Over time, what have I learned about the internet, netizens, newsgroups, chat, WWW sites and how it relates to society, worldwide interactive relationships, individual exploration-- how it enhances or detracts from humanity's enrichment?
That is the goal of this new series of personal reflections about the internet and WW Web. I've learned greatly during my sojourns into this world within a world of electronic venues; I have been awed, shocked, titillated, amused, annoyed, entertained, scared, appalled, entranced, inspired and, of course, stunned at the wealth of information available to anyone able to afford being on-line.
Overwhelmingly, my experiences have been positive and educational. Yet there lurks a dark side to the Net. Sometimes it is found in shadowy landscapes where freakish sideshows prevail -- or a chance encounter with a distant, provocative stranger via chat or instant messaging or email, which suggests precautionary measures (particularly if a meeting has been discussed). On the byways of the super-info highway there are pitfalls and dangers, but possibly no moreso than in everyday life.
NET NOTES will be an occasional feature about my personal experiences/reflections on the internet. I've already had a wide variety of interesting situations I will describe and reflect upon, hopefully with intelligent, insightful understanding.
Some of my topics will include: designing and maintaining a website; surfing tips for productive on-line time; new, emerging programs for social sharing such as direct chat and IM, as well as the reliable standby, email; wise use of anonymous I.D; newsgroups, good and bad; copyright issues; finding pertinent information with search engines; safeguarding children on-line and parenting issues; and any other topics I become concerned about (even readers' suggestions).
I already have several essays written over a year ago, during my initial excitement about being on-line; these will be posted and dated. But I hope to develop an ongoing personal perspective about the internet as I learn -- and pass this along via informal but structured essays for readers who wish to follow my progress through time spent on-line, and perhaps compare it to their own experiences.
Come along with me as we seek to discover why the internet is an inexplicable world within a world -- ever new, ever mysterious, ever evolving...
Share the adventure!
[NOTE: All the following articles are by Cara Swann, Editor]
ROMANCING THE NET: DATING & LOVE ONLINE
WINDOW ON THE WORLD: EMAIL A look at various email programs, the benefits of this rapid means of communication.
ADDICTED TO THE NET! Are you addicted to on-line activites? Take a humorous but thoughtful look at how it might feel!
EROTIC FANTASY ON THE NET What role does
erotic fantasy play in our real lives? And how do we prevent
minors accessing adult sites?
ONLINE SURFING Do you enjoy surfing? Read about my first experiences!
WRITERS: PULSE OF HUMANITY Are you a writer, or just someone who likes to read? The net gives everyone more opportunity for sharing!
SENIOR PIONEERS GO ON-LINE! No one ever gets too old to learn the wonders of being a pioneer in new technology!
POETRY: CYBERWORLD & CYBERLAIR
CYBERSELF By Guest Author Brenda Townsend Hall
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