For some it’s a non-issue.
For those who spend most of their time in the blogosphere, on cell phones and social networking sites, it would be huge.
We’re discussing what happened in Egypt – how the internet was “killed”. How cell phone companies were ordered to shut down service. 
Within a very short period, many were silenced.
Temporarily.
Today’s Lesson
Egypt isn’t the only country which has tampered with internet usage. Other countries regularly ban sites from internet users, sometimes erase derogatory comments about “the powers that be” and even go as far as shutting down sites.
In most parts of the world we have freedom of speech, however, if an emergency were to arise, what happened in Egypt could happen anywhere.
I don’t know about you, but I rely on the internet for a lot.
I take it for granted that the internet will always be there.
For my blogs I use a plugin for automatic backups and the information is sent to my email address. Sometimes I save the file to my hard drive, sometimes I don’t.
I have my favorite blogs I visit. I don’t know the URL for each one, but my (online) RSS feed does.
I have other sites which help me in other aspects of my life. I rely on my (online) Bookmarks to record them.
I can recall a few email addresses, but isn’t that what an online email address book is for?
My social networking sites keep a list of my friends and followers so I feel no need to memorize their user names.
Some of my passwords are written down, but some are “remembered” (online) from previous visits.
When I think about it, if the internet was “killed”, I’d be scrambling.
I might even panic.
But, it’s my fault.
I’ve put too much trust into an inanimate object which could be taken away in the blink of an eye.
How about you?
Today’s Assignment
If someone pulled the “kill switch” on the internet, how would you react?
How much of your reference or backup material would be lost?
Or have you planned ahead?
Care to share?
References used to prepare this post:
- Egypt Cuts Off Most Internet and Cell Service
Egypt Leaders Found ‘Off’ Switch for Internet
Obama Can Shut Down Internet For Four Months Under New Emergency Powers
“Internet ‘kill switch’ bill will return”
Decentralizing the Internet So Big Brother Can’t Find You
Freedom Box Foundation
Wikipedia – Internet Censorship
Wikipedia – Electronic Police State
Wikipedia – Computer Surveillance
In the United States for example, under the Communications Assistance For Law Enforcement Act, all phone calls and broadband internet traffic (emails, web traffic, instant messaging, etc.) are required to be available for unimpeded real-time monitoring by Federal law enforcement agencies.[2][3][4]
Hi. I'm Barbara Swafford and I'd like to welcome you to Blogging Without A Blog. Grab a seat, share your thoughts and join in the conversation. 
Facebook and Twitter are about communicating and people want to be heard.
Today’s Lesson
Blogging is the same.
Many bloggers will admit their real life friends don’t understand blogging, nor do they have an interest in what we’re blogging about.
Real life friends may think blogging is silly, a passing fad or even a waste of time.
But bloggers know, with having a blog, comes an audience whom we believe are interested in what we publish.
Via comments they validate us or expand on the topic and carry the discussion further.
It feels good to know we’re being heard.
In real life, where others seem to be consumed with their own lives, we may not get that. Hence, our blog becomes our voice.
It’s no wonder when our real life friends do read our blogs or the comments we’ve left elsewhere, they’ll often say, “I didn’t know that about you.”
Today’s Assignment
If a friend or family member read your blog or a comment you left on another site, would they be surprised and find out more about you and your interests?
Care to share?