Sometimes I get more than 1,000 a day. (If you add the spam, I get about 3,000 a day.) I guess that gives you a clue about one of my pet peeves ... spam!
Then again, when traveling and having to access E-mail from my hotel, I hate dial-ups! (I was in Auckland, New Zealand, last week and had 22,000-Kbps dial-up access at $1.12 per minute. It took four hours to download my E-mails and five minutes to send a quick text-only E-mail.)
But perhaps having to use Web-access for my EarthLink(ELNK) E-mail account annoys me even more. With anything other than clean broadband, the loading of the banner ads with cute little animations takes more time and bandwidth than I have. I hate EarthLink's Web-access for E-mail! I also hate cute little banner ads that hog my bandwidth!
I hate pop-ups, too! I also hate pop-unders and anywhere else they want to insert a pop-whatever! While we're at it, I hate Viagra ads and penis-enlargers and Paris Hilton video promotions. I hate spoofed E-mails and attempts to phish my financial information. I hate unsolicited instant messages pretending to be from someone I know.
I hate that when I mistype, I end up at a site I didn't want to visit. I hate search-engine results that are loaded with keyword purchases and don't give me what I want. I hate the fact that a large percentage of my E-mails are never delivered to or from me. I hate that I can't open an attachment without worrying that it's either a Trojan horse or a virus or some new kind of malicious code. I hate that my Palm Pilot is now at risk for viruses and that I'm getting porn ads on my cell phone. I don't like being tracked without my OK, or in-my-face porn, unless I'm looking for it.
I hate it when I type in the wrong URL and end up on some directory site that slams my home page, changing it to the directory page. I hate that game and cheat-code sites have so many spyware downloads and don't first get my permission. I hate that they try to pretend that my clicking on the "OK" for their terms of use or licensing agreements is an OK for installing a download. I hate that I can't getMicrosoft( MSFT)'s Messenger program off of my computer without manually editing my registry!
I hate that kids are being sued for downloading music without authorization, but Apple and others are selling MP3 players with 10,000-song capacities! (Know anyone who has that many "legal" songs?) I hate that our kids are expected to "ignore" or "just delete" violent hard-core porn or hate messages. I hate that wireless is so unsecure! I hate when Windows tells me I need their XP disc to add or remove something! (I hate when any software makes me look for the install discs!)
I hate laptops with touchpads that screw up everything I type when my finger brushes against the touchpad, or I breathe, or I swallow, or I hear a sound, or a tree falls in the woods and no one is there.
I hate that I can't book a hotel on Priceline(PCLN).com on the same day I need the room, or the day before. I hate that my favorite travel auction site doesn't have a bid proxy application, and I have to keep checking back and manually update my bid. I hate that so many people are selling counterfeit goods online, especially to my daughter oneBay( EBAY).
I hate the fact that my hotel (claiming to have wireless broadband throughout the hotel), doesn't have it in my suite, apparently. And now I'm sitting and typing at the front desk, barefoot, happy that I am one of a mere few guests and can sit here undisturbed, and I've finally found where I can get wireless (or anything other than the 22,000 dial-up I found in Auckland). I hate that the hotel can advertise that they have wireless broadband everywhere, and I'm forced to sit here in the lobby at 4:15 a.m.
I hate that ranting maniacs often are the only ones posting on my favorite listservs. I hate the noise that disrupts all the good things online. I hate when I finish the best column I've ever written, or the first chapter of my new book, that my wandering thumb, or breath, or the tree falling in the forest strikes, and it's deleted and my backup didn't pick it up. I hate when I misaddress a personal E-mail and my landscaper has to tell me that he's sure that my passionate E-mail was intended for someone else, otherwise he had underestimated how important my flower beds are to me.
I hate that I need five rechargers when I travel: one for my Palm, one for my BlackBerry, one for my cell phone, one for my MP3 player, and one for my computer. I hate that when I remember to bring my plane computer-charger adapter, the plane doesn't have powered seat outlets. I hate that when I don't bring it, everyone else is typing away and playing games and using the outlets I can never find when I need them. I hate when I remember my adapter and the plane has outlets that I always forget the tip that fits this laptop.
It's funny how much I hate these things, but I could never live without the Internet or portable computing. It's clearly a love/hate relationship. What about you? What do you hate? Let me know at parry@aftab.com. Over the coming weeks, I'll share your rants here at my column. Let me know if I should keep your rants anonymous. It's time we take back the Net!
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=18201799
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Privacy Lawyer: Actions Must Follow Privacy Mea Culpas
First JetBlue Airways, then Northwest Airlines, and now American Airlines. Each has admitted sharing passenger information with government agencies or companies associated with agencies. Passenger-name records typically include itinerary, name, address, phone number, and credit information. They also may include E-mail addresses and flight preferences (such as kosher meals). Much of this is sensitive to consumers and subject to strict laws overseas. Now all three airlines face class-action lawsuits and potential federal sanctions for releasing the information without passengers' consent or legal process.
Sharing data in the interest of security is understandable. Frankly, I find it surprising that only three complied when asked for personal information to study risk-assessment tools. I suspect more airlines will come forward in time.
JetBlue's was the first shoe to drop, last September. The airlines gave data to Torch Concepts, a would-be defense contractor. Five million JetBlue passenger-name records, involving 1.5 million passengers, were involved. These records were later matched with data purchased by Torch from Acxiom, JetBlue's data aggregator, which included income, occupation, home ownership, and Social Security numbers.
The data was used in a report Torch presented at one of its conferences, and a chart was posted online. It contained personal data belonging to a specific, nonconsenting passenger. That information stayed on the site for about six months, until discovered by privacy advocates in September. JetBlue admitted that the disclosure violated its privacy policy in effect at that time.
In January, Northwest said that beginning in December 2001, it had given passenger name records (involving more than 10 million passengers) for two months to NASA. Again, the data was used for a study of risk assessment. Northwest denies violating its privacy policy.
And now American says it gave passenger-name records affecting 1.2 million passengers to four companies seeking contracts with the Transportation Security Administration in June 2002.
The trio, which seem to have learned a lesson, insist that the volunteered data either has been destroyed or returned by the recipients. Each says it won't give records for tests of the government's proposed Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System, a nationwide computer system designed to assess risks, unless compelled to do so. Wise move, legally speaking. All companies, no matter how much they would like to help, should insist on a formal, legal demand before giving up private consumer data (see "Patriotism, Compliance, And Confidentiality," Oct. 20).
I suspect that there are more examples like these. All companies should audit post-Sept. 11 data disclosures to uncover mistakes, and ensure that any records disclosed are now secure and that affected consumers are notified.
Finally, I would caution that hindsight is always 20/20. While doing all we can to protect personal and private information, we also should remember the national atmosphere in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, and not be too quick to indict well-intentioned actions, no matter how unwise. It was a difficult time for all, not least of which the airlines.
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=19200120
Sharing data in the interest of security is understandable. Frankly, I find it surprising that only three complied when asked for personal information to study risk-assessment tools. I suspect more airlines will come forward in time.
JetBlue's was the first shoe to drop, last September. The airlines gave data to Torch Concepts, a would-be defense contractor. Five million JetBlue passenger-name records, involving 1.5 million passengers, were involved. These records were later matched with data purchased by Torch from Acxiom, JetBlue's data aggregator, which included income, occupation, home ownership, and Social Security numbers.
The data was used in a report Torch presented at one of its conferences, and a chart was posted online. It contained personal data belonging to a specific, nonconsenting passenger. That information stayed on the site for about six months, until discovered by privacy advocates in September. JetBlue admitted that the disclosure violated its privacy policy in effect at that time.
In January, Northwest said that beginning in December 2001, it had given passenger name records (involving more than 10 million passengers) for two months to NASA. Again, the data was used for a study of risk assessment. Northwest denies violating its privacy policy.
And now American says it gave passenger-name records affecting 1.2 million passengers to four companies seeking contracts with the Transportation Security Administration in June 2002.
The trio, which seem to have learned a lesson, insist that the volunteered data either has been destroyed or returned by the recipients. Each says it won't give records for tests of the government's proposed Computer Assisted Passenger Prescreening System, a nationwide computer system designed to assess risks, unless compelled to do so. Wise move, legally speaking. All companies, no matter how much they would like to help, should insist on a formal, legal demand before giving up private consumer data (see "Patriotism, Compliance, And Confidentiality," Oct. 20).
I suspect that there are more examples like these. All companies should audit post-Sept. 11 data disclosures to uncover mistakes, and ensure that any records disclosed are now secure and that affected consumers are notified.
Finally, I would caution that hindsight is always 20/20. While doing all we can to protect personal and private information, we also should remember the national atmosphere in the immediate aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, and not be too quick to indict well-intentioned actions, no matter how unwise. It was a difficult time for all, not least of which the airlines.
http://www.informationweek.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=19200120
Ways To Get Your Opt In Subscribers To Trust You Quickly
While the rest of the world have developed many barriers and protections to keep their e-mail accounts spam-free, there are also those that subscribe to mails that promotes their products, services and their site. This is mainly because these subscribes wants to know more about what these sites are offering and can be beneficial for them. They expect to get be kept posted on what they are interested in and what are new in the market or field they have chosen.
Businesses would be so lucky to have these kinds of customers; the basic element needed to get these types of people is trust. When your customers trust you they will reward you with their loyalty. Many internet users have gone to great lengths in protecting their email accounts from spam mail. Some free-mail internet providers and internet service providers offer spam protection while there are also some internet based companies that screen your mails for you.
With an opt-in mail list, the mails you send containing your promotional materials such as newsletters, catalogs and marketing media will go through. Your intended recipient will be able to read and view what you have sent making it a successful transfer of information. To be able to be allowed to do so, you will need permission from your recipient, to get this permission; you need to be able to get their trust. With the great lack of disregard for privacy in the internet, getting the trust of an internet user you don't personally know is a big achievement.
To build a good opt-in list you need people to trust you, for a faster and quicker build up, you need to get your opt-in subscribers to trust you quickly. The faster you build your opt-in list the faster word about your site and company gets to be spread. The bigger the scope of your opt-in list the more traffic you get spelling more profits. Its easy math if you thin about it. Getting the numbers is not that simple though, or maybe it is?
* Getting the trust of your clientele shouldn't be so hard especially if you do have a legitimate business. Getting your customers trust should be based upon your expertise. People rely on other people who know what they are talking about. Garner all the knowledge and information about your business. Ell, frankly if you decide to go into a business most probably you have an interest in it. Like how many basketball payers become coaches, you don't really venture into something you don't have any interest in.
* Show your clients that you know what you are talking about. Provide them with helpful hints and guidelines that pertain to what you are selling. Talk about how to install a roof if your into hardware products or provide articles on insurance settlements if you're a settlement lawyer. You don't have to be a big corporation to make use of an opt-in list. If your customers see you as someone who knows what he is doing and saying, they will trust you quickly.
* Be true to your customers, if you want to hype up your products and services, provide guarantees. The more satisfied customers you get, the bigger probability there is that they will recommend you. Generally, people will trust someone they know, when that someone recommends you then you're a shoo-in. They will go to your site and check it for themselves and be given a chance to experience what the other shave experienced from you, so make sure to be consistent in the service you provide.
* Another tip in getting a customer to trust you quickly is to provide them an escape hatch. Show them that you are not there to trap them. Keep a clean list that would enable them to unsubscribe anytime they want. Elaborate your web form by providing information on how to unsubscribe from the list. Guarantee them that they can let go of the service when ever they want to. Many are wary that they may be stuck for life and would have to abandon their email accounts when they get pestered with spam.
Remember that when you get the trust of your clients don't lose that trust. Because if you do anything with their email addresses like sell them or give them out, you will lose many members of your list as ell as potential members. The true quickest way to gain the trust of your subscribers is when you are recommended by someone they trust.
About the Author
Jason Isakson Author Of "The Double Payment System" Discover How To Turn Your Computer Into A Money Making Machine! Go To http://www.FastIncomeNow.com
Easy Law?
Sometimes you have an easy law question that you need an answer to. Although some legal issues are complicated, others are fairly straight forward and easy to answer. You don't want to spend a fortune to get an answer to an easy question.
Whether you need advice on divorce, taxes, real estate, or estate planning, you can often find the answers you need for easy questions yourself or at a low cost to you. Thankfully, the internet provides a good tool for you to find answers to the questions you have. You can find a great deal of information online easily and in no time at all.
One of the things that you can find online is legal forms that you can replicate for your situation. Whether you need a bill of sale for a car, an example of a will, or forms for setting up a new small business, you can often find a form online that can be adapted to your situation. When the form you need is straight forward, you can save time and money by finding an example online.
You can also search online for information on various aspects of law. There are many websites that offer information on different legal areas. These are great places to start learning about the area of law that you need answers in.
Some websites offer glossaries with various legal terms defined so that you can understand better a legal document that you are dealing with. You may also be able to find articles that discuss different legal problems that are common for people to run into. Learning more about the area of law that you are dealing with gives you a better understanding of the process and what you can expect.
You may also be able to find websites that have experts on staff to answer your questions. Some websites also do live chats with attorneys knowledgeable about a particular legal aspect. In these cases, the answers given are for informational purposes only, but you can still get easy law answers that can help you.
If you want to consult with a legal professional, you can always see if they'll offer you a free consultation. If the question you have is simple, they may not charge you a fee for talking to you about your question. For example, maybe you want to know if a potential lawsuit has merit. One of the ways to determine this is to consult with a legal professional.
Whether you look for easy law answers online or with a lawyer in person, you should make sure that the information you receive will be good information. Make sure that the person giving you the answer has a law degree from a respected institution and that the site or firm is reputable.
For most easy law answers, you don't need to spend a fortune to have your question answered. In some cases, you can find the answer yourself online. You can also often find free or low cost legal advice for other questions. If your question is a complicated or specialized one, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney even if it costs a little more.
About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.easylex.net 2 Easylexnet
Whether you need advice on divorce, taxes, real estate, or estate planning, you can often find the answers you need for easy questions yourself or at a low cost to you. Thankfully, the internet provides a good tool for you to find answers to the questions you have. You can find a great deal of information online easily and in no time at all.
One of the things that you can find online is legal forms that you can replicate for your situation. Whether you need a bill of sale for a car, an example of a will, or forms for setting up a new small business, you can often find a form online that can be adapted to your situation. When the form you need is straight forward, you can save time and money by finding an example online.
You can also search online for information on various aspects of law. There are many websites that offer information on different legal areas. These are great places to start learning about the area of law that you need answers in.
Some websites offer glossaries with various legal terms defined so that you can understand better a legal document that you are dealing with. You may also be able to find articles that discuss different legal problems that are common for people to run into. Learning more about the area of law that you are dealing with gives you a better understanding of the process and what you can expect.
You may also be able to find websites that have experts on staff to answer your questions. Some websites also do live chats with attorneys knowledgeable about a particular legal aspect. In these cases, the answers given are for informational purposes only, but you can still get easy law answers that can help you.
If you want to consult with a legal professional, you can always see if they'll offer you a free consultation. If the question you have is simple, they may not charge you a fee for talking to you about your question. For example, maybe you want to know if a potential lawsuit has merit. One of the ways to determine this is to consult with a legal professional.
Whether you look for easy law answers online or with a lawyer in person, you should make sure that the information you receive will be good information. Make sure that the person giving you the answer has a law degree from a respected institution and that the site or firm is reputable.
For most easy law answers, you don't need to spend a fortune to have your question answered. In some cases, you can find the answer yourself online. You can also often find free or low cost legal advice for other questions. If your question is a complicated or specialized one, you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney even if it costs a little more.
About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.easylex.net 2 Easylexnet
How To Purchase Property In France
If you are considering or even are very keen on the idea of investing in French property, buying a holiday home in France or finally purchasing your dreamed of French Chateaux (whether tiny or enormous), you should, perhaps, also be looking at French lessons if you are unfamiliar with the language. 'I'll pick it up french property for sale as I go along' is the boast of many a non-francophone when they are buying the property of their dreams to live in for the rest of their lives. However lack of communication, or indeed the inability to communicate with your neighbours, local councils and lawyers, can be problematic in the extreme. Whilst there are likely to be many wonderfully helpful French people in the area you are looking at, not all of them speak another language, particularly out of towns, so how are you going to make head or tail of the legal documents, bills, taxes and so on? Well, it is certainly the case that you will need an English-speaking lawyer, but by no means all French lawyers and notaries speak English. It is very important to know what you are buying, what the legal steps are in your particular transaction and of course whether there are going to be large extra expenses to be taken into consideration, such as local taxes, property taxes and so on. If you do speak some French it's still a good idea to be accompanied by a French/English speaker when you visit lawyers and officials so you don't get caught out by technicalities, time limits or caveats in the deeds for instance. If you are not careful you may find a public right of way through your garden or find that someone has an option-to-lease over your few hectares of land which you hope to till yourself. Language problems and this is not only so in France, can lead to more misunderstandings than almost any other cause when buying property. The system of property purchase and ownership is likely to be very different from the one in your home country, and local regulations differ widely throughout France, just to make sure, it may seem, that it is even more difficult to obtain the necessary documentation. Do not be afraid to ask questions if you do not understand property for sale in france what is going on, even if this takes a long time. After all it's your hard earned money you are spending, or contemplating spending, so don't be shy to ask what the extra 2000 euros is for, or whether the boundary is yours or shared and the other multitude of questions that can arise from property purchase and sale. To be able to ask these questions you may well need a very competent French speaker with you. If you're French is pretty reasonable, you have a French wife/husband or good French friend, then your choice of translator or French assistant will be simplified, but if you do not have this advantage the best advice is to find someone well before you part with a lot of money. It will make life so much easier in the transaction.
About the Author
I am the submitter and living in Thailand!
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