Showing posts with label viral on the internet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label viral on the internet. Show all posts

May 19, 2012

SandBoxBlogs: Aspen Daily News "Eyes without a Facebook page "

Lo Semple's "21-year-old spiritual advisor"  is spot on.

Facebook is not your friend.

The best internet advice that 'SandBox Nanny' has ever been given (this would be advice she herself sought) was from a tech at Google.

Do you know how hard it is to get through to a real live person at Google who will talk on the phone with you?  Trust me, it's near an Act of God.

After a lengthy chat over particulars, here's the advice she was given.  In the form of a story of what anybody who works at his 'techie level' of a juggernaut like Google does to protect themselves personally online:

(paraphrased and not verbatim) '....anybody has access to you.  Everything about you. The best thing you can do is seize before anybody else does, as much personal, family, business or whatever data you can and lay claim to the keywords.....such as name...before my wife and I  even had a child we logged in to every search engine we could and created accts. through free mailboxes on the narrowed down list of names for our future children.  And then seized the social profile abilities on each one....that way, we are in control and protecting the innocent from being hijacked by ill-meaning intent.....early on in my career it was terrifying to see the power of the net just in technology alone....many of us pulled the same controls over our own names and personal life data from our family and business interests.....called our parents and siblings and distant relatives and friends and taught them how to do the same....'.

Facebook is not your friend. 

While I personally believe that a philosophy like it sounds Lo Semple has, that it's best to 'ignore' what's being done on the web to the "news" is not only a cop-out, it's cowardly if what's being classified as a "bitch-fight" even has one shred of ability to harm a community or others.   

I also believe from experience that the web is unfortunately, forever.  A perpetual, tireless and never sleeping giant that permeates everywhere in all human lives.  I also firmly (obviously) believe in the power of one vote.  One voice being raised on whatever the subject matter is eventually making a positive difference in the world.

I wonder what Lo Semple will do with his spare time when he is not outdoors, penning a column or contemplating his navel when and if that "21-year-old spiritual advisor" turns out to be right?

He might be best served to protect all he cares for by following that wise techie guy at Google and his advise.

Lorenzo Semple:
"...My 21-year-old spiritual adviser who has a FB account warned me never to get a Facebook page, ever, under any circumstances. So why do I find myself entertaining the thought of getting a Facebook page, and even worse, buying Facebook stock? It just goes to show that I am desperately clinging to what little sanity I have left......

.......I’m no stranger to the underbelly of the Internet. I used to post on a local news message board using an anonymous name. My user profile stated that I was an athletic blonde 23-year-old locally born Aspen High graduate female skier-chick who liked cooking, cross-country skiing naked, going to bullfights on acid, and kittens. I used to flirt with posters who I thought were male, and then turn sour on them when they showed any interest whatsoever.

It got way too depressing, though, wading through the quagmire of negative posts about local news stories. It was a failed sociological experiment. Ultimately I called the head of the publication and begged them to take the site down. The thing had turned into a viper pit.

When they put it back up with a Facebook-only sign up, I was relieved on a couple of levels. First of all, because there was no way in hell that any of the previous nameless dialogue could be somehow construed as civil or productive, and I was on the lunatic fringe of it all as a willing, albeit fake, anonymous participant. It made me sad that there was an arena in our community for people to spew bile.

Secondly, I had to thank them for saving me from myself. My experience with Internet message boards is that they are a waste of time, and they always end up in a huge bitch fight. I imagine there is a similar pattern on Facebook to some extent. Whenever you read a hateful negative post by someone on the Internet, it’s the equivalent of getting sprayed by a skunk — you carry the stink around with you, and you’re liable to spray someone else in turn.

Can someone explain to me what I’m missing out on by not being on Facebook? I embarrassingly admit I feel a little bit isolated by not having a Facebook account, yet remain recklessly pessimistic about the whole thing. If video killed the radio star, then isn’t it only a matter of time before something new comes along and squashes Facebook like a bug?...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetic pursuit and tracking of patterns within the news others make since 2010."

May 13, 2012

SandBoxBlogs: The Hill/Hillicon Valley "FTC steps in as Obama’s chief enforcer on Internet privacy"

Controlling whether or not your social media data is sold or given to third parties by the social site you're using is done by simply controlling your personal settings on your account or profile.

When will our federal agencies and lawmakers look at the internet in relation to the day-to-day reality of the folks?

The problems are law enforcement problems not regulatory problems. 

All the money we spend on things like this new FTC department should be spent educating cops on all the ways there are and the tools used by people with ill-intent to harm individual lives.

The folks who have been victimized on every level from privacy to social to financial would be the first to step up and vote down the waste of resources things like this new FTC approach are and the over-reach of bills like SOPA.

For sure, the more stories like this make headlines, the more educated the folks become on what they do and do not need when  it comes to internet privacy and crime.

Why is it so hard for authorities to do same? For that matter, why are there no mechanisms within law enforcement to meet the growing needs of the folks when it comes to internet crime?

Brendan Sosso:
"As people share more information about their lives with companies like Google and Facebook, many privacy advocates, government officials and consumers are worried about how those companies handle that data and how much access advertisers have to it.


Under Chairman Jon Leibowitz, the FTC has stepped into the void as the main government agency focused on online privacy protection.

In a speech earlier this year, Leibowitz referred to the FTC as the "nation’s privacy protection agency....."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

April 12, 2012

SandBoxBlogs: Durango Herald "Are you exposed on Internet?"

(See related story links here)

Yes, but here lies the rub.

Until law enforcement recognizes that they actually already have enough law in place to enforce what others 'do' to your personal information on the web and that politicians and legislators will spin their wheels until the boots that are on the ground, that are watching the consequences of that ill-intent, push the boundaries to get those perpetrators off-line; there will not be any hope for internet regulation laws that work in the real world.

Paige Blankenbuehler:
"Josh, a 26-year-old Durango resident who asked that only his first name be used, said that he will never create an online profile.

“You never know what information that you share might come back to haunt you in 10 years, or even 20 years,” he said. “To me, sharing information online is like sending it up to this floating island of information, I don’t understand it, and I don’t know the extent of who can access that information even if I think that I’m keeping it private.”

Josh also has concerns about potential employers holding information that they find online against him when he is looking for a job.

On March 30, Facebook said in a public statement that reports of businesses asking potential employees for passwords in order to view private posts and pictures as part of the job-application process were ‘alarming.’

In a survey released by Microsoft Research in 2010, 70 percent of recruiters said they’d rejected applicants based on information they found online.

But before you delete or deactivate your Facebook account, note that the research also identified the opposite: 68 percent of job granters said social-networking profiles contributed to a candidate getting hired.
Josh acknowledged that social media may not always be a negative in the job search, but that didn’t change his mind.

“When I am applying for jobs, that employer should look at my credentials, not my personal life,” he said.
In February, the Obama Administration released a proposed ‘Bill Of Rights’ for online privacy.

The bill’s main purpose is to enable users to easily tell Internet companies with a single click whether they want their online activity tracked.

Josh’s preference is clear.

“I just think that it’s better to be safe than to be sorry,” he said....."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

March 12, 2012

SandBoxBlogs: Iowa Republican/Kevin Hall "Democrat Operative Reverses Plea; Guilty of Stealing Secretary of State’s Identity"

See related stories and commentary:
http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/01/sandbox-comments-breaking-news-iowa.html 

http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/01/sandbox-comments-iowa-republican-kevins.html

http://sandboxcommentators.blogspot.com/2012/01/sandbox-comments-iowa-republican-dem.html

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2012/03/07/Opinions/27358.html

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/2857180/posts?page=1

Kevin Hall:
"Democrat operative Zach Edwards changed his initial not guilty plea to guilty and received a light sentence for stealing Secretary of State Matt Schultz’s identity. The plea was officially filed by Iowa Courts on Thursday. He pled guilty to identity theft, a simple misdemeanor.

Edwards received a deferred sentence of one year probation, 20 hours of community service within 120 days and a $65 fine. If he completes probation successfully, the simple misdemeanor charge is dismissed without a conviction being entered on his record. Edwards was originally charged with an aggravated misdemeanor and faced a maximum of two years in prison and a $6,250 fine. He was represented by prominent Republican attorney Matt Whitaker.

Zach Edwards was the Iowa Director of New Media for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign. At the time of his arrest, he served in a similar capacity for Link Strategies, a Democrat consultant group closely aligned with Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and several prominent Democrats around the country.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety said Edwards tried to use the identities of Secretary of State Matt Schultz, and/or his brother Thomas, with the intent to falsely implicate Secretary Schultz in illegal or unethical behavior. The Secretary of State’s office discovered the crime and reported it to authorities. Edwards was fired from his position at Link Strategies following the arrest...."  (Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

March 6, 2012

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Plea for respect, compassion from BHS"

Note from Nanny:  Comment ability on this post is blocked.

Jenna Linden:
"Over the past few weeks there have been many articles written by community members expressing opinions regarding the recent “scandal” at Basalt High School. As the editor of the BHS newspaper, The Longhorn Roundup, I feel it is important that the feelings and emotions at Basalt High are shared, as well.

The past few weeks have not been easy for anyone who stepped foot into BHS. It seemed as if oppressive gray clouds loomed over our halls and classrooms. There were no local newspapers to be found at BHS because students came to school early to collect such papers and dispose of them before they could be read by students. This speaks volumes because at any high school gossip rules the halls, but after this incident our students felt a need to defend and protect our school and the student and teacher involved.

“I didn't want everyone to be reading the stories in class and making it an awkward situation for anyone who was close to both parties,” said Carina Capobianco, a member of the BHS girls basketball team. “Coach Redfern was a big role model in my life, and even after all that has happened I still look up to her because I know that not everyone is perfect.”

Students at BHS are very sensitive about this situation and are very defensive of their school. A former student of BHS made a derogatory comment about the situation on Facebook. She was bombarded with 45 comments in defense of BHS and the student involved.

It is important that this issue does not reflect on our school as a whole or on our student body. Students feel that the actions of two people should not define the character of the 400-plus members of BHS. We have received snide comments and gestures from other schools in the valley. We ask for respect...."
(Read more?  Click title)

"Unapologetically pursuing and tracking patterns within the news others make since 2010."

January 23, 2012

SandBox Comments: BREAKING NEWS - Iowa Republican/Kevin Hall "Link Strategies’ Dirty Deeds and Deep Ties to Top Democrats'

Kevin Hall off the Iowa Republican broke this story last Friday and follows through today. 

Naming names out in Iowa and all the way on over to the Oval Office.

This story very well could be the most major story influencing the growing need to determine laws that govern internet use.

Edwards and Link Strategies are known all over the web for their cutthroat style of viral link baiting, search optimizing practices and ruthless web content.  All of our existing laws and the unwillingness of cops, prosecutors and judges to push the boundaries of those laws are the biggest travesty of justice we have when it comes to internet crime and intellectual, intangible property.

If you have never been through the labyrinth of trying to find the path to obtain protection for your person, life and loved ones should you find yourself a victim of these near indescribable crimes; you cannot begin to understand the importance of our lawmakers and authorities at least trying to wade through with things like SOPA.

'SandBox Nanny' recalls the words of a regional judge:

'Due to the negligence of legislators to define within the confines of law the specific wording that the internet and keyboard are the weapons of a stalker, I cannot grant you protection at this time.'

Well said.  Yes, some internet laws have enhanced since she heard those words spoken. But not anywhere near enough and they've missed the most fundamental core of the problem.

Web content with ill-intent or purposefully crafted into a falsity is criminal liability.  What turns that into a criminal act is the weapon of programming with viral based technology and manipulating that through SEO capability.  Enhanced by the intellectual property of the perpetrator and their level of skill.

Thank you to all officers, agencies and prosecutors who nailed Zach Edwards.  It will be very interesting to watch this story.

Kevin Hall:
"Link Strategies’ ties to top Iowa Democrats run deep. First District Congressman Bruce Braley paid the group $167,237 in 2009-10. According to reports filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, the campaign for Secretary of Agriculture candidate Francis Thicke paid Link Strategies $100,000 during his unsuccessful 2010 run. Attorney General Tom Miller’s campaign paid the firm $1,200 on November 5, 2010.

The Des Moines-based consulting group also provided research to Chet Culver’s 2006 gubernatorial campaign. Link Strategies alum Matt Paul is the communications director for the USDA, run by former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack. Paul was also Vilsack’s Iowa press secretary.

Link Strategies is also on the payroll of Democrats around the country. “Since 2004, Link Strategies handled research for the several successful campaigns including Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH), Governor Chet Culver (D-IA), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND), Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT), Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) and several other U.S. Senate, gubernatorial and congressional candidates,” the group’s website claims.

Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign was also a beneficiary of the services of Link Strategies. Zach Edwards was the director of new media for Obama’s Iowa general election campaign and also worked in several primary states. Jeff Link “served as a media consultant to the Obama campaign, coordinating branding, all paid media and polling in 25 states.” Brad Anderson, also a member of the Link Strategies team, was Obama’s Iowa communications director for the 2008 general election...."

(Read more? Click title. Comment to discuss)

January 18, 2012

SandBox Comments: The Hill "Lawmakers begin to retreat from piracy bills in face of Web blackout"

Here's to the little guy.

Let freedom ring.

Congratulations to the folks who took a stand.  The reason you do not have your beloved 'Morning Photo' off the Summit County Citizens Voice is because Bob Berwyn is one of those who took a stand.  Thank you, Bob!

There is no question that the internet needs some forms of regulation put in place.  But, until lawmakers and law enforcement first understand how the crime actually works on the web; they cannot craft the laws we need.

All that is needed to begin the process of regulation for these egregious crimes is to first put regulation and licensing on the tools/weapons that are used. 

Viral linking/advertising and baiting.  Make one be a licensed, legitimate SEO professional before they can buy these deadly tools.  Not only will that significantly halt the promotion of piracy ability, there are many other cyber crimes that will be curtailed or outright eliminated.

The stopping of piracy belongs in the same place as a number of other cyber crime acts.  Require human moderation on websites, blogs and social networking sites.  Put a thinking mind with a human pulse at the controls to watch over their own creations.  If there is not, then the provider is regulated to shut them down.  Not only does that stop rampant abuse of freedoms on the web, it helps control mistakes.  Such as the video of the young soldiers urinating on deceased Taliban.  It is simply not true that will live forever on the internet.  The original source can remove it at any time with the end result being an eventual disappearance from the web.  If required human  moderation was in place now, we would know where the hijacked from original version are floating around out there on the web.

It's a start.

"In an unprecedented display of political muscle, thousands of websites went dark on Wednesday to protest two Internet piracy bills, the House's Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Senate's Protect IP Act.

Google, the most visited site in the world, plastered a black box evoking censorship over its logo. Users who click on the box are re-directed to a petition urging Congress to drop the piracy legislation. The Google page claims the bills would "censor the Web and impose harmful regulations on American businesses..."
(The Hill)

(Read the rest?  Click title. Comment to discuss)

December 17, 2011

SandBox Comments: Aspen Times "Paul Nitze: Financier doesn't know incendiary"

(Deep sigh of resignation....rolls eyes...)

He is, after all, a Democrat by choice, heart and by nature.


(Read this blazing liberal 'somewhat of a manifesto' by Paul Nitze this morning?  Click title.)