What point are you trying to make with your article “When murder hits the blogosphere”? Were you trying to insinuate that the blogs have an effect on their users to the point of inciting murder? Perhaps that blogs will be a useful tool in criminal investigations? I am a bit confused. Your facts are all fairly emotionally poignant, but what is this article trying to say? Please respond to: habitual_dependence@hotmail.com
I completely agree with the previous comment. Your article doesn't prove anything. Are you trying to say that because Kara claims to be 17 and a partier, she is capable of killing someone, let alone her parents? I think you are completely over-analyzing the whole blogging situation. Oh, and the referrence to her quote "meant to live" is completely far-fetched. She claims to be Christian right? Well, there is a song by Switchfoot called "Meant to Live." Ever think it could be a referrence to that? Besides, she already quoted another song, that you acklowledge earlier in your article.
My point was not that blogs cause murder. I can't believe anyone thought that. Blogs could be a useful tool in criminal investigations... but thats a whole other article. The only thing the article was commenting on was the recent phenomenon of blogs and online profiles gaining notice after their authors became news. Some of these blogs and profiles became sounding boards for pissed off readers of the news... others became spaces for friends to reflect on their loved one's memory. The point is, these blogs and profiles BECAME a news story in and of themselves, when major news organizations (an authorities) began to get information from them.
My final point, which some have taken issue with, was that parents should be aware of their child's online presence and who their child associates with online. Not because blogs cause trouble... but because they provide a window into their child's life. That could, potentially (though not necessarily) indicate something the parent did not previously know.
Everything you said up until your last comment is valid. However, the sites are created with the specific intent of keeping personal thoughts out of parents' view. Even though these sites are great for teenagers, internet savy people, and just plain bored people, it has become such a big industry that it must be monitored in some way (other than by parents).
Rarely am I so annoyed and angered by a news article that I feel the need to do this, but after reading three pages of completely ignorant ranting, that left me in awe of how stupid someone can be, I decided I need to say this. So I have found your blog, to tell you what I think about your article on myspace. This article was one of the worst I have ever had the displeasure of reading. The fact that you spend your time writing about myspace, instead of writing about real news, such as the war, or the Hussein trial, is surprising. A friend of mine who read the article also said, "blaming myspace for violence is like blaming spoons for Oprah being fat." It doesn't make sense. Connecting the songs to what happened also does not support any of your claims. If I had a myspace, and I put some lines from a song into it, that doesn't mean that those lines represent anything other than good songwriting and the feelings or emotions of the writer. Saying that the boys violence may have been detected earlier is insulting. You can clearly base the fact that he is violent on the murders, but saying that he was violent just because he was a hunter, is a biased opinion and does not give any support to your article. A Myspace is in no way an "apathetic cry for help". Not only did your article prove to be ridiculous, a horrible read, and show that you are a hipocrite, you yourself having one of these "dangerous" 'blogs', It was poorly written and disappointing considering you are a "reporter".
You guys need to lighten up on this guy. I would like to see you write an article and have it put on the Msn website. Good luck. If anything you should be congradulating him for his good writing instead of saying what you don't like about it and how stupid you think it is. If you think the article stupid then why bother commenting,Its not like he's going to change anything to fit your wants. Personally I think that he has a great career ahead of him as a writer, I'd like to see your resume say "had and article published on the MSN homepage."
Good Job Adam and keep it up. You have a great future ahead of you.
Obviously, Adam, these people are not reading this article objectively. They are reading with an opinion already formed. You are not saying that online blogs are dangerous, cause people to murder, or do other immorral acts. You are merely pointing out that these blogs offer a window into a person's life and for some people (not all or even a majority) it could reveal some warning signs that could be tragic if not addressed. Also, it makes people aware of blogs that might not have known about them. Many parents don't know about them and this article may help to open their eyes to this phenomenom. My wife is a teacher and knows the Zanga profile names of many of her students b/c they have given them to her. By reading these, she is aware of what is going on with her students and knows how to deal when situations arise in her class with these students. Her access to this makes her more aware and able to effectively reach out to her students positively. Maybe if parents were more aware as well, they would be able to reach out to their children positively as well. I could keep going but I feel I would be as misinterpreted as you have been.
I saw your article at msnbc.com about news in the blogosphere. You might want to look at http://www.xanga.com/yell0wr0me0
(All O's are zeroes there.)
This person died in a car accident over three years ago. His last post, the week of his death, was very poetic and a lot of friends have left touching notes. This all ties in with what you were saying about the blogs sticking around for so long.
Jared,I don't think Adam was blaming my space for the actions of those two teens.He was merely stating that it is a source of information for parents,teachers or even investigators."Troubled" people whether it be a teen or an adult,may want to reach out for help but for what ever reason can't so what better way than to post it on a blog.Not all teens are so lucky to have a parent they can talk to or a parent that will listen to what they aren't saying.And if you disapprove of a parent that keeps an eye on what their child is doing online,hmm how do I put this so as not to offend you? I feel that if infact that is your opinion then I think your parent "should" be keeping an eye on you!That's a parents job,to keep their child safe,to educate them,to guide them,to be an example!Notice I did not include ( over bearing,snooping etc.Everyone should have some privacy but a childs privacy should be limited!
I have to say, all this feedback is awesome (and overwhelming). I'm glad the article resonated so strongly with people. Thanks to everyone for your support.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to put the finishing touches on my Nicole Ritchie holiday display. Why should Paris have the only one?
Hey, congrats on the MSN article. Unfortunately, I don't think this is a very good one at all. I find your style blockey and childish. Also, you seem to imply that if the parents had read these kids blogs than they may have been able to prevent this from happening. Nothing that you mentioned being on either of their sites would lead me to believe that. I think you are a decent writer, but you need some classes bud.
hey there adam...i want to talk to you about your article on MSN ... but I do not know another way to contact you. please email me christina.wells@hotamil.com that would be great thanks. - christina
if that email doesnt work send it to evilsuperstar03@Hotmail.com
Adam, It's says something of the character of criticism when the critics in question don't even take the time to post under the proper entry. Regardless of how it was written, or the details there of, your MSN story was relevant and fresh. I'm doubting I'll get any more of a unique angle from the mainstream media. What certain readers are breathing into your piece really shows the low level of reading comprehension that passes as the norm these days. Your blog, in its intirety, is delicious. I especially liked your response to the New Yorker article, though I'm still not sure if it tops Christmas with Paris Hilton in your front lawn. One last thing though. I'm a writer. I've been wanting to do some freelance work, but don't know where to start. If you have any advice, and a couple of minutes, could you drop me a line. My email address is heynedw@email.uc.edu (opponents of my post, please, don't get any ideas.) Thanks man. -Dave
Obviously, you had jumped to many conclusions while writing your article. That is to be expected from someone as liberal as you are. You don't have to report the real news, just whatever sounds good.
I am also disgusted by your ignorance that hunting pictures should lead someone to the idea that Adam could murder. I live in a community where deer hunting is highly revered. I honestly don't know anyone who does not hunt. I also do not know any murderers. My son will be allowed to be a hunter, if he chooses to do so.
Parents involved in their children's life do not have these problems. A story on building and having communication in a loving relationship would be much more worthwhile. It's amazing that most idiots are given a driving license and that any idiot is allowed to have a kid.
Mostly, I am disgusted with MSN for allowing such an opinion article in a format that they call news. I have let them know how I feel as well.
I read your article “When murder hits the blogosphere”? I felt very sad for these young people if they have infact committed murder.... for the gay boy.....for the two girls who OD'd and for the last young woman who was murdered. There is a really good site in Oz that is educational and where young people can reach out to others anonymously if the need to:- http://www.reachout.com.au/home.asp
Do you have anything like this in the US?
Reaching out aside, I have to say that your story reminds me of the so called "war on terror" where politicians find 'some' relevant evidence, then read into it BIG TIME, see it as a tool for feeding 'fear' among the people and then set about creating a major myth around it......
I agree with most of the commenters, esp the ones who commented first. Besides, what is the point of mentioning the teen gutting the deer? Do not all hunters gut their prey? Are you implying the hunters find it easy to become human being exterminators? Please be reminded that illegal firearms ammount to much more than legally purchased ones (like those used for hunting) and are far more used for such crimes.
I had to blog about your article too ........... http://caoimhin.blogspot.com/2005/12/on-profiles-and-murders.html
Hi, I read your article "When Murder Hits the Blogosphere" and you ended it with Kara's heading "Meant to Live." That is a song by Switchfoot, which I realized someone else has already noted on your comments.
I want to say that I think you did a good job of describing how integral the blog life has become in the social lives of people worldwide. I do not know if I agree with the premise that blogs can necessarily be useful in criminal investigations though. Now I think they can be helpful to the extent that someone says "I am going to hurt so and so today" and then one will know that a crime was planned. However, when reading through someone's diary, for instance, anything that is in there may seem like a reference to a recent murder or crime but may not actually be. Hindsight only seems 20/20 because sometimes people make connections where there are none. So I believe it is really too uncertain a place to draw evidence from if that makes sense. I don't know if you agree with that?
I do agree that it is a topic for a whole other article though! Maybe you can explore the pros and cons of using online diaries/journals/blogs in criminal investigations in one of your next articles! You can send me an email at xm2102@barnard.edu to let me know what you think.
heyo, I think your articles are fucking great. Real hard work was put into them and you're doing a good job to make them really interesting. The news has already been made, its all of our jobs to put whatever spin on them we want. thats what makes America, and even the Internet great. The fact that everyone can attack you online is also pretty great. by the way that fucking retard that he had a bomb, deserved to get his fucking head blown off, i don't even care if it was mentally challenged. I guess the challenge go the better of him. Keep writing, people will keep reading and someone will always have something to say. Those who at least comment, I salute you.
Hello folks!?! For the ones who think that it isn't a good idea to check up on what you kids ~ KIDS ~ are doing on the internet. Hello?? If my mom hadn't checked up on mine...and mind you I am 23....she wouldn't know about half the shit going on in my life. And some bad shit too. Kids are writing things that could be dangerous. As a teen, not all of them are thinking rainbows and butterflies. Some have really dark thoughts. Of course, some of that is just teenage angst, but others could be more serious.
27 comments:
What point are you trying to make with your article “When murder hits the blogosphere”? Were you trying to insinuate that the blogs have an effect on their users to the point of inciting murder? Perhaps that blogs will be a useful tool in criminal investigations? I am a bit confused. Your facts are all fairly emotionally poignant, but what is this article trying to say?
Please respond to: habitual_dependence@hotmail.com
I completely agree with the previous comment. Your article doesn't prove anything. Are you trying to say that because Kara claims to be 17 and a partier, she is capable of killing someone, let alone her parents? I think you are completely over-analyzing the whole blogging situation. Oh, and the referrence to her quote "meant to live" is completely far-fetched. She claims to be Christian right? Well, there is a song by Switchfoot called "Meant to Live." Ever think it could be a referrence to that? Besides, she already quoted another song, that you acklowledge earlier in your article.
For the comment above, please respond to
aliheartu3@hotmail.com
My point was not that blogs cause murder. I can't believe anyone thought that. Blogs could be a useful tool in criminal investigations... but thats a whole other article. The only thing the article was commenting on was the recent phenomenon of blogs and online profiles gaining notice after their authors became news. Some of these blogs and profiles became sounding boards for pissed off readers of the news... others became spaces for friends to reflect on their loved one's memory. The point is, these blogs and profiles BECAME a news story in and of themselves, when major news organizations (an authorities) began to get information from them.
My final point, which some have taken issue with, was that parents should be aware of their child's online presence and who their child associates with online. Not because blogs cause trouble... but because they provide a window into their child's life. That could, potentially (though not necessarily) indicate something the parent did not previously know.
I also did not say that kara killed her parents. What article are you guys reading?
Everything you said up until your last comment is valid. However, the sites are created with the specific intent of keeping personal thoughts out of parents' view. Even though these sites are great for teenagers, internet savy people, and just plain bored people, it has become such a big industry that it must be monitored in some way (other than by parents).
Rarely am I so annoyed and angered by a news article that I feel the need to do this, but after reading three pages of completely ignorant ranting, that left me in awe of how stupid someone can be, I decided I need to say this. So I have found your blog, to tell you what I think about your article on myspace. This article was one of the worst I have ever had the displeasure of reading. The fact that you spend your time writing about myspace, instead of writing about real news, such as the war, or the Hussein trial, is surprising. A friend of mine who read the article also said, "blaming myspace for violence is like blaming spoons for Oprah being fat." It doesn't make sense. Connecting the songs to what happened also does not support any of your claims. If I had a myspace, and I put some lines from a song into it, that doesn't mean that those lines represent anything other than good songwriting and the feelings or emotions of the writer. Saying that the boys violence may have been detected earlier is insulting. You can clearly base the fact that he is violent on the murders, but saying that he was violent just because he was a hunter, is a biased opinion and does not give any support to your article. A Myspace is in no way an "apathetic cry for help".
Not only did your article prove to be ridiculous, a horrible read, and show that you are a hipocrite, you yourself having one of these "dangerous" 'blogs', It was poorly written and disappointing considering you are a "reporter".
Jared Prussia
jared_prussia@yahoo.com
You guys need to lighten up on this guy. I would like to see you write an article and have it put on the Msn website. Good luck. If anything you should be congradulating him for his good writing instead of saying what you don't like about it and how stupid you think it is. If you think the article stupid then why bother commenting,Its not like he's going to change anything to fit your wants. Personally I think that he has a great career ahead of him as a writer, I'd like to see your resume say "had and article published on the MSN homepage."
Good Job Adam and keep it up. You have a great future ahead of you.
dude Meant to Live is a song do some research
How about you do some reserch and read back on all of the other comments. Do you have any Idea how many people have said this already?
Obviously, Adam, these people are not reading this article objectively. They are reading with an opinion already formed. You are not saying that online blogs are dangerous, cause people to murder, or do other immorral acts. You are merely pointing out that these blogs offer a window into a person's life and for some people (not all or even a majority) it could reveal some warning signs that could be tragic if not addressed. Also, it makes people aware of blogs that might not have known about them. Many parents don't know about them and this article may help to open their eyes to this phenomenom. My wife is a teacher and knows the Zanga profile names of many of her students b/c they have given them to her. By reading these, she is aware of what is going on with her students and knows how to deal when situations arise in her class with these students. Her access to this makes her more aware and able to effectively reach out to her students positively. Maybe if parents were more aware as well, they would be able to reach out to their children positively as well. I could keep going but I feel I would be as misinterpreted as you have been.
Hey, I just wanted to say I think your a really good writer. That's pretty much it. Keep up the good work! *Thumbs up*
I saw your article at msnbc.com about news in the blogosphere. You might want to look at http://www.xanga.com/yell0wr0me0
(All O's are zeroes there.)
This person died in a car accident over three years ago. His last post, the week of his death, was very poetic and a lot of friends have left touching notes. This all ties in with what you were saying about the blogs sticking around for so long.
Jared,I don't think Adam was blaming my space for the actions of those two teens.He was merely stating that it is a source of information for parents,teachers or even investigators."Troubled" people whether it be a teen or an adult,may want to reach out for help but for what ever reason can't so what better way than to post it on a blog.Not all teens are so lucky to have a parent they can talk to or a parent that will listen to what they aren't saying.And if you disapprove of a parent that keeps an eye on what their child is doing online,hmm how do I put this so as not to offend you? I feel that if infact that is your opinion then I think your parent "should" be keeping an eye on you!That's a parents job,to keep their child safe,to educate them,to guide them,to be an example!Notice I did not include ( over bearing,snooping etc.Everyone should have some privacy but a childs privacy should be limited!
You go Adam! I loved it!
I have to say, all this feedback is awesome (and overwhelming). I'm glad the article resonated so strongly with people. Thanks to everyone for your support.
Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to put the finishing touches on my Nicole Ritchie holiday display. Why should Paris have the only one?
I bet the guy that decorated this yard has a Leg Lamp in his living room.
Am I the only person commenting on the actual subject of the post??
Cheesy
Hey, congrats on the MSN article. Unfortunately, I don't think this is a very good one at all. I find your style blockey and childish. Also, you seem to imply that if the parents had read these kids blogs than they may have been able to prevent this from happening. Nothing that you mentioned being on either of their sites would lead me to believe that. I think you are a decent writer, but you need some classes bud.
hey there adam...i want to talk to you about your article on MSN ... but I do not know another way to contact you. please email me christina.wells@hotamil.com that would be great thanks.
- christina
if that email doesnt work send it to evilsuperstar03@Hotmail.com
thanks a million!
Adam,
It's says something of the character of criticism when the critics in question don't even take the time to post under the proper entry. Regardless of how it was written, or the details there of, your MSN story was relevant and fresh. I'm doubting I'll get any more of a unique angle from the mainstream media. What certain readers are breathing into your piece really shows the low level of reading comprehension that passes as the norm these days.
Your blog, in its intirety, is delicious. I especially liked your response to the New Yorker article, though I'm still not sure if it tops Christmas with Paris Hilton in your front lawn.
One last thing though. I'm a writer. I've been wanting to do some freelance work, but don't know where to start. If you have any advice, and a couple of minutes, could you drop me a line. My email address is heynedw@email.uc.edu (opponents of my post, please, don't get any ideas.) Thanks man.
-Dave
Obviously, you had jumped to many conclusions while writing your article. That is to be expected from someone as liberal as you are. You don't have to report the real news, just whatever sounds good.
I am also disgusted by your ignorance that hunting pictures should lead someone to the idea that Adam could murder. I live in a community where deer hunting is highly revered. I honestly don't know anyone who does not hunt. I also do not know any murderers. My son will be allowed to be a hunter, if he chooses to do so.
Parents involved in their children's life do not have these problems. A story on building and having communication in a loving relationship would be much more worthwhile. It's amazing that most idiots are given a driving license and that any idiot is allowed to have a kid.
Mostly, I am disgusted with MSN for allowing such an opinion article in a format that they call news. I have let them know how I feel as well.
May your bubble provide you bliss.
I read your article “When murder hits the blogosphere”? I felt very sad for these young people if they have infact committed murder.... for the gay boy.....for the two girls who OD'd and for the last young woman who was murdered. There is a really good site in Oz that is educational and where young people can reach out to others anonymously if the need to:- http://www.reachout.com.au/home.asp
Do you have anything like this in the US?
Reaching out aside, I have to say that your story reminds me of the so called "war on terror" where politicians find 'some' relevant evidence, then read into it BIG TIME, see it as a tool for feeding 'fear' among the people and then set about creating a major myth around it......
One needs to tread carefully ...
Respect :D
I agree with most of the commenters, esp the ones who commented first.
Besides, what is the point of mentioning the teen gutting the deer? Do not all hunters gut their prey? Are you implying the hunters find it easy to become human being exterminators?
Please be reminded that illegal firearms ammount to much more than legally purchased ones (like those used for hunting) and are far more used for such crimes.
I had to blog about your article too ........... http://caoimhin.blogspot.com/2005/12/on-profiles-and-murders.html
Hi, I read your article "When Murder Hits the Blogosphere" and you ended it with Kara's heading "Meant to Live." That is a song by Switchfoot, which I realized someone else has already noted on your comments.
I want to say that I think you did a good job of describing how integral the blog life has become in the social lives of people worldwide. I do not know if I agree with the premise that blogs can necessarily be useful in criminal investigations though. Now I think they can be helpful to the extent that someone says "I am going to hurt so and so today" and then one will know that a crime was planned. However, when reading through someone's diary, for instance, anything that is in there may seem like a reference to a recent murder or crime but may not actually be. Hindsight only seems 20/20 because sometimes people make connections where there are none. So I believe it is really too uncertain a place to draw evidence from if that makes sense. I don't know if you agree with that?
I do agree that it is a topic for a whole other article though! Maybe you can explore the pros and cons of using online diaries/journals/blogs in criminal investigations in one of your next articles! You can send me an email at xm2102@barnard.edu to let me know what you think.
interesting blog!
heyo, I think your articles are fucking great. Real hard work was put into them and you're doing a good job to make them really interesting. The news has already been made, its all of our jobs to put whatever spin on them we want. thats what makes America, and even the Internet great. The fact that everyone can attack you online is also pretty great. by the way that fucking retard that he had a bomb, deserved to get his fucking head blown off, i don't even care if it was mentally challenged. I guess the challenge go the better of him. Keep writing, people will keep reading and someone will always have something to say. Those who at least comment, I salute you.
THC
Hello folks!?!
For the ones who think that it isn't a good idea to check up on what you kids ~ KIDS ~ are doing on the internet. Hello?? If my mom hadn't checked up on mine...and mind you I am 23....she wouldn't know about half the shit going on in my life. And some bad shit too. Kids are writing things that could be dangerous. As a teen, not all of them are thinking rainbows and butterflies. Some have really dark thoughts. Of course, some of that is just teenage angst, but others could be more serious.
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