August 2008 Archives

How many times a day do you worry about someone hacking into your e-mail account? To be honest, I almost never do. I've managed to get myself into the habit of scrutinizing whatever it is that I write. I don't want to purposely offend anyone or drop some huge bomb concerning someone's personal life. Most people think that since they have a login and password combination unique to themselves, that no one will ever manage to gain unauthorized access to their mail.

Take a scond to look over this news article: News Anchor Guilty in E-Mail Hacking Case. The gist of it is, a male TV news anchor from Philadelphia plead guilty to illegally hacking into his female coworker's e-mail account. Evidently, he then leaked his coworker's personal information to other press officials, inevitably leading to her demise.

Wow. Forget thinking that something like this will never happen to you. Just because you yourself may not have the technical know-how to hack into other's computerized accounts doesn't mean that other people don't. If only they would use their power for good instead of evil! So, you just really have to think sometimes of what you want to have floating out over the internet concerning yourself.

Okay then, kiddies! Time to go back through the magic portal!

"Student conduct codes and computer use policies are applicable to blogging, experts say, and it's probably not hard to make a compelling case for why posting a video of your roommate having sex is a bad idea." - Freedom of speech redefined by blogs

I'm sure that after reading this particular article more than a few people were shocked at the measures taken against young people who thought they were exercising their freedom of speech. I was taken aback at the liberty that some people take online.

Since major social networking sites came about, I've been party to quite a few school sponsored talks concerning online etiquette. I still remember a session informing us that it was considered easier to bash someone or people that ourselves had never met. They never actually told us the extreme possible repercussions that might occur from heated treatments left on the internet. i.e. court proceedings and jail. This article leaves in stark relief the fact that what you write online can inevitably come back to haunt you.

One has to think of just how many people there are in the world, constantly surfing the net in some fashion, at some moment. It only takes one person who knows you or can track you down to make you regret exactly what you posted. Just remember: you may have a piece of paper declaring that you have the freedom of speech,...but what about those who hear you when you speak those words? Or write them? It's just like the fine line between genius and madness, I suppose. Did you agree with the sanctions imposed upon the mentioned young people in the above article? Go on. I'll listen.

Remember now, you're on Candid Camera!!

"I think in the future, capitalization will disappear," - Professor Sterling

Informal Style of Electronic Messages Is Showing Up in Schoolwork, Study Finds

Alrighty folks, this is it; the moment of truth. I can understand a kid asking why you need to use capitalization and periods together, but an adult not having an answer for it? As soon as I read Sterling's response, I couldn't help but think of how utterly confusing it would be to try and read something with only capitalization or periods. Seems a bit confusing (especially if you only use capitals and no periods!).

I personally have a hard time not utilizing capitals in my text messages and I always include a period, even if I'm only sending a single sentence message. It's like a disease. I simply have to do it. I do prefer to use the shortcuts that is present with text messaging and certain terms with online applications. I believe that these shortcuts are great for when you have to take notes or you only have a few moments to capture a thought of some sort. I strongly discourage myself from using this online way of writing in my schoolwork.

I suppose you could say that I'm a stick in the mud for wanting Capitals to stick around at the beginnings of sentences. Seems like they just make reading easier; knowing exactly when a sentence stops and another begins. However, would I have this preference if I was taught to start my sentences without capitals?

Well, I've asked the question...care to give me an answer? Oh, but before you go haring off, just click the mark below and you'll be magically transported back to EL 236's main page!