Citizen-Generated Media (CGM)

Yet More Lists

PC Magazine has compiled a list of the top one hundred websites that it terms “undiscovered.”  I must be in the right circles, as I regularly consult over one-third of this list.  Still, it’s a good multi-subject assemblage.  Project Censored compiles lists of stories that the mainstream media either ignored or gave short shrift, “The News That Didn’t Make The News.”

You Can't Be Careful Enough

They say that bad television inspires bad behavior, and here’s proof.

Here’s more: A certain Nosy Parker in Seattle posts an ad on Craig’s List suggesting that “she” loves to be dominated, and waits for 24 hours and collects all the slathering male responses, then posts them on a website for all to see.  Some of these men posted from their work addresses, while others sent photos of their private parts, while still using their real names. Over 170 responses were received in one 24-hour period. This “false bait” scenario was made famous by NBC’s Dateline, a show that garnered top ratings for establishing and secretly filming pedophile traps around America.

Expect repercussions in the Pacific Northwest as this unwanted publicity ascends through the Internet hierarchy.  At the same time, another Internet sensation was unmasked as naked self-promotion.  “Lonelygirl15” created a firestorm, probably among the same population that fell for R. F. Jason’s Craig’s List stunt.  As reported by the Los Angeles Times, it was that big bad talent agency Creative Artists that was behind the buzz.  More details and links in the New York Times article by Virginia Heffernan.  Soon, these hoaxes and annoying privacy invasions should be sufficient to deter all but the dimmest of thrill-seeking web surfers. By the way, Craig’s List seems to be enjoying land office growth, and according to Online Media Daily, now receives almost 14 million hits a month.

September 11 as Greek Tragedy

With all the bathos on television and radio, the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was sure to dredge up the most splendiferous display of cliché o’er many a lunar moment.  I do not desire to wallow in this, but respectfully pass along an article on the two 9/11 feature films (thus far!) in which their roots in Greek tragedy are discussed, and a photo album for those who just cannot get enough. For those who want to remember the Twin Towers as they were before that fateful day, a Twin Tower photo site meets the demand. If you think September 11 went unnoticed in the Muslim world, think again.  Jihadist websites abound, according to the New York Times. 

Think Before You Name

This must be satire.  Are there web designers so thick they couldn’t see the problems with these?  Here are the “Ten Unintentionally Worst Company URLs of All Time.”