Outing Ourselves

If people care so much about their privacy, why do they so easily spill their guts in front of the whole world on Twitter, Facebook and MySpace? One NPR commentator thinks we have lost track of what ought to remain private.

Craigslist Gets Wholesome

In reaction to a recent online adult ad that turned deadly, Craigslist has agreed to crack down on prostitution on its site and keep closer watch on other adult services ads, according to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times. MC101 classes discussed whether Craigslist was, on balance, a blessing or a curse. We also discussed meny ways the online site provides a linkage function far beyond people selling stuff, or themselves.

Hey, Did Ya See That?

Some of the best ads are the ones you don't quite realize are ads. They're just interesting videos that convey a certain attitude, a trendy or cool or sexy or ritzy vibe. Oh, and a product or service someone wants you to buy is part of the scene. These are stealth ads.

And if these ads are clever enough, people will send them, or at least a link to them, to their friends. In this way, they spread from person to person. They are viral ads, and they are becoming increasingly popular, as this NPR story reports.

Storming the Ivory Tower Online

Think online games are just for the terminally-bored social misfit who lacks life options. Well, that stereotype takes a big hit in this NPR story that tells how Ivy League students are rallying around a game that puts the hallowed campuses at war with one another.

President as Punchline

Is it good or bad for democracy if late night comedians routinely make fun of the President and other leaders? Do the comedic rules of engagement change if the President is in the midst of dealing with the nation's worst economic mess since the Great Depression? Should the zingers be crafted with particular care because the President is African-American? This was the subject of a recent Los Angeles Times article.