Own a facebook or myspace, maybe even a blog? Keep your photos on webshots or other Internet photo printing sites? Have you ever wondered who might be looking at you, examining you, or even reading up on your life? Privacy on the Internet doesn't really exist, it has no boundaries or rules. According to wikipedia.org, privacy is "the ability of an individual or group to keep their lives and personal affairs out of public view, or to control the flow of information about themselves." Privacy is possible in our everyday lives, we do it all the time, whether it is dancing in our rooms, showering, singing obnoxiously in our cars, or even just talking on the phone, we all want our privacy and most of the time respect others privacy. But it is possible to do so online? Most of us would say, "yeah, I'm safe. My facebook/myspace is set to private so no one except my friends are able to view it." Well, good for you! You have that one under control. But what about the pictures your friends put up of you? Those are able to be viewed by their friends who you may or may not even know. Those pictures can be copied and within minutes be flying around the Internet with your name attached. Don't feel so safe now, do you?
Here's a scary story that I experienced with online privacy. When I was a sophomore in high school, myspace had just made its first real impact on high school students. Knowing that it was going to be the next big thing, I immediately made one. Being naive I instantly started accepting people as friends so my number would be higher, strangers and all. One man imparticular started leaving me comments. I found them flattering but ignored them. A week or two later I began getting phone calls to my cell phone. An older man would call and hum into the phone then hang up. I found it strange and told my friends. My boyfriend at the time tried to scare him off with threats whenever he called but it almost became a joke between my friends cause he was doing no harm to me it just started to become annoying. Within that week, someone with an unfamiliar screen name IMed me and told me that he had met me in the bathroom, when I asked him to leave me alone he said "no, you leave me alone you started talking to me". I found this very strange and after putting all these weird instances together, I finally told my parents. We looked at this older mans myspace together and found out that he was forty five years old. He posted my pictures in his profile and had me set as his top friend. He wrote weird stuff in his "about me" section talking about how he thought he had found the love of his life. In an instant my parents picked up the phone and called the police. After questioning and many investigations that took what seemed like years, they finally found the guy. He claimed to have gotten my phone number from one of my friends walls after I had posted it. My screen name was posted on my own profile and he simply just copy and pasted my photos from my profile onto his. He was charged and a restraining order was placed against him.
To this very day I still don't believe this happened to me. Of course I deleted my myspace from the internet and a couple years later got sucked right back into the trend and made myself a myspace. I am more careful of what I do online now. I have it set to private, I don't give out any information of where I live, my number, my email address, my hometown, or anything of the sort. I think about my privacy a lot while going online. I look at other peoples profiles and wonder why they aren't set to private. With the amount of pictures people put in their profiles and the ratio of sober to drunk pictures, it puzzles me as to why they are even posted for the world to see. Recently I heard that smaller colleges were using facebook as a source to kick students out of the their facilities if need be.
My home town is very small and a few months ago a bunch of 7th grade girls got busted by their families for posting sexual pictures on the internet. I would never want to embarrass my family on the internet by posting things that would disappoint them in me. Today the amount of access strangers have to our online 'private' things is getting a bit ridiculous.
The privacy online that once made people feel safe is quickly going extinct.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Assignment 4--Give a little, Take a lot
"I love your watch, where did you get it?"
"Oh this? It was a gift from my friend Mindy!"
"I love your watch, where did you get it?"
"Oh this? Target."
We've all been asked this question or a question similar to it. Which one has more meaning to you? If you said the second one I would have to question your pattern of thinking. Receiving a gift from a friend, family member, significant other, or even a secret admirer has a lot of meaning to you and the person doing the giving. It always makes me smile to see a close friend wearing the shirt I bought them or my dad listening to the CD I gave him for fathers day. Giving and recieving gifts is an american custom. People do it everyday. But did you realize many of us give gifts everyday without wanting anything in return? This is known as gift economy.
According to Wikipedia.org, a gift economy is defined as, "an economic system in which goods and services are given without any expilict agreement for imediate or future Quid pro quo (something for something)". I will use an example referring to something I have done in my life. A few years ago a close friend to my community passed away from heart failure at only 17 years old. My town was mess, but immediately started giving to his family by making them dinner, giving them cards, and helping them out with whatever they needed. Chris loved playing tennis, it was his passion and his life. Following his death my tennis coach approached both the boys' and girls' tennis teams and had an idea of some sort of tennis related dedication to him. Within a few weeks we all pulled together the school district and students to help with our project. We had been talking about putting in tennis courts behind our school for years and this time seemed better then any. Yet we were still a few hundred thousand dollars short. We had come up with an idea of an adult casino night at the school to raise money. The teams served at the fuction and the parents gambled. We ended up making quite a bit, but still needed more. It almost felt like we were a running business. We had a group taking care of the budget, a group creating ideas, another group talking with the construction company and it all seemed to be coming together. With in months we had familys of the community donating hundreds to thousands of dollars. About less then 2 years later, the courts were built with his name arched across the top. At the opening ceremony his parents stood up to thank everyone for what they did and couldnt find the way to give something back in return. In the back of all of our minds we knew we wanted nothing. Because when people asked his family "how did you get courts dedicated to you" we knew they would be saying "it was a gift from the school district and the kids" and they would smile and know that it meant more to them than anything.
Now this example of gift economy might be a different approach then what everyone else was thinking. But the second I read the definition I knew this was one of the most important things I gave, knowing I wanted nothing in return. There are many other situations that occur that can be considered gift economy. Take something simple that you probably do everyday (or so I hope), holding a door for someone when walking in or out of the union. You dont expect them to give you a dollar everytime you are generous. What about helping a friend with homework? Or even covering someones shift at work.
There is a difference between giving a gift of gradiuted from giving a gift of obligation. A gift of obligation would not be considered a gift economy because you feel the need to give the gift because a person has already given you something and you are trying to return the favor. When I think of gift economy I think of the Liberity commericals.
Friday, September 14, 2007
COM 125--assignment 3. Its your own fault
To understand copyright infringement it would be best to first look at the definition of copyright. According to wikepedia.com, copyright is a set of exclusive rights regulating the use of a particular expression of an idea or information. Basically, it is giving someone the right to copy something original. Copyright infringement then, is copying something original that is protected under the law of copyright, thus making it illegal. In the case of infringement of electronic and visual-audio media, like music or online videos, the term used is called piracy or theft.
Probably the most well known copyright infringement today is the unauthorized downloading and sharing of videos and music. Another unauthorized copyright issue today is the use of camcorders in movie theaters. This is often known as CAM or camming. A person who CAMs a movie sneaks their camera into the theater, both hiding it in their clothing or in a bag, and tapes the movie while sitting in their seats. Depending on the person recording, the movie might turn out to seem very much like the original and making it easier to sell.
Do you download your music? Maybe off of Limewire, Bear Share, or Morpheous. Do you ever wonder why it is so easy to just get the music you want with the click of a button? That would be because it is illegal. Most people think that it is okay because everyone does it and since the rest of the world is doing it they won’t get caught. This is not the case. The penalties for copyright infringement depending on the situation can be pretty sever. Most of the punishment is administered privately by the copyright holder. “Violation of copyright law is also considered a federal crime when done willfully with an intent to profit. Criminal penalties include up to ten years imprisonment depending on the nature of the violation.”
Since the internet, copyright piracy has become an increasing problem because it allows perfect copying and easy distribution. It makes it harder for copyright holders to control the amount of copying flowing from the internet. A question many people may ask is why are copyright holders so concerned about piracy? Isn’t freedom of speech protected by our government? The answer is yes, but so are property rights. An incentive for creating music, videos, literature, or software is receiving all the benefits. Imagine spending 9 months working on a video and then posting your copyright masterpiece on the internet. Now imagine someone taking your hard work and claiming it as their own and getting all the attention you wanted. Now, it’s not exactly the same as what the major corporations go through, but it is an idea.
I own an Ipod. When I first got my Ipod a few years ago I bought iTunes with it to prevent myself from stealing music. It cost me 99 cents per song. After awhile, the money started adding up and I ended up spending 250 dollars for only 250 songs. If my iPod held 3000 songs I would be spending 3000 dollars. A bit ridiculous?! I think so. So I moved on to Limewire where I get music for ‘free’ but I also risk of getting caught illegally downloading. I feel as though it is a risk millions of Americans take every day. I do not think copyright infringement can be stopped or prevented. Too much is going on with the internet today to catch millions of people stealing songs, videos, software, etc. People take a huge risk putting things on the internet and if it gets stolen I say its your own damn fault!
Probably the most well known copyright infringement today is the unauthorized downloading and sharing of videos and music. Another unauthorized copyright issue today is the use of camcorders in movie theaters. This is often known as CAM or camming. A person who CAMs a movie sneaks their camera into the theater, both hiding it in their clothing or in a bag, and tapes the movie while sitting in their seats. Depending on the person recording, the movie might turn out to seem very much like the original and making it easier to sell.
Do you download your music? Maybe off of Limewire, Bear Share, or Morpheous. Do you ever wonder why it is so easy to just get the music you want with the click of a button? That would be because it is illegal. Most people think that it is okay because everyone does it and since the rest of the world is doing it they won’t get caught. This is not the case. The penalties for copyright infringement depending on the situation can be pretty sever. Most of the punishment is administered privately by the copyright holder. “Violation of copyright law is also considered a federal crime when done willfully with an intent to profit. Criminal penalties include up to ten years imprisonment depending on the nature of the violation.”
Since the internet, copyright piracy has become an increasing problem because it allows perfect copying and easy distribution. It makes it harder for copyright holders to control the amount of copying flowing from the internet. A question many people may ask is why are copyright holders so concerned about piracy? Isn’t freedom of speech protected by our government? The answer is yes, but so are property rights. An incentive for creating music, videos, literature, or software is receiving all the benefits. Imagine spending 9 months working on a video and then posting your copyright masterpiece on the internet. Now imagine someone taking your hard work and claiming it as their own and getting all the attention you wanted. Now, it’s not exactly the same as what the major corporations go through, but it is an idea.
I own an Ipod. When I first got my Ipod a few years ago I bought iTunes with it to prevent myself from stealing music. It cost me 99 cents per song. After awhile, the money started adding up and I ended up spending 250 dollars for only 250 songs. If my iPod held 3000 songs I would be spending 3000 dollars. A bit ridiculous?! I think so. So I moved on to Limewire where I get music for ‘free’ but I also risk of getting caught illegally downloading. I feel as though it is a risk millions of Americans take every day. I do not think copyright infringement can be stopped or prevented. Too much is going on with the internet today to catch millions of people stealing songs, videos, software, etc. People take a huge risk putting things on the internet and if it gets stolen I say its your own damn fault!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
COM 125--assignment 2. A world without Instant Messaging?
Could you even begin to imagine life without AIM or I-Chat? The use of instant messaging falls upon our lives everyday and yet we do not think of how different our lives would be without it. Instant messaging or IM, for the people who use it, almost becomes a habit in our lives, almost making the world around us seem invisible. There are a couple million people in the United States who have yet to experience the easiness and convenience IM has to offer, and eventually they will fall into the addiction as well. Surprisingly, instant messaging devices have been around since the 1970s. It took a few years for the IMing to catch on with the internet because they were protocols based in a console window. Towards the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, people began to discover this new program brought to them by Quantum Link online services, which eventually became known as America Online a few year later. Instant Messaging caught on slowly, it was only offered to their current customs that had Commodore 64 computers, which many people can argue as being the best personal computer model of all time. At this point in time, IM was simple. A yellow bar ran across the screen highlighting what another user was saying each time they had written something new. Eventually AOL created a national and now world wide phenomenon with the use of IM. Around 1998, AOL was awarded to patents for creating Instant Messaging in the United States. With its popularity growing, other companies began to expand with instant messaging as well, such as, yahoo, MSN, and IBM.
Today there are many different instant message protocols to use each being able to connect with each other and talk amongst many networks. Recently I have downloaded the newest version of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and found it hard to understand all its new add-ons. They recent have added video chat, online gaming, radio, and even online to cell phone chat. It is a tough argument to ask if we are taking this kind of internet conversation too far. I am currently talking to my roommate via instant messaging and she is sitting less then 5 feet away. I find it hard to call my parents, I would much rather just send them a text or talk to them quickly online. I have a friend who does not even answer her cell phone when someone calls, her voicemail says “I’m online, you can reach me there.” A bit ridiculous?! I think so.
Instant messaging has shortened the conversation of Americans. I know people who will talk online but are too scared to talk to someone in person. Some might argue that the IM gives people confidence or helps them to communicate with other people. I guess that’s the question I’m asking you. Is instant messaging separating people for each other or is it simply bringing us closer?
Today there are many different instant message protocols to use each being able to connect with each other and talk amongst many networks. Recently I have downloaded the newest version of AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and found it hard to understand all its new add-ons. They recent have added video chat, online gaming, radio, and even online to cell phone chat. It is a tough argument to ask if we are taking this kind of internet conversation too far. I am currently talking to my roommate via instant messaging and she is sitting less then 5 feet away. I find it hard to call my parents, I would much rather just send them a text or talk to them quickly online. I have a friend who does not even answer her cell phone when someone calls, her voicemail says “I’m online, you can reach me there.” A bit ridiculous?! I think so.
Instant messaging has shortened the conversation of Americans. I know people who will talk online but are too scared to talk to someone in person. Some might argue that the IM gives people confidence or helps them to communicate with other people. I guess that’s the question I’m asking you. Is instant messaging separating people for each other or is it simply bringing us closer?
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
About me
I named my blog life is bon jovi A.) because I love bon jovi was taking and it was the best I could do and B.) because I have loved Jon Bon Jovi forever. He is the one famous star I would literally pass out in front of if I ever had the chance of meeting him. His grandmother lives in my home town of Erie, PA. Every summer he stops by Erie to visit his family for a week or so and every summer I hear stories of how my friends brothers mom ran into him at Sams Club, or my dads employees grandmother ate dinner with him. I get so jealous! One of these years I will run into him somewhere.
Besides being basically obessed with Bon Jovi, I'm pretty normal. I spent my summer teaching tennis. It was such an easy job because I was making good money by doing something I love. Not to mention staying in shape and getting tan. I also love girl stuff like shopping, tanning, getting my nails done, hanging out, etc. And like most college students I have a weird addiction to facebook and yet I can't figure out why. Everytime I click the internet browser I automatically start typing in Facebook.com. I know I'm not the only one who does this! I cannot wait for The Office to come back on (Sept. 11th) in case anyone was wondering. I also love Desperate Housewives, Greys Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. I have to admit I get sucked into the reality tv shows from time to time, they can be so addicting.
At home I have a dog named Rush who is the best pet anyone could ever ask for. He is half black lab half border colley and one of the most laid back dogs ever. I might miss him more then my parents, just kidding. I've never really blogged before so I don't know what else to say? But I think I pretty much covered what was asked of for the assignment. What do you think?
Besides being basically obessed with Bon Jovi, I'm pretty normal. I spent my summer teaching tennis. It was such an easy job because I was making good money by doing something I love. Not to mention staying in shape and getting tan. I also love girl stuff like shopping, tanning, getting my nails done, hanging out, etc. And like most college students I have a weird addiction to facebook and yet I can't figure out why. Everytime I click the internet browser I automatically start typing in Facebook.com. I know I'm not the only one who does this! I cannot wait for The Office to come back on (Sept. 11th) in case anyone was wondering. I also love Desperate Housewives, Greys Anatomy, and One Tree Hill. I have to admit I get sucked into the reality tv shows from time to time, they can be so addicting.
At home I have a dog named Rush who is the best pet anyone could ever ask for. He is half black lab half border colley and one of the most laid back dogs ever. I might miss him more then my parents, just kidding. I've never really blogged before so I don't know what else to say? But I think I pretty much covered what was asked of for the assignment. What do you think?
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