Two Cents and a Thousand Words

I just hid me my first Geocache.

Let the huntin’ begin!

Having worked for libraries, Internet filters, and librarians for a long time (especially last summer), I’ve seen first-hand how the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) obstructs the main purpose of America’s libraries: providing information for citizens.

For those of you who haven’t read a story about the decision, read the one at ABC News (the same story I read). CIPA states that the government can withhold money from libraries if they do not install Internet filters for pornography and sex. The Supreme Court ruled that it was OK for the government to do this.

I have one question. Does anyone who knows anything about computers favor Internet filters? I’m not talking about great-grandmommy Clarke here. They don’t work. If you want proof, you can visit the first site I was blocked from when using filters for the first time. The example I always heard at libraries was that patrons weren’t able to research breast cancer because filters blocked pages with the word “breast”.

Technology isn’t perfect. If it were, all porn sites would be in something as simple to filter as a .xxx domain, we’d have filters that worked for spam, we wouldn’t need tech support, and robots probably would’ve taken over the world by now. But it isn’t perfect, and that includes Web filters. We’re restricting access to information (and by information, I don’t mean porn).

After reading the article, though, I don’t think I’m mad at the Supreme Court. I don’t think CIPA’s unconstitutional. If the Court said that Internet filters were mandatory for libraries, THAT would be unconstitutional. CIPA just says that libraries that don’t install filters may not receive government money. Blame for this one once again goes to Congress. Our senators and representatives passed a bill that limits what the public can see with a technology that just isn’t ready to handle what’s on the Internet.

I’d go tell my representatives what I thought of the bill, but I don’t think I can get to house.gov.

CIPA resources: Law (PDF @ ALA) – Decision (PDF @ EFF) – American Library Association – EFF

Found on /.: Pirate Hatch

And a bonus link, from BD: A Bush can’t Segway (interesting thought)

(edit: OK, this entry seems a little too anti-Republican. To make up for it, I offer this: I don’t think I’d really like to watch GoreTV.)

I’m working at ASAP this summer.

One of my teachers from last semester thought I’d fit in well at ASAP, so I gave it a try today and decided it’s a good place for me. I also clarified that it isn’t full-time; I need to have some time to do other web sites and mow and all that. But ASAP, while providing a modest but steady wage, also provides me with good experience in what I want to do.

Should be fun.

Going back to web design, I just finished the official site for UMaine Residents on Campus. It was a fun site to design, and the fact that ROC President Reynolds loaned me some photos to put on the site really helped make it more interesting. The design assignment changed over time, but I think it came out to be a really good package for the group. Despite the limitations of the UMaine server, I was able to figure out a way to put up a feedback form. It works, too, which is always a good thing.

More web design may be coming soon. More news As It Develops.

“It’s, like, one of them drug dealer boats,” Vic says, looking through his magic sight. “Five guys on it. Headed our way.” He fires another round. “Correction. Four guys on it.” Boom. “Correction, they’re not headed our way anymore.” Boom. A fireball erupts from the ocean two hundred feet away. “Correction. No boat.”

- Neal Stephenson, Snow Crash

The manifestation of Exploring Maine this summer has been through Geocaching. A “sport” that hides Tupperware containers or ammo boxes in scenic spots around the world, Geocaching seems like a natural extension to my interest in exploring new places. And the fact that there are 272 Geocaches – in Maine alone – would keep me busy for a while. I’ve already found 23.

Unfortunately, though, since the world isn’t perfect, there have to be drawbacks. With the much overused term “terrorism” and with the possible destruction of sensitive, protected area due to careless Geocachers, the idea faces some speed bumps (as it always has). Many of the problems are created by people who don’t read the rules and who don’t take care when they go to find a cache; many of the more loyal cachers participate in Cache In Trash Out, which is a practice of bringing a plastic bag in while you Geocache and picking up litter along the way.

But are Geocaches litter? The National Park Service says they are; traditional caches can’t be placed within the boundaries of national parks. And news published lately shows why some park rangers and government officials have a problem with it.

And for the most part, I agree with them. Any time publicity occurs for something practiced by a small group of people, it tends to go downhill quickly.

For me, Geocaching provides a classic example of the power of the Internet. It’s a way to connect people. On top of that, it’s a rare practice that gets geeks out of their chairs and into nature. The world needs more of that. Obviously some reporters, including the Bangor Daily News’s own John Holyoke, get that. Think I’m crazy to say that it’s a great use of the Internet? Obviously the people who voted in the People’s Voice award in the Community category of this year’s Webby Awards agree with me.

People in charge in Maricopa County, Arizona and at the Bureau of Land Management in the west have taken positive steps to regulate Geocaches on their lands. I must say that Pennsylvania’s system should be used as a model. While Geocaching is fun and a great way to explore the outdoors, it does pose risks. I don’t think it’s asking too much to have a hider inform a park owner that a cache is on their land. It’s a good idea to have an official list of caches on your land. I’m planning on discussing similar options for Maine with other Geocachers in this state. I’m not exactly sure how much government officials in our state know about it.

As I get ready to hide my first cache, I think it’s important to keep in mind both the advantages and disadvantages of the sport. My prediction for the future is that Geocaching as we know it will be dead in two years. Luckily, the system is more robust than just Rubbermaid containers in the middle of nowhere. A segment of the Geocaching site is devoted to so-called virtual caches, at which a cacher goes to a specific place and e-mails the “hider” a word on a plaque or a feature about the area to confirm that they’ve been there. Personally, I like this type of cache as much as the traditional caches, and I think its possibilities far exceed what has already happened (you can tell someone not to put a Rubbermaid container on public land, but can you tell a person not to GO on public land and just look for something natural, or legally man-made?).

Geocaching is a wonderful way to explore nature, even if there’s no tangible reward. It’s allowed me to find some new areas of my state. I’ve also learned to really enjoy hiking and biking because of it; I think I’m in better shape now than I’ve been in a long time. And I’ve met some really great people. I hope it doesn’t get completely taken away from me.

OK, I’m not the biggest hip-hop/rap fan. I can tolerate most of it. Lately, though, I can’t believe that this song is so popular… I heard the lyrics and I immediately had to change it. Now I don’t listen to it anymore. I’m glad he didn’t come to Bumstock (as was rumored a couple times).

On the other hand, Nas scores some points on my count for making a song I actually like. Maybe it’s the classical sample. Maybe it’s the kids in it. Who knows. Finally a song in a new genre I like – a good compliment to these two, which I think have a damn good sound to them.

By the way, the Web site for the only tolerable station located in the greater Bangor area sucks. The charts are nice, though.