Blog Assignment #5

In the past several decades, online piracy and illegal file sharing have become huge problems for the government and various industries involved. Each year, internet users download songs, games, movies, and more without paying. While most people involved don't think its "that big of a deal," there are plenty of negative consequences: profit losses for artists/actors/musicians, copyright infringements, viruses, and more.

So, what can be done about this issue? How can the media and/or the government deal with this type of activity? It's a difficult question and the there's no easy answer. However, I have a few ideas that I believe might help.

1. Drastically lower the standard prices of digital and streaming content.  If prices for songs, games, and movies were lowered, people might not feel inclined to "steal" them for free. Many people are still struggling financially these days and as many people say, times are tough. So if prices for media content were more reasonable, I think that some illegal downloaders would be able to afford to legally buy something. Media providers might say that they would lose profits from lower prices, but the truth is they are already losing profits to illegal downloaders as well.

2. Let consumers choose their own price for media content. Personally, I'm more inclined to pay for a CD or movie if I can choose the price I feel is fair. One of my favorite musical artists, Pretty Lights, lets anyone download his CDs for free on his website. However, there's an option to pay if you feel inclined to. I became a fan of Pretty Lights by checking out his music for free, however, I now pay for each new CD because I feel that it is worth it.

3. The government should focus more on educating illegal downloaders of the consequences of their actions. Instead of threatening with severe punishments, what if the government launched a campaign to show people how they were hurting the music, movie, and art industries by their illegal downloads? People may then understand why what they are doing is wrong. I believe out of all my ideas, this may be the weakest. It might backfire if not done correctly.

What do you think of my solutions? Anything you would do differently? 

Blog Assignment #4

In the article, “Privacy and Enhanced Personalization,” the authors explore the issue of balance between a personalized web experience and risk of losing privacy in order to gain that personalization. The article found that many users prefer the convenience and familiarity of personalized, customizable websites. However, many of those same users also have concerns about giving up private information about themselves in order to have that level of personalization.

There are several factors that determine whether or not an internet user is willing to give up private information in order to gain more personalization. Different people have different ideologies about what is private and how much of that private info that they are comfortable sharing. You must also consider the trustworthiness and reputation of the website that is asking for information. Does the website have a privacy statement or privacy rules that it closely follows? In general, you must have the right combination of user preference and website history.

The article concluded by saying that several small changes must be made. These include different behaviors for internet users, the websites themselves, and governmental agencies that department the policies we all have to follow in regards to privacy and information sharing.

As a frequent internet user but also someone who likes to keep my personal information private, I still have concerns moving forward about personalization and privacy. I am definitely disturbed by the trend of companies and websites wanting every single piece of information they can find about me. The question that sticks out the most to me is, “When will internet users draw the line in regards to privacy and information sharing?” Will we continue to share and distribute every aspect of our identity?  I wonder if anyone else shares my concerns or has an answer to my question. Let me know in the comments!