Michael's BlahG

Stolen Climate Change Information - Legal vs Ethical

2009-11-24T13:55:00.001-05:00

Leaked Emails Fuel Climate-Change Firestorm
Summary

A hacker has stole thousands of emails and files from the University of East Anglia's Climatic Research Unit. Some of the pirated info was posted to a Russian server and linked to on a topic related blog. However, that seems to be the lesser of the news. The emails and documents that were hacked apparently contain information that suggest many scientists are working together to keep certain facts about global warning quiet. One email states that the scientists should hide the numbers indicating a colling climate. The research center claims the emails are taken out of context and that no such scheming has been going on. This attack took place just a month before the United Nations Climate Change Conference and is sure to affect thoughts are what should be done -if anything- to counter global warming.

Response

This presents an ethical dilemma for me to this about. On one hand, hacking such files is illegal. On the other, scientists with a major say in climate change may be lying about their findings which is unethical. Both are doing something wrong. My view is, that hacker should not have broken the law no matter his reasons. Still, these emails and documents should have found their way to the public in another way, perhaps a whistle-blower. It is not fun to think that other organization doing research on important global matters could also be falsely reporting information.

This is a good example of disinformation at its worst and hopefully measures will be taken to ensure this will not be able to happen again.

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"Leaked Emails Fuel Climate-Change Firestorm" by Katherine Noyes -TechNewsWorld 11/23/09

Virtual Trade Shows - Huzzah!

2009-11-10T13:55:00.002-05:00

Nice Meeting Your Avatar
Summary

Qualys is taking a step forward in trade show innovation by going the virtual route. There are a lot of advantages by leaving the show on the road and taking it to the Internet. One major advantage is the obvious savings in costs. For a physical trade show, renting a space and covering travel costs ten of thousands of dollars. A virtual trade show can be as low as $3,000. That is the reason why Qualys is eliminating their smaller shows and instead utilizing the Internet. Like most things, there is a catch.

A disadvantage of these virtual trade shows is the lack of face-to-face interaction. People value meeting each other in person because we are better able to understand the types of people we are dealing with. However, with video chat available, that may not be a reason why virtual trade shows are not big. Perhaps it is as simple as people not realizing they even exist.

Response

I have never heard of such an idea and I absolutely love it. It saves time and money. Right now, these online trade shows are only effective replacing small shows; but I believe that they will catch on quick and bigger companies will begin testing the virtual trade show waters.

I had to do a trade show for my Introduction to Marketing class and I would have loved to had the opportunity to possibly do it online. I will introduces this possibility to some of my marketing professors to see if it is an idea they would like to run with.
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"Nice Meeting Your Avatar" by April Joyner - Inc. 5/1/2009

Navigating 'Yer Success

2009-11-03T13:02:00.003-05:00

Information Navigation 101
Summary

In this article, Andrea Foster discusses information (il)literacy, specifically among college students. She believes that the current young-adult generation is not as tech-savy as previously thought. Foster explains how college research has largely been limited to search engines such as Google and that students simply do not know where scholarly information is or how it can be found.

Foster then goes into details on how universities like the California State University at Fullerton are taking initiative to eliminate information illiteracy across the student body. They are doing different things such as requiring students to take an Information Literacy course, using tests to gauge their level a info literacy, or having professors bring students into the library or a computer and having a librarian show them the 'information' ropes.

Response

Obviously information literacy is an important skill for students to learn; and what Cal State Fullerton is doing is great. I disagree with the idea that students do not do scholarly research because they are not aware how to even begin with such a task. Instead, I agree with the sentiment that search engines like Google are just so easy and convenient. For example, I understand perfectly how to locate an article through the library's website for my LIB 103 class; however, I first do a Google search to make sure that same article is not more easily available. It is easier for me to go to Google, type in the article title and author and have it show up at the top of the page; rather than going to UNCW's main page, clicking on the library link, and searching to see if we have the full text online or in the library.

The process for finding scholarly information is considerably lengthier than using a search engine. Of course, the desired article is not always readily available through Google searches; but it is worth the try if it is there half the time.

The problem is not getting students to be information literate; the problem is making the information easier to access
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“Information Navigation 101" Andrea L. Foster - Chronicle of Higher Education 3/9/2007

Google: Use Sparingly

2009-10-20T13:06:00.002-04:00

The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google
Summary

Librarians are worried their students are getting (mentally) obese with too much “unhealthy information.” Students use Google for just about anything they need to do on the Internet; so why would they go somewhere else to look for research? Online databases that are homes to millions of scholarly works are just too confusing to use, and Google is just so user friendly.

So what is there to do?

Some librarians do not agree with this thought, but a lot of others believe these databases should be simplified or “Google-ized.” That is, students find the online databases where most of the quality research information is housed to be too difficult to navigate; so the obvious solution is to make them more like Google and as a result more appealing to students.

Response

I find it hard to believe that this idea that started several years ago has barely been developed. I will go ahead and assume the databases are a lot easier to use now than some odd years ago; however, they still have a long way to go if they want the type of traffic Google receives when individuals go info-searching. Innovation is the key for any business to be successful and it seems these databases are doing the wrong things to increase users by not innovating.

By trying to simply get as many journal articles as possible and not caring about the quality of the work, databases are actually decreasing the value customers receive from their service. The “Google-ize” solution is far better and would benefit the users far more than irrelevant or questionable articles. Students are all about ease of use and convenience, and databases have a ways to go to catch up with Google.
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“The Infodiet: How Libraries Can Offer an Appetizing Alternative to Google”. By: Bell, Steven J., Chronicle of Higher Education, 00095982, 2/20/2004, Vol. 50, Issue 24

Time to Book It Libraries!

2009-10-08T00:57:00.004-04:00

The Future of Libraries
Summary

The article presents us with a little history of libraries, their purpose in the world, and where they are headed for the future. It explains how the library is not really used to seek and gather information anymore; that the Internet has taken over that role. Instead, the article states that people visit the library expecting a certain type of experience and environment.

Ten trends that are changing the library and how people used it are outlined. These are used to support the idea that libraries are evolving and have been for some time. The article then ends with some recommendations are libraries to follow that will allow them to continue to be successful.

Response

I agree with a lot of the article and most of it is just logical. However, some statements seem off-the-wall to me. For example, the article states “However, next generation search technology will include the ability to search for such attributes as taste, smell, texture, reflectivity, opacity, mass, density, tone, speed, and volume.” The idea that we will be able to search for items based on taste and smell sounds a bit crazy. I could not even begin to imagine how a task such as that could be carried out.

A Dr. William Crossman predicts that literacy will be dead by 2050 and that we will have transitioned into a verbal society. That is a little more understandable to see where he is coming from but I still disagree with the statement. By that time, sure it will be easier to send a voice recording of information; but people will still value having information written or typed out. It provides a more concrete and credible medium.

I love the end of the article, where it presents ideas for creatives spaces. I can just imagine a library with access to tools such as podcasting and blogger stations, art, recording, and video studios, and imagination and theater-drama practice rooms. I rarely visit the library as of now, but if services like those it would quickly become my second or even first home!
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"The Future of Libraries" by Thomas Frey. FuturistSpeaker.com - 11/2006

World of Economies

2009-10-01T09:34:00.004-04:00

Virtual Economies in Videogames Used as Case Studies
Summary

This article describes how a research group at Indiana University is attempting to use video games to try and simulate real-world economies. Lead by professor of telecommunications, Edward Castronova, these researchers are looking at how Massive Multiplayer Online game economies mirror and deal with similar issues our national economy is currently facing such as inflation. They are using the game known as EverQuest II as a case study.

It is important to note that the demographics of the video game users do not closely match those of the real-world. There is a significantly larger number of males (80% versus 50%) in the video game world and the income for the average gamer is also considerably higher ($84,000 versus $57,000).

Response

I think it is a cool idea to use video game economies to try and mimic a real one. We are able to manipulate these fake economies and use a sort of trial and error approach that cannot be done in the real world. It could potentially provide some answers and solutions for the problems we are facing today. However, I believe economists have access to better virtual economy models than the ones offered by video games. The idea is fun and new but does not seem to be the best possible method to solve the complex problems of our economy.

I could see the application of video game economies for high school or basic-level college economy courses. It is an entertaining and interesting way to introduce the material to students. Beyond that, I feel it would be a waste to college Junior and Seniors that need a more authentic experience that closer reflects our world today.
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Gaudiosi, John. "Virtual Economies in Videogames Used as Case Studies." Reuters 01 Oct 2009 : 1-2. Web. 1 Oct 2009.

Wikipedia - Stop the Stress and Help Clean the Mess

2009-09-17T13:52:00.002-04:00

"Can Wikipedia Ever Make the Grade?"
Summary

This article talks about the good and the bad of the wonder that is Wikipedia. Scholars have largely been against even the thought that Wikipedia might be a creditable source of information. They site the simple fact that anyone is able to edit anything at anytime on the website. But there are a few that recognize the efforts taken by the site’s administrators to keep it as factual as possible. When compared to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, it is very similar in its accuracy. It is pointed out that the highest trafficked areas of the website are the cleanest and most accuracte.

The problem with Wikipedia is not that is contains a lot of false information that is available to the masses; but instead, there are few cases of slight misinformation or disinformation that have a big affect. For instance, a journalist called Mr. Seigenthaler realized that Wikipedia claimed him to have been involved with the Kennedy assassinations. It was picked up by other websites and it greatly hurt his reputation.

Response

Wikipedia is amazingly convenient but should not be used as or considered scholarly. Yes, anyone can edit anything and any given time. But when you need to look up something for personal knowledge or to back up a casual argument or whatever, it is a great tool. Of course, students should not reference the site and people should not use information on it in a professional manner. That doesn’t mean Wikipedia does not serve the public a great service and is very helpful.

It is so unpopular by scholars and professionals because it is so popular by students and the younger generations. Instead of resisting change, professors should stopping stressing about it and start helping clean up the information mess. They should work with Wikipedia and make their students aware of its pros and cons.
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“Can Wikipedia Ever Make the Grade?" by Brock Read - Chronicle of Higher Education 10/27/2006

Tribute to 'Six Pixels of Separation'

2009-09-11T16:34:00.002-04:00

(not posted for a LIB 103 grade)

You've heard of 'six degrees of separation' right? It is the idea that you are connected to everyone on the planet through (at most) six people. Well 'Six pixels of separation' is the idea that you are connected to everyone on the planet through the internet.

Mitch Joel took this idea one step further. He believes you can market your product, idea, etc. over the internet just as effectively as any other marketing method. Just think about it ... It is a very cheap way to maximize your reach to your target audience; and best of all it is very easy so anyone can do it!

If this sounds like something you would be interested in learning more about I recommend checking his book out titled "Six Pixels of Separation" or better yet read his blog for free.

Webpsych

2009-09-08T00:28:00.002-04:00

Web Hoaxes, Counterfeit Sites, and Other Spurious Information on the Internet
Summary

This article is basically a beginner’s introduction to bogus websites. The author, Paul Piper, defines the different categories of these fake websites in layman’s terms and gives in-depth details on each of them. He talks about counterfeit, malicious, product, fictitious, parodies (spoofs/entertainment), hacks, and disinformation sites. He explains the subtle differences between the categories and acknowledges that a lot of websites can overlap with multiple groupings.

Response

It was painful at times to read; especially if you are no novice to the internet. The categories’ names are pretty much self-explanatory but still Paul insisted on really simplifying the terms to make sure you understand 150% of what he is talking about.

However, there were some very interesting things I learned. I was not aware of the Associated Press incident involving a spoof report that a lot of media outlets ran with; despite the obvious absurdity of the report. I am sure a few people had to find a new place of employment after dropping the ball on not fact checking a spoof report.

Another event I found fascinating was the fake-Samsung spam e-mails that ended up costing the company millions of dollars. It seems like any experienced hacker could pull off the same stunt with any company and do major harm to that business with relative ease. Perhaps I am underestimating the e-security in place of these organizations and the technology available to them today. I am positive everyone took notice of what happened to Samsung and is making sure that will be just a onetime occurrence.

Overall, I thought Paul contributed a valuable article to readers. This information is something every student definitely needs to know before doing research for any class. With that being said, he could have gotten his point across and informed the masses in an article the fraction of the size this one.
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Piper, Paul. Information Today, Inc. 7 Sep 2009. http://books.infotoday.com/books/WebDecep/sample.pdf

Why-Fi Isn't Secure.

2009-09-01T17:38:00.004-04:00

New Attack Cracks Common Wi-Fi Encryption in a Minute.
Summary of the Article

Do you feel safe browsing the internet on your “secured” wireless network that requires that long 25 digit key code? You shouldn’t. Scientists in Japan have created a way of breaking the encryption system of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) that uses a Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) algorithmin a hot minute. It was developed by Toshihiro Ohigashi of Hiroshima University and Masakatu Morii of Kobe University. It has been known for several months that the WPA system was crackable, but that was only on a smaller range of devices and took at least 12 times longer to accomplish.

WPA was developed after the Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) system was discovered to be easily hackable just a few years after its introduction. While it is better than its predecessor, individuals that have WPA with TKIP are encouraged to make the switch to WPA 2 that features Advanced Encryption Standard (AES); which is an encryption standard adopted by the U.S. government.

This attack is very new and all its fine points have not yet been made known. Toshihiro and Masakatu plan on discussing further details at a technical conference on September 25 in Hiroshima.

Response

This is all very shocking to me. I thought that the WEP system was a very secure one to use and preferred it over WPA. I contributed this feeling to UNCW using WEP and having it currently installed at my house. While shocking, this does not really bother me (personally) all that much. I live between two elderly ladies and I am not worried about them trying to hack my wireless network. I am, however, wondering why UNCW still utilizes the WEP encryption system and encourages its students to use it over WPA.

Is ignorance bliss; would it be best to make this known and promote a change; or maybe the university is aware and does not have it in the budget to make such a large and presumably expensive change? All of this may not matter if students are the only ones using the WEP system. I trust faculty and staff have access to the more secure WPA 2 system or something close to it. Also, let’s not forget this recently developed attack is brand spanking new and only two people truly understand at this point in time. However, come September 25 that will quickly change.
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McMillan, Robert. "New Attack Cracks Common Wi-Fi Encryption in a Minute." Infoworld 27 Aug 2009 Web. http://www.infoworld.com/d/security-central/new-attack-cracks-common-wi-fi-encryption-in-minute-293

Google Music Search – Made in China

2009-08-28T10:18:00.005-04:00

Google's Chinese Music Box
Summary of the Article

For less than six months now, Google has had a service that allows users to download an unlimited amount of music from almost every major label. Does that sound too good to be true? Well for five percent of the world it’s not. The service, called Google Music Search, is available to everyone living in China and limited to only those individuals. The rest of us still have to settle for our P2P and torrent applications and the viruses potentially hiding in every file we download.

But why is it that the Chinese are the only lucky ones?

That is because of the high piracy rate of music online; so much so that 99.9% of all China’s music services are illegal downloads. Because of this, the music business in China has been hurting and is looking for new ways to be successful. If this project does work, then Google will look into launching the same service in other country markets where piracy is also widespread, such as Russia and India.

Google Music Search already has a strong competitor in the market that has been long established and possesses a large market share. The site is Baidu.com and it looks to be the Chinese equivalent of Google in America; with web, video, and image searching along with other similar features and of course the mp3 search and download feature. However, the creators of GMS are not worried. Their service provides a higher quality product with faster downloading rates, zero advertisements in the music files, and no more downloading the wrong song. They are able to do this by working with the labels and offering a legal service.

Response

It is hard for me to critique something without being able to actually test it before hand; but, the description of Google Music Search alone has me excited at the possibility of it coming to America in the distant future. What is not to love about a service that would allow you to download all of your favorite songs for free and do it lawfully? Also, would it be wrong of me to secretly hope piracy becomes more prevalent in the United States so that we turn into a more appealing market for GMS?

Even if Google Music Search fails to turn a profit and does not make it out of China, I think it will definitely spark more interest in such a service. In my opinion, it is inevitable that all music will one day be available for download online and that it would be smart for the record labels to get a head start on future competition and team up with Google now for America’s edition of Google Music Search.
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Greenberg, Andy. "Google's Chinese Music Box." Forbes 27 Aug 2009 Web. http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/27/music-search-internet-intelligent-technology-google.html