Prozac Nation, Pop:1

Weblog Ethics

2005-09-26T17:00:00.000-04:00

In response to an excerpt: Weblog Ethics in the Weblog Handbook: Practical Advice On Creating and Maintaining Your Blog by Rebecca Blood, 2002.

I have also been of the mind that having a set of rules, especially for the purpose of legitimacy as well as structure, was an essential, therefore the idea of having these Weblog rules seems a good idea as well as inevitable if the blogosphere wants to become a legitment, reliable source of information. Whether people will want to or have the initiative to follow these simple rules is up for grabs, however. I agree with Rebecca's assessment that having these many different sources of information from people who do not have the same limitations as newspapers and magazines provides a much rounder view of the information being presented. This will only work, however, if these independents have at least some sort of guidelines, so as to import a sense of legitimacy to their uncensored, and unedited voice. I don't think people will enjoy the rule about editing, though. Though I see the reason and need for this rule, who will want to forever see their own glaringly obvious mistakes? The feature that allows one to erase their mistakes has always been a plus side for computer use over the typewriter or print.

Diploma Mills

2005-09-26T16:37:00.000-04:00

Opinion in reference to article at wired.com, by Ryan Singel, Feb. 2, 2005.

I never really gave any thought about the legitimacy of those get-your-degree-online college ads. I suppose I never truly believed them to be of much value, but I also didn't realize that a person could actually get sent to prison for fraud, either. In the back of our minds, I believe people think that there is some authority out there that is preventing people from doing this type of exploitation, so therefore they don't bother to check a site's or organization's credentials. The solution of making a list of accredited schools by which to compare these frauds to is commendable, but it has the aire of the band-aid to it. This is not a long-term solution. There has to be some better way of finding the validity of a site or organization, or perhaps in some people's opinions all that is needed is for people to be either less lazy about looking for credentials or they need to be brought out of their ignorance or complacency towards finding the truth. Either way, when it comes to the Internet it seems we are just plugging up the holes.

Authors Guild vs. Google Print

2005-09-26T16:00:00.000-04:00

According to an article in the NY Times by Edward Wyatt, Sept. 21, 2005, the Authors Guild is making a lawsuit against on of Google's newest enterprises, Google Print (Library Program), that allow users to search in texts from participating libraries and companies. The Guild claims that Google Print is infringing the Copyright Act that "required it to obtain authorization from the holders of the copyrights in these literary works before creating and reproducing digital copies of the works for its commercial use and for the use of others." Google responded by stating that their project is legitiment through the fair use provision, that allows for material to be used once for non-commercial reasons. The Google rep went on to claim the benefits of this program to the authors and users alike, and was disappointed that the Guild was trying to limit knowledge to the users. Google had decided to suspend this library project until November, to give authors time to decide what they do or do not wish to be available through Google Print. The Guild rep made the comment that this "solution" is against the purpose of the Copyright Laws, because the owners of the copyrights are having to regulate what is or is not able to be used, instead of users having to ask permission to use the Copyrighted material.
I was quite surprised when I read that neither Google Print or the participating libraries asked permission from the authors to database their works for Internet Users. I'm not surprised at the lawsuit. I also agree that it does seem counter to the Copyright Act for the authors to have to give permission to Google Print, instead of the other way around. I can, of course, understand the Google and user perspective of wanting there to be as much information out there as possible to access, especially from accredited sources. In the end, I'm going to have to side with the Authors Guild on this one, because Google didn't go through appropriate protocol, and I think that the real issue was not asking the copyright owner's permission to use their works in such a manner.

I Never Wanted To Be Able To Say

2005-09-19T16:27:00.000-04:00

I never wanted to be able to say that I had looked myself up on the Internet. Oh well, at least I can truly say that it was for a class assignment. I first searched google since it is a main stream engine. Not much there under the name Erica Mokry. I tried a few variations from the advanced search (using Boolean) and the only places I found that were related to directly to me were the student blogs for this class (cpsc 104)and the geneaology page of the Schier family, which I found a little creepy since I have never heard of them and they had all this impersonal information about whom begot whom. Not directly related to me were a few things about my sister especially about the swimsuit/model competition she just finished, plenty of Czech sites (my lasts name is Czech and means "wet" unfortunately, so there were a few Czech porn sites that came up as well - - sorry not giving a link to those. I then tried a few directories like Yahoo, Open Directory, and Look Smart, with little to no success (again using Erica Mokry and variations thereof). Through a yahoo people search I found I could buy a background check through Intelius.com, but it couldn't find me on its people search. Through that same search I found my public email address, and it still shows that I live in Olive Branch, MS, guess I need to change that.
I then checked my most common user name and found a few more results, such as my two blogs, blogrings, launchcast radio station, comments I left on others' blogs, and website memberships. I was surprised that my Yahoo!groups didn't come up though. I found slightly more on google than I did on yahoo, though. Overall, it was long search for not much information. I know that my Internet research skills are in dire need of improvement, because I know there is more out there than I found, though I'm doing this from more of a perspective of someone who doesn't really know me, since I could just look up the more specific places that would have my name.

Intellectual Property

2005-09-19T15:54:00.000-04:00

Ever since I heard this term, I have been quite fascinated by its ramifications. Lately the issue seems to be popping up quite a bit. I think it is the psychology behind the issue that is intriguing. How much built information are we using each time we solve a problem or come up with an idea? I understand that it is in the company's best interest to guard their research from the competition by putting certain limitations on their employees as to what they can share or use outside of the company's interests. A person cannot erase what they have learned, so what are the options for the companies? To prohibit their employees from ever working for the competitor or private, individual enterprise? I suppose they can go the sci-fi route and invent a machine that does in fact remove select memories from an individual's mind, erasing their liability. Though it was not the center issue, the movie "Paycheck" had such a device and was employing a man to steal the ideas of another to create a new and improved design for another company. In the book "Enchanted Inc." by Shanna Swendson, one of the characters is actually a lawyer who specializes in intellectual property cases. They were able to stop a wizard's harmful new business enterprise through an intellectual property claim that stated that since the spell he was marketing was based on research he did at and for his former employers, the spell and any derivatives belonged to that company. The big question is where to draw the line (or is it even possible) between what is the natural process of forming ideas and the protection of an individual's or companys ideas and innovations.

Net Elementary

2005-09-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

Response to article,
"Survey: Searchers are Confident, Satisfied & Clueless" by Chris Sherman,
Jan.24, 2005

Deborah Fallows (Senior Research Fellow at the Pew Internet & American Life Project)stated that "Most users are still in elementary school with where they are about using the internet and search engines. As they grow up it will dawn on them to try different search engines, not just the one of convenience or habit."
I thought this was a great analogy for what is going on with people's experiences with search engines. Most people don't seem to bother to try to find other way to experience the Net than the old tried-and-true. They just continue using the Net as they were first taught, rarely feeling the need to surpass that first intiated knowledge. I can relate since I was the same way not too many years ago, when I first really started using the Internet regularly. I would always use the same search engine and I would trust that I was finding what I was looking for as well as the validity of the information I was coming across. No one ever told me differently. Gradually as I began using the Net more and especially as the information I was searching for was of more consequence (from emails and games to research projects and trustworthy news) I saw how limited my first experiences truly were. I feel like maybe I have reached the cusp of middle school at this point and am looking forward to elevating to the next level.

Aargh!

2005-09-12T17:46:00.000-04:00

Digital piracy and copyright enfringment are big concerns for businesses hiring college graduates according to an article found at tmcnet.com. According to a survey conducted by the BSA (Business Software Alliance), "two-thirds of students see nothing unethical about swapping or downloading digital files illegally." The article cautions businesses about new hires recently graduated from universities because it seems apparent that they are unconcerned or unaware of the copyright laws as well as the accountability of the employer when employees abuse those laws. Companies can be fined up to 150,000 dollars for every software program that employees enfringement. BSA even offers businesses audit tools to determine if employees are illegally downloading software programs. They are advocating awareness in students about copyright laws through a program "Define the Line" by collaborating with universities into entreat students to being "good cyber citizens and respect copyrighted works online." The BSA survey did show that students reduced illegal or unauthorized copyrighting when they were informed of the actions being taken against illegal downloaders.
My opinion is that its unfortunate that only learning of the punishments stops students from illegal downloading. Disregarding copyright laws seems to be the norm, not the exception on college campuses. There is also no regard for the company, which is held accountable for its employees' actions. The "Define the Line" does seem like a good program to advocate for incoming graduate employees.

"More Than Half of Students Surveyed Say It's Okay to Share Digital Copyrighted Works on the Job" Aug. 22, 2005
www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-more-than-half-students-surveyed-say-its-okay-/2005/aug/1174934.htm

Much Needed Security

2005-09-11T18:48:00.000-04:00

Not that it was a major catastrophe, but catching a computer virus that crashes your PC is not a fun experience. I can't even remember what virus is was at this point, I just remember wanting to strangle the person/s who created it. I had just come back from summer vacation to a new year at school. I had a new dorm and connected my computer to the school's system. Not too long after my computer began to become a little slower and it would ask to be rebooted now and again, and I didn't think too much of it at the time. Eventually the school sends me an email telling me that they are restricting my internet access because my PC is infected and is trying to infect others. I tried on numerous occasions by myself and with tech support trying to correct the damage, which only served to frustrate me beyond belief (as nothing but technology seems to do). I eventually had to take it to get completely refigured, which was not cheap. I was without my computer a lot longer than they said I would be without it. It all happened because I forget to update my firewalls regularly. Now, of course, I update as frequently as possible. The whole incident really just made me like the human race just a little less than I already do. Yes this is pessimisstic and unfair, but I really don't want to go through that again, and wouldn't have had to if some people were lonely deviants trying to get attention or trying to make some inane point or protest. I have never understood the whole "I was screwed so I am going to screw over everyone else" syndrome. How selfish can you be?

Black or White

2005-09-11T18:14:00.000-04:00

In response to the article The Tyranny of Copyright

It seems inherent in every human to some degree to overiduldge from time to time, but America appears to have adopted the inability for balance into its culture. Where are the neutrals? People will feel repressed if you strenghten the copyright laws and taken advantage of if they are relaxed. Where is the happy medium? Does that concept even exist in America anymore, or if it does would it be sustainable? How is one suppossed to decide which side would be best for the country/world? America is heavily based on individuality, which is the main reason why our country has much more stringent copyright laws in the first place. Success is important to the American Dream, and to be successful one must establish themselves, and in order to do that they must protect their intellectual property to ensure that they are getting credit for their work. However from another perspective it could just be looked at as plain selfishness and greed. Companies will want as many copyright laws as possible to ensure their success over the competition. The problem it seems in this copyrighting debate is that their is a positive and negative reaction to each topic. There is no clear answer which route (less or more) will ensure the best possible future for our society as well as the individuals. At this point, a large problem just seems to be the ambiguity of the copyright laws in general. The layman does not know to what extent the copyright laws are at. The general public does not seem to know what is or is not suitable copyright etiquette. Yes, there don't technically seem to be any original ideas out there, but does that mean that a person should not get credit for the unique emassiation of all the ideas that have gone through their minds in their lifetimes? Every point I can think of for either side of the argument, I can find a counterpoint to, therefore I always come to a standoff when discussing this issue of copyright and can never give a definitive answer.

campus event

2005-08-31T17:33:00.000-04:00

Technically it's not really an event, more like an observation. Everytime I go on a campus, any uni campus, there is always this sense of frenetic energy. Practically, the energetic aura is probably due to the students' youth. The young bodies haven't started to deteriorate yet; still so full of lively, healthy cells. However I usually look at the energy as the potential that is within each of the students, coupled with their wishes, aspirations, goals for the future. When you first come to uni you can be so overwhelmed by the possibilities the world has to offer. You can have even more detailed daydreams of "what you want to be when you grow up." The taste of youth's first freedom is always on the air as well. I always find it amusing this look some people get when they just know that they can do anything they want essentially and there aren't any parents to forbid them from doing it. You can just watch them on the lawns, rolling around like playful puppies, or gossiping about the inanities of life. The complaints of work and no time slip away because they can still see that future ahead of them, and know it will be worth it. Of course, for the cynical pessimists out there, like me, the vast amount of choices can seem so daunting at times. Where others can see a new opportunity to find their niche, others can see another place to fail. Every time I step onto a campus I feel more alien, and though usually feel relish towards that feeling (who wants to be normal, average, and like the rest of the masses?), sometimes it can bring one further away then one anticipated being. Knowing something and being about to believe in it are two separate things. A great advantage to youth however is the ablilty to adapt and be flexible with a certain amount of naivety that can jump us back to those dreams and goals of the future we had seen earlier. I don't look at my sometime naivety as a weakness or flaw, but as a buoy that keeps me afloat when I start to glimpse the underbelly (though some seem to see it more frequently then others). It is always fascinating to almost actually feel the life surrounding a campus, that tangible potential radiating throughout the space. Best to absorb it before it goes away, I suppose. It's too dangerous to let it escape.

On a more literal note, I wish I could have seen the school's production of "Midsummer's Night Dream." I heard it was magical. One can never go wrong with Shakespeare (with the exception of "Romeo and Juliet"--too much irony for me).

science fiction

2005-08-31T17:02:00.000-04:00

For some reason people are always surprised when I tell them I'm into sci-fi. It's not like there is a stereotypical image of female science fiction fans, anyway. It is also the only genre I actually like short stories from. Isaac Asimov is brilliant with his short stories. I'm always fascinated by his concepts and use of logic. My favorite story is "Liar!" where through some unauthorized tinkering, a robot is created with the ability to read minds. However since robots are governed by the three laws, one of which is the inability to harm humans, he had to tell everyone what they wanted to hear to save them emotional pain. He stroked a man's ego, even though he was wrong, told a woman a man loved her when he didn't. You feel so sorry for her, because it was her only foray into live and it was a lie. She was so angry, she killed the robot by presenting him with the paradox that he was hurting people by telling them the truth and hurting them by telling them lies. Truly fascinating, to me anyway. David Brin is also brilliant. He does a wonderful job of showing the different dynamics and psychology in dealing with very different alien races. One aspect of sci-fi that has always attracted me, is the potential of humanity it explores. What innovative ideas will we have in the future? The technology, the knowledge is endless with possibilities. I've always thought space was beautiful. I like the vast emptiness and the fact that there is something out there so much larger than yourself. Most people don't like feeling small or insignificant, but it just makes me appreciate life more, because of its smallness. They have this planetarium presentation at the New York Museum of Natural History that is similar in theme, where you get to see just how small in the universe we actually are. Sci-fi humor is also wonderful. Douglas Addams is a classic choice ( I thought the new movie was great. Alan Rickman was the only choice for Marvin). David Asperin's Phule series is great ( gotta love those incompetant soldiers). My favorite however is Eric Idle's "Road To Mars." The concept is genius. A David Bowie look-a-like robot of two comedians is out to find the formula for comedy and become the first robot stand-up comedian. I knew Idle was brilliant at comedy, but not at weaving such an intriguing tale of adventure, romance, and science fiction. Synopsis: Science Fiction = brilliant.

Internet Verification?

2005-08-31T17:01:00.000-04:00

An answer to "many students have difficulty recognizing trustworthy sources, though perhaps the underlying problem is a lack of understanding of the Internet as an unmonitored
source of information." from " "Critical Thinking in the Internet Era"

When in high school, I don't recall the professors hammering it into our heads how unreliable the internet could be. Of course there was definetly an unspoken consideration of it, but from that day forward we really only knew that we could not solely base our research just with information from the Net. Maybe part of it is the naivety of youth in believing that people are actually going to be truthful about what they are telling you, especially in something so "official" as a web site. Even though we know that everyone, including us lowly young ones, can make a space for ourselves on the Net, teens are usually putting personal insights or opinions, not claiming to have information vital for someone's reports. I'm not making excuses and I'm not blaming anyone, I just like to have all sides to an argument presented. The article used words such as disheartening and concerning one to many times in my opinion. Maybe I'm just defending myself, since I never really wanted to believe that advertisers, or anyone for that matter, would deliberately lie to the people just for their own profit. It's the sacrifice of having free, unfettered space out there to say what you want to say, I suppose. I will admit part of the lack of verification is laziness on the part of the students. No one wants to spend the time verifying the information, especially if it took a person long enough just to find that information in the first place. I do believe that at an early age the students should be informed how seriously lacking the governing of the information on the Net really is. It almost seems sad to expect such cynisism at such a young age, though. However, I don't know how sympathetic I can truly be to that plea, since I have in the end always chosen the painful knowledge over the ignorant happiness. It seems the goal of the artical was accurate in its want to teach students critical thinking when they use the Net.

beginning anew

2005-08-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

the blog of choice, at least for me anyway. Well, not really. I actually have another blog site. If you are interested, you can find it at http://www.xanga.com/home.aspx?user=road2mars