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September 15, 2004

When I search QUIXTAR...

By QBlog in

There's an interesting post from the Harteis International, Inc. blog (a Quixtar-related business) titled "When I search QUIXTAR on the Internet, I find some negative stuff. What's up with that?" What's up indeed.

The post makes some good points about questioning the accuracy and credibility of information on the Internet. However, I believe it also makes three misleading implications.

  1. The post begins saying, "The Internet is born to free speech and is still relatively unregulated, so it’s easy for anyone to post opinions, spread rumors, tell lies, or even build entire websites devoted to whatever topic is desired." Yes, this is true but how would regulation change that Internet landscape? We see opinions, rumors and lies on television and radio which is heavily regulated compared to the Internet and even print media. Regulation does not guarantee accuracy or increase credibility. If anything, it's the market that determines who is credible and who isn't, not some regulatory entity.

  2. The post continues to rightfully point out that "the Internet is a perfect media of negative 'information'" but seems to imply that such negative information is also inaccurate. Negative doesn't equal false, though I'm sure that's what 60 Minutes would like you to believe.

  3. The Harteis International blog is managed by a company that seeks to profit from "positive information" about Quixtar (and Fred Harteis) but is published by an anonymous blogger. This shouldn't impeach the blog's credibility but it should definitely raise some questions.

I agree with the post's conclusion which says to "be sure you have all the facts and are certain about the accuracy and credibility of the source of any information found on the Internet." Be sure indeed.

Comments (3) TrackBack (0)

Comments  

I think you should be very wary of the posive site that says nothing... than the negative that says anything.

Posted by: Roger, Husband of a TOD Brainwashee | September 15, 2004 10:39 AM

Isn't this poster's phrase "The Internet is born to free speech and is still relatively unregulated" somewhat of an oxymoron?
I mean, if speech became regulated (outside of filtering out and eliminating vulgarism) than it wouldn't be free anymore, would it?

Posted by: mlmscam | September 15, 2004 11:12 AM

In the real world there are some regulations on Free Speech:

1) Libel and slander laws allow people to sue for monetary damages and name protection.

2) Any format which bases its information on lies and slander doesn't survive for long, as eventually it must defend itself and there are laws that allow for correction (unless we're talking about Fox News, but that's another story).

3) Any form of communication which causes unnecessary panic can be moved against in the law (i.e. you can't cry "Fire" in a crowded theatre).

Any form of communication which incorporates these controls will thrive. Any form of communication which can't (or doesn't) incorporate these controls will come to be discredited.

Posted by: Don | September 15, 2004 8:28 PM





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