhere. Online journals, though, are where my comfort zone ends.
Journals in the old days were a private place to list the innermost workings of your thoughts. No one was allowed near my dairy when I was younger. I guess you could call it my secret garden. The place where I cry or laugh to anything my heart or head had to say that no one else was allowed to hear. The point being that it was a personal place that was not for anyone else but nyself. It is a scary thing posting your own thoughts in a place so public. You never know who could be reading it.
There are sick people in the world that love nothing more then the innocent child who is over zealost about allowing strangers to know to much about themselves. Though few chose to hear the pleadings of mothers who have lost their daughters to online predators, they cry for a reason.
Neive young girls in their awkward teenage years want nothing more than someone who understands them; they know that. Predators know just what to say. There is no real way of knowing if the nice guy one city away who is on the football team and is really close to his family is not really a forty year old man who likes to prey on young girls. Then once they talk for a while and build up a trust with you, they ask to meet.
Girls and boys have gone missing this way. Be careful. You never know who is hiding on the other side of the computer screen.
Online Profiles
With all this analysis of online networking sites and individual profiles we've been doing, I've come to realize that while some people put large quantities of time and thought into their profiles, others simply do not. Most of our class discussion has been along the lines of, "What was this person thinking by placing this on his profile?" Many times, though, the more appropriate question is, "Was this person thinking when he placed this on his profile?" I know that my time on Facebook is a time to relax and unwind. I don't think especially hard about what I include in my profile and what I don't. I debate over content for a term paper, not an online profile. I have a feeling many people, even some of those we've been analyzing, are the same way. College life is stressful and busy enough. Most students don't have the time or desire to actually worry about what is placed on their Facebook profiles.
Take this rising scandal over student athletes using Facebook for example. Athletes are being punished because pictures are found on Facebook of the athletes taking part in illegal or otherwise immoral activity, usually through pictures posted by the athlete or others. Schools are taking serious action on these altercations, using Facebook profiles as evidence to suspend or expel student athletes. I think, in this situation, it is very clear that the student athletes are not putting much thought into their profiles. If they were thinking, they wouldn't post pictures of themselves drinking or hazing other students. These actions are very stupid; a little bit of thought would have kept them from happening. And we've been discussing things like all online profiles have a lot of thought put into them. I think it is best if we would remember to consider both sides of the spectrum, and not limit ourselves to one.
Take this rising scandal over student athletes using Facebook for example. Athletes are being punished because pictures are found on Facebook of the athletes taking part in illegal or otherwise immoral activity, usually through pictures posted by the athlete or others. Schools are taking serious action on these altercations, using Facebook profiles as evidence to suspend or expel student athletes. I think, in this situation, it is very clear that the student athletes are not putting much thought into their profiles. If they were thinking, they wouldn't post pictures of themselves drinking or hazing other students. These actions are very stupid; a little bit of thought would have kept them from happening. And we've been discussing things like all online profiles have a lot of thought put into them. I think it is best if we would remember to consider both sides of the spectrum, and not limit ourselves to one.
Change
My tender-hearted brother drove me home to recover from my sinus infection. The jubilant squeals of my energetic nieces greeted me as I entered the door after a tiring ride home from college. My mother accepted my dirty clothes with a loving smile, and my father gave me a teddy-bear hug. Brenna and Bella, my affectionate little nieces, did not know what to think when I would not let them get close to me. Their two and three year old minds just did not understand they could not hug me because I was sick. Little did they know that hearing their tender voices was like chicken soup for my stuffy nose.
While at home, I realized that life would never again be as I knew it before college. Every day I am away from home, I seem to become more grown-up. I will always miss my family and my home. But, with each passing day, I am nearing the point of no return. Never again will I be going home to live. From now on, I am just a visitor. I guess this is a reality that every college student has to face.
When my brother moved to college six years ago, I was a frail little seventh grader. I just did not understand that he was leaving forever. Now I am gone too, and I worry most of all for my parents. With all three of their children grown-up, I wonder how they will cope. They used to spend all of their time and energy going to basketball games and games to watch me cheer. Never will they know how much of a relief it was to always have two devoted supporters in the stands. Now it seems that they are the ones who need rescuing, and the only comfort I can give them now is a phone call.
I spent my Saturday lying on the couch watching chick flicks with Momma, and my brother spent the sunny day on the golf course with Daddy. I realized that there is no better feeling in the world than being in a home where I am loved. That afternoon we all sat around the table for supper. I looked at the chipper faces around me, and I realized that life does not get any better than that. I felt so lucky to have a place like that to go home to when I am sick.
I just do not see how there could be anything as wonderful as the feeling I got when I went home. It was enlightening to see my past and present combined. Going back will always remind me of the memories that seem now like a dreamy cloud. I hope to make many memories in my new home and to never forget that wonderful place that has made me who I am today. I know that there will never be anything more important to me than my family and no better place to visit than my happy childhood home. I look forward to many more trips to my home in the country.
While at home, I realized that life would never again be as I knew it before college. Every day I am away from home, I seem to become more grown-up. I will always miss my family and my home. But, with each passing day, I am nearing the point of no return. Never again will I be going home to live. From now on, I am just a visitor. I guess this is a reality that every college student has to face.
When my brother moved to college six years ago, I was a frail little seventh grader. I just did not understand that he was leaving forever. Now I am gone too, and I worry most of all for my parents. With all three of their children grown-up, I wonder how they will cope. They used to spend all of their time and energy going to basketball games and games to watch me cheer. Never will they know how much of a relief it was to always have two devoted supporters in the stands. Now it seems that they are the ones who need rescuing, and the only comfort I can give them now is a phone call.
I spent my Saturday lying on the couch watching chick flicks with Momma, and my brother spent the sunny day on the golf course with Daddy. I realized that there is no better feeling in the world than being in a home where I am loved. That afternoon we all sat around the table for supper. I looked at the chipper faces around me, and I realized that life does not get any better than that. I felt so lucky to have a place like that to go home to when I am sick.
I just do not see how there could be anything as wonderful as the feeling I got when I went home. It was enlightening to see my past and present combined. Going back will always remind me of the memories that seem now like a dreamy cloud. I hope to make many memories in my new home and to never forget that wonderful place that has made me who I am today. I know that there will never be anything more important to me than my family and no better place to visit than my happy childhood home. I look forward to many more trips to my home in the country.
Identity
Lately in our English class, we have been discussing Internet identity. Many people change themselves completely online or simply change certain parts of there personality to make them seem different than they actually are. Those people who change themselves completely, or even go as far as to create an imaginary person using a stranger’s pictures, tend to threaten us. We think of them as evil imposters trying to lure us into their trap, or creepy old men trying to prey on innocent children, using the computer screen as their shield. I have never thought of these people in a positive manner until recently, after having a conversation with one of my friends.
Like me, my friend Taylor had had a Xanga blog site in middle school. I was telling her that researching blogging in my English class had made me remember how much fun it had been.
“I still have one,” she said, “but it’s not really me.”
Surprised, I made her tell me more about it. Taylor had created an entirely new person online. She had named her Zoe and created a complete identity for her, even down to Zoe’s interests and hometown.
“Its not like I update it all the time or anything,” she explained, “Its just kind of fun when I’m bored.”
This changed my entire opinion on creating fake identities online. Something that I used to see as shady and strange I now realized could be used as a creative form of expression. I never realized that not all people who create false identities are doing it for negative reasons, and that they could be people I knew. Taylor is basically writing a book with Zoe as the main character. Although Zoe is a completely fictional character, reading this profile would tell us a lot about Taylor because she is expressing herself through Zoe. Some things that people may not be comfortable expressing as themselves can be expressed through a fictional Internet character without embarrassment or consequence. Before judging these online authors again, I’ll remember that not all of these people are creating these identities for the wrong reasons.
Like me, my friend Taylor had had a Xanga blog site in middle school. I was telling her that researching blogging in my English class had made me remember how much fun it had been.
“I still have one,” she said, “but it’s not really me.”
Surprised, I made her tell me more about it. Taylor had created an entirely new person online. She had named her Zoe and created a complete identity for her, even down to Zoe’s interests and hometown.
“Its not like I update it all the time or anything,” she explained, “Its just kind of fun when I’m bored.”
This changed my entire opinion on creating fake identities online. Something that I used to see as shady and strange I now realized could be used as a creative form of expression. I never realized that not all people who create false identities are doing it for negative reasons, and that they could be people I knew. Taylor is basically writing a book with Zoe as the main character. Although Zoe is a completely fictional character, reading this profile would tell us a lot about Taylor because she is expressing herself through Zoe. Some things that people may not be comfortable expressing as themselves can be expressed through a fictional Internet character without embarrassment or consequence. Before judging these online authors again, I’ll remember that not all of these people are creating these identities for the wrong reasons.
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