So you have the ideas whirring in your head, and you just cannot wait to put them into words for your next debate. Alas, despite the speech being eloquence personified, the ‘wow’ factor is missing, right? What you need is a little twist, perhaps, that will jolt the audience wide awake and hanging on to every word. For that, welcome to Amusing Facts.
Amusing Facts features a number of facts and figures on a wide variety of topics. To be very honest, the facts are not exactly amusing in the hilarious sense of the word. They are just some very strange and not-so-well-known statements about different places and people. Therefore, while they are not guaranteed to make you laugh, the website does claim that they are strange, weird and, well, useless in many ways.
All the information on this website is categorised in a number of sections, so you can directly visit the one which appeals to you. There are facts related to categories as diverse as household products, business, health, science, technology, sports, animals, edibles, art, history and entertainment. There are sub-divisions within the categories as well. For instance, edibles are divided into candy, cereals, coffee, cookies, fruits, ice-cream, pizza, vegetables and water. And, in case you are wondering what kind of facts would make it to the section on ice-cream, here is an example: “Great Britain has the highest consumption of ice cream than any other European nation.”
There are some more interesting sections on this website as well. There is, for example, an entire section dedicated to people who once made headlines and have been long since forgotten. This section traces the current doings of these long-lost-and-forgotten celebrities like Paula Abdul and Richard Marx.
Another amusing collection that this website hosts is that of strange news stories. Collected from various sources, these stories make for a highly incredulous read. Yet another section deals with dumb things people have done and the stories they have to tell.
Much as this website is indeed a collection of facts, stories and reports, whether or not they are as useless as the webmasters claim, is entirely up to what use you put them to. If you are simply using this website to while away your time, then it can actually get boring and a little clichéd after a while. But if you are a student and hunting down some additional information to add some spice to your assignment or a speech/debate, then this website will be invaluable to the nth degree. Of course, as usual, the humour section should be used with extreme caution.
To read up on some of the most amusing and strange facts from around the internet, log on to http://www.amusingfacts.com
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
A Stitch in Time
Just as everything else which have multiplied in variety and improved in quality over the past two decades, personal care products have left no stone unturned either. The mass production of these products may have helped many people, who can now have a wider choice, but it also involves health-related risks, particularly, when it comes to some ingredients used in these products.
Women in general – and now men as well – love to use beauty-enhancing products, but they are hardly aware of what goes into these creams. Perhaps, just a little sneak peak at what makes up these prodaucts will do all of us some good. And this is where the Public’s Right to Know comes in. The website aims to educate by creating widespread awareness about the different types of chemicals used in various personal care products, and which should be cagey in use. It features information based on scientific research conducted on the products; television shows, and the articles that are focused on the issue.
To start with, disregard all the books-related advertisements to the aforementioned subject (since most of them are not available for free), and head straight for the timeline with news items. All the articles are worth a read, since they not only inform, but also raise an alarm about the products that we use daily without giving attention to their chemical compounds. Although some of the brands might not be available in Pakistan, with the increasing number of international brands nowadays, it serves to be up-to-date on which ones are safe and which ones are not.
The main issues that the researchers have covered are cancer-causing toxic chemicals in personal care products, hazards of infants’ exposure to shampoos, lotions and powders etc. Besides giving information and warning about these hazards, the website provides some solutions as well. For instance, you will find some web-links to websites that deal with cancer prevention, and how to make your home and lifestyle safer for you and your family. Of course, there are support groups as well, which suggest ways to make women implement balance in their lives.
You may perhaps feel irritated by that few other websites contradict almost all the information given here. But always ensure the authenticity of that website, along with the source of the research. As a result, you will discover that those opposing websites have been generated by companies that market most of these products.
To get an insight into what your personal care products are really made of, log on to http://www.publicsright2know.com/
Women in general – and now men as well – love to use beauty-enhancing products, but they are hardly aware of what goes into these creams. Perhaps, just a little sneak peak at what makes up these prodaucts will do all of us some good. And this is where the Public’s Right to Know comes in. The website aims to educate by creating widespread awareness about the different types of chemicals used in various personal care products, and which should be cagey in use. It features information based on scientific research conducted on the products; television shows, and the articles that are focused on the issue.
To start with, disregard all the books-related advertisements to the aforementioned subject (since most of them are not available for free), and head straight for the timeline with news items. All the articles are worth a read, since they not only inform, but also raise an alarm about the products that we use daily without giving attention to their chemical compounds. Although some of the brands might not be available in Pakistan, with the increasing number of international brands nowadays, it serves to be up-to-date on which ones are safe and which ones are not.
The main issues that the researchers have covered are cancer-causing toxic chemicals in personal care products, hazards of infants’ exposure to shampoos, lotions and powders etc. Besides giving information and warning about these hazards, the website provides some solutions as well. For instance, you will find some web-links to websites that deal with cancer prevention, and how to make your home and lifestyle safer for you and your family. Of course, there are support groups as well, which suggest ways to make women implement balance in their lives.
You may perhaps feel irritated by that few other websites contradict almost all the information given here. But always ensure the authenticity of that website, along with the source of the research. As a result, you will discover that those opposing websites have been generated by companies that market most of these products.
To get an insight into what your personal care products are really made of, log on to http://www.publicsright2know.com/
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Up for a Read?
Blogging has only became popular in the last few years and branched out into numerous categories. Now, it is entirely possible to have a blog and not post entries pertaining to one’s personal life. There are political blogs, photo blogs and video blogs — and these blogs are more about the views, opinions and preferences of the individual blogger rather than any useless detail about what s/he had for lunch and how many people s/he blasted at work.
One of the many different types of blogs which have evolved over the years includes book blogs. Book blogs are often confused with blooks — so it is imperative to clear the concept first. Blooks are basically books written about blogs. The term also refers to those books which are made out of blog entries written over a specific period of time. In contrast, book blogs is where bloggers who are avid readers and book lovers discuss book reviews, bestseller lists, and comment on different books, author profiles and the likes. Basically, a book blog is all about books.
So why a book blog, you may ask. Well, first and foremost, it is always more helpful to read an up close and personal account of a book rather than an impersonal review in the newspaper or the website. With no particular bindings, bloggers can make their entries as interesting as possible, providing links to other reviews on the web, for instance. And if the blog is local, s/he can even suggest places where a certain book will be available.
Secondly, while most people like to read and are in fact voracious readers, they are reluctant to pen their feedback regarding various literary works. There is also an equal chance that their work may never see the light of the day if sent to publication. Book blogs, then provide a suitable platform for these writers and reviewers and they have the freedom to express themselves in an unrestrained way. Plus, they also have the freedom to give their blog URL to whoever they please if they do not want their blog to be public.
At another level, book blogs — especially where bloggers post news from the publishing industry — are also a great way for the readers to keep in touch with the books that are about to hit the market, book launches and feedback on particular books. Agreed that all this would have been possible even with a conventional website of the publisher, but book blogs have an added advantage of interactivity between the writer/reader and writer/publisher. A reader can express views and opinions on whatever is posted — something which is difficult, if not impossible, on a conventional website.
So what exactly are the possibilities if one sets out to create and maintain a book blog? What type of content would do justice to the title of the blog and, most importantly, what should be the theme of the blog?
To begin with, it is absolutely imperative to decide what you want your book blog to do. Do you want to collect news from the publishing industry? Are you more interested in keeping up with the authors? Or do you want something of everything? Once you have decided the aim of your book blog, the writing of the post and updating the blog at your convenience becomes rather easy. If you do not have a clear sense of direction from the very beginning, chances are that your posts will be highly haphazard and in turn confuse your readers as well.
Book blogs have an advantage that they are highly versatile. There is a lot you can do with them provided you yourself are a little creative and have some knowledge of books and authors alike. At the end of the day, a book blog, if maintained properly, is a treat for all those who are involved.
Book blogs can also be introduced in the classroom or summer reading classes as a way to enhance the reading and learning experience of students. Teachers should encourage students to start their own book blog online, and update it regularly. Books blogs will not only be a very effective way for letting the teacher/instructor know how far a student has progressed in terms of his/her reading abilities, but will also give the student a chance to explore new reading websites and book blogs in order to enhance his/her own blog.
There are many themes for book blogs which teachers can specifically suggest to the students to work on. Some of these themes include:
Books which made me think
Similar to Kate’s book blog (http://www.katesbookblog.blogspot.com/), a student can create a blog which revolves around the books that made him/her think — the posts can comprise details about which book inspired some serious thoughts. This will encourage the student to read more and better books.
Favourite authors
The blog can comprise tidbits from the lives of the student’s favourite authors. If the authors are still around, the blog can contain comments on their interviews, or expectations of their new book.
Blog a book
If a student has a particular preference for one book or a series of books (like Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series, for instance), then s/he should be encouraged to blog about those particular books. The posts can be the student’s thoughts about the different characters, the ending, the between-the-lines connotations, etc. Students can use Blogging Anne of Green Gables (http://www.blogginganneofgreengables.blogspot.com/) as an example.
From books to films
This can be a very interesting theme for a book blog — books which were converted into films. The student can blog about what he/she thought of both, talk about the various differences between the two and ponder over whether or not the film director did justice to the book. Differences between the characters in the book and the way they were depicted in the movie can also be assessed. (However, in this case, the teacher may have to place some emphasis on moving beyond the Harry Potter series of books and films)
Group book blogs
Instead of student making an individual book blog, teachers can help form groups of students to work on one blog. This would ensure a diversity of content, plus make it easier for the teacher to assess the blogs as well.
Tête-à-tête
C. Max Magee is a book blogger from the renowned The Millions blog (http://www.themillionsblog.com/). Sci-Tech World got in touch with him to learn more about book blogging in cyberspace.
What is the scope of book blogs?
I think the scope of book blogs can be as expansive or as limited as the individual interests of its contributors. At The Millions, my interests and the interests of my contributors are fairly broad, encompassing a wide range of literary fiction and non-fiction. We also try to embody the person of what we call a ‘trusted fellow reader’ for the audience, that is, a person with a similar love for reading whose book recommendations the audience trusts.
How do book blogs add a new dimension to blogging in general?
I don't know that book blogging is all that different from the sort of ‘enthusiast’ blogging that has sprung up around film, music, and the arts, but what this sort of blogging does is create a space for many geographically remote people who share similar interests to congregate and discuss.
What are the different ways in which students particularly can make use of book blogs?
I think for a student interested in writing and reading, starting a blog is a great idea, especially if s/he intends to pursue writing about books — or just writing in general — as a career. The great thing about blogging is that it gives you an instant audience, even though initially that audience is quite small. You get to practice writing for the public, and then with time, if you do it well, people discover you and you can make a name for yourself and even parlay it into other writing opportunities.
What has been your personal experience blogging about books?
Blogging has been a great experience for me. I've met a lot of interesting people. I continue to be surprised by the blog every day. I think one of the most exciting things for The Millions was becoming a part of the greater community of bloggers and readers that discusses books online. It's been amazing to see the development of an unplanned and vibrant venue for literary discourse. It indicates to me that the world of books and readers is quite healthy. —H.A.
One of the many different types of blogs which have evolved over the years includes book blogs. Book blogs are often confused with blooks — so it is imperative to clear the concept first. Blooks are basically books written about blogs. The term also refers to those books which are made out of blog entries written over a specific period of time. In contrast, book blogs is where bloggers who are avid readers and book lovers discuss book reviews, bestseller lists, and comment on different books, author profiles and the likes. Basically, a book blog is all about books.
So why a book blog, you may ask. Well, first and foremost, it is always more helpful to read an up close and personal account of a book rather than an impersonal review in the newspaper or the website. With no particular bindings, bloggers can make their entries as interesting as possible, providing links to other reviews on the web, for instance. And if the blog is local, s/he can even suggest places where a certain book will be available.
Secondly, while most people like to read and are in fact voracious readers, they are reluctant to pen their feedback regarding various literary works. There is also an equal chance that their work may never see the light of the day if sent to publication. Book blogs, then provide a suitable platform for these writers and reviewers and they have the freedom to express themselves in an unrestrained way. Plus, they also have the freedom to give their blog URL to whoever they please if they do not want their blog to be public.
At another level, book blogs — especially where bloggers post news from the publishing industry — are also a great way for the readers to keep in touch with the books that are about to hit the market, book launches and feedback on particular books. Agreed that all this would have been possible even with a conventional website of the publisher, but book blogs have an added advantage of interactivity between the writer/reader and writer/publisher. A reader can express views and opinions on whatever is posted — something which is difficult, if not impossible, on a conventional website.
So what exactly are the possibilities if one sets out to create and maintain a book blog? What type of content would do justice to the title of the blog and, most importantly, what should be the theme of the blog?
To begin with, it is absolutely imperative to decide what you want your book blog to do. Do you want to collect news from the publishing industry? Are you more interested in keeping up with the authors? Or do you want something of everything? Once you have decided the aim of your book blog, the writing of the post and updating the blog at your convenience becomes rather easy. If you do not have a clear sense of direction from the very beginning, chances are that your posts will be highly haphazard and in turn confuse your readers as well.
Book blogs have an advantage that they are highly versatile. There is a lot you can do with them provided you yourself are a little creative and have some knowledge of books and authors alike. At the end of the day, a book blog, if maintained properly, is a treat for all those who are involved.
Book blogs can also be introduced in the classroom or summer reading classes as a way to enhance the reading and learning experience of students. Teachers should encourage students to start their own book blog online, and update it regularly. Books blogs will not only be a very effective way for letting the teacher/instructor know how far a student has progressed in terms of his/her reading abilities, but will also give the student a chance to explore new reading websites and book blogs in order to enhance his/her own blog.
There are many themes for book blogs which teachers can specifically suggest to the students to work on. Some of these themes include:
Books which made me think
Similar to Kate’s book blog (http://www.katesbookblog.blogspot.com/), a student can create a blog which revolves around the books that made him/her think — the posts can comprise details about which book inspired some serious thoughts. This will encourage the student to read more and better books.
Favourite authors
The blog can comprise tidbits from the lives of the student’s favourite authors. If the authors are still around, the blog can contain comments on their interviews, or expectations of their new book.
Blog a book
If a student has a particular preference for one book or a series of books (like Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series, for instance), then s/he should be encouraged to blog about those particular books. The posts can be the student’s thoughts about the different characters, the ending, the between-the-lines connotations, etc. Students can use Blogging Anne of Green Gables (http://www.blogginganneofgreengables.blogspot.com/) as an example.
From books to films
This can be a very interesting theme for a book blog — books which were converted into films. The student can blog about what he/she thought of both, talk about the various differences between the two and ponder over whether or not the film director did justice to the book. Differences between the characters in the book and the way they were depicted in the movie can also be assessed. (However, in this case, the teacher may have to place some emphasis on moving beyond the Harry Potter series of books and films)
Group book blogs
Instead of student making an individual book blog, teachers can help form groups of students to work on one blog. This would ensure a diversity of content, plus make it easier for the teacher to assess the blogs as well.
Tête-à-tête
C. Max Magee is a book blogger from the renowned The Millions blog (http://www.themillionsblog.com/). Sci-Tech World got in touch with him to learn more about book blogging in cyberspace.
What is the scope of book blogs?
I think the scope of book blogs can be as expansive or as limited as the individual interests of its contributors. At The Millions, my interests and the interests of my contributors are fairly broad, encompassing a wide range of literary fiction and non-fiction. We also try to embody the person of what we call a ‘trusted fellow reader’ for the audience, that is, a person with a similar love for reading whose book recommendations the audience trusts.
How do book blogs add a new dimension to blogging in general?
I don't know that book blogging is all that different from the sort of ‘enthusiast’ blogging that has sprung up around film, music, and the arts, but what this sort of blogging does is create a space for many geographically remote people who share similar interests to congregate and discuss.
What are the different ways in which students particularly can make use of book blogs?
I think for a student interested in writing and reading, starting a blog is a great idea, especially if s/he intends to pursue writing about books — or just writing in general — as a career. The great thing about blogging is that it gives you an instant audience, even though initially that audience is quite small. You get to practice writing for the public, and then with time, if you do it well, people discover you and you can make a name for yourself and even parlay it into other writing opportunities.
What has been your personal experience blogging about books?
Blogging has been a great experience for me. I've met a lot of interesting people. I continue to be surprised by the blog every day. I think one of the most exciting things for The Millions was becoming a part of the greater community of bloggers and readers that discusses books online. It's been amazing to see the development of an unplanned and vibrant venue for literary discourse. It indicates to me that the world of books and readers is quite healthy. —H.A.
My Space and Yours
Take a cursory look at your lifestyle in the contemporary world, and it is highly likely that the internet, email, computers, laptops, iPods and the likes will feature very high on your priority list. Stop for a moment, and reflect on how much of yourself you have revealed to the cyber world. Your correspondence, for example, is saved in your email inbox; your profile is up on various social networking websites and your professional information is present on your company’s website. If anyone were to Google you, they would probably be able to compile an entire dossier on you. And just imagine the use s/he could make of the information.
In such a scenario, organisations like Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) play an important role and the official website of the EFF is definitely worth a visit and a good read. This organisation was formed to protect your digital rights in cyberspace including the right to privacy and free speech. Privacy, of course, is one concern most of the netizens face, and hence, this website can provide you with the much-needed information on where privacy has been compromised, and what has been done about it.
Depending on your interest, you can skim through the basic information of EFF in the beginning, browsing its history to find out how it came into being, its aims and objectives, and the people behind it. EFF was the organisation that was subtly criticised in Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress, so just for curiosity’s sake, you may want to learn more about it.
The ‘Our work’ section will give you an in-depth insight into the issues that the EFF deals with. Some of these issues include free speech, intellectual property rights, privacy and innovation. Each of these broad categories are further divided so that under the head of privacy comes the sub-issues of anonymity, cell phone tracking, search engine logs and so on.
Within each section, you will find real-life cases where EFF has stepped in to protect individuals. Apart from reading about the details of these cases, you can also find out how you can prevent yourself from getting into a similar kafuffle.
Then, there is the Deeplinks blog, where you can read news stories from around the internet world pertaining to the use and abuse of information as well as the safeguard and breach of digital rights. The EFF press releases are also available in the Press Room section.
And finally, the ‘Take action’ section motivates you in taking action to protect yourself and your information from spying eyes. Some of the information is specific to the laws in the US, but there is no reason why you cannot read about what is going on to keep yourself aware. There is a special section for bloggers, where they can download the EFF guide on safe blogging, and advice on what to do if confronted with a legal notice on something you have written on your blog.
At the end of the day, it would do well to remember that information in cyberspace is never safe. It is always a good idea to limit that information to yourself. Strictly keep your photographs, contact numbers and similar information away from social networking websites. Try to have in-person meetings if you want to exchange sensitive information, rather than use email or instant messaging. Organisations like EFF can only do so much to safeguard privacy — most of the effort in this regard has to be initiated at an individual level.
To discover the various threats to your privacy in cyberspace, log onto http://www.eff.org
In such a scenario, organisations like Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) play an important role and the official website of the EFF is definitely worth a visit and a good read. This organisation was formed to protect your digital rights in cyberspace including the right to privacy and free speech. Privacy, of course, is one concern most of the netizens face, and hence, this website can provide you with the much-needed information on where privacy has been compromised, and what has been done about it.
Depending on your interest, you can skim through the basic information of EFF in the beginning, browsing its history to find out how it came into being, its aims and objectives, and the people behind it. EFF was the organisation that was subtly criticised in Dan Brown’s Digital Fortress, so just for curiosity’s sake, you may want to learn more about it.
The ‘Our work’ section will give you an in-depth insight into the issues that the EFF deals with. Some of these issues include free speech, intellectual property rights, privacy and innovation. Each of these broad categories are further divided so that under the head of privacy comes the sub-issues of anonymity, cell phone tracking, search engine logs and so on.
Within each section, you will find real-life cases where EFF has stepped in to protect individuals. Apart from reading about the details of these cases, you can also find out how you can prevent yourself from getting into a similar kafuffle.
Then, there is the Deeplinks blog, where you can read news stories from around the internet world pertaining to the use and abuse of information as well as the safeguard and breach of digital rights. The EFF press releases are also available in the Press Room section.
And finally, the ‘Take action’ section motivates you in taking action to protect yourself and your information from spying eyes. Some of the information is specific to the laws in the US, but there is no reason why you cannot read about what is going on to keep yourself aware. There is a special section for bloggers, where they can download the EFF guide on safe blogging, and advice on what to do if confronted with a legal notice on something you have written on your blog.
At the end of the day, it would do well to remember that information in cyberspace is never safe. It is always a good idea to limit that information to yourself. Strictly keep your photographs, contact numbers and similar information away from social networking websites. Try to have in-person meetings if you want to exchange sensitive information, rather than use email or instant messaging. Organisations like EFF can only do so much to safeguard privacy — most of the effort in this regard has to be initiated at an individual level.
To discover the various threats to your privacy in cyberspace, log onto http://www.eff.org
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Helping Hands
They say, it takes all kinds to make this world. Some people, for example, love to try and figure out things for themselves. They prefer the trial-and-error method rather than allow someone else to tell them how to do a certain activity. But then, there are others who just get stumped if not guided properly. And given the large number of such people — including yours truly — it is not surprising to find numerous websites which cater to information on how to accomplish various tasks.
How to do things is a website that gathers extremely detailed and interesting information which can hold your attention for hours at a stretch. As the name suggests, this website focuses on informing people how to complete various tasks in life. This is not a technical website as such, since it has articles as diverse as ‘how to write wedding or thank you cards’ and ‘how to freeze peaches.’ From the homepage, you can probably navigate to one of the many categories to access how-to articles on particular themes. These themes range from careers, computers, relationships, hobbies and holidays to fashion, finance, food, health and travel. There are a number of categories and, needless to say, it is most likely that you will find what you came looking for.
If you are just looking to browse at random, you might want to check out the popular ‘how-to’ articles listed on the homepage. There is also a list of articles that have been recently added to the website. Moreover, if you are interested in reading all the articles written by a particular contributor, you can access the list of top contributors as well.
Probably the most appealing factor of this website is that the how-to articles are written by ordinary people and not professionals or experts. Which means that even you can write a how-to for the benefit of others – based on your experience, of course. All you need to do is register, and then you are ready to go. Check out the guidelines for writers for more details.
Basically, this is a website built on the idea of people helping people. And most of the how-to articles here are not simply for a casual, one-time read. To make the most out of what has been written and suggested here, it would be better if you print the content which is most relevant to you. In this way, you will not only be able to follow the instructions to the letter, but you will also be able to realise what you can add to it to make the experience unique to yourself.
To find out how to do just about everything, log on to http://www.howtodothings.com/
How to do things is a website that gathers extremely detailed and interesting information which can hold your attention for hours at a stretch. As the name suggests, this website focuses on informing people how to complete various tasks in life. This is not a technical website as such, since it has articles as diverse as ‘how to write wedding or thank you cards’ and ‘how to freeze peaches.’ From the homepage, you can probably navigate to one of the many categories to access how-to articles on particular themes. These themes range from careers, computers, relationships, hobbies and holidays to fashion, finance, food, health and travel. There are a number of categories and, needless to say, it is most likely that you will find what you came looking for.
If you are just looking to browse at random, you might want to check out the popular ‘how-to’ articles listed on the homepage. There is also a list of articles that have been recently added to the website. Moreover, if you are interested in reading all the articles written by a particular contributor, you can access the list of top contributors as well.
Probably the most appealing factor of this website is that the how-to articles are written by ordinary people and not professionals or experts. Which means that even you can write a how-to for the benefit of others – based on your experience, of course. All you need to do is register, and then you are ready to go. Check out the guidelines for writers for more details.
Basically, this is a website built on the idea of people helping people. And most of the how-to articles here are not simply for a casual, one-time read. To make the most out of what has been written and suggested here, it would be better if you print the content which is most relevant to you. In this way, you will not only be able to follow the instructions to the letter, but you will also be able to realise what you can add to it to make the experience unique to yourself.
To find out how to do just about everything, log on to http://www.howtodothings.com/
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Mind your Etiquette
Imagine this scenario. You log onto your instant messaging software and see that your friend is online. Oh good, you think. You had something really, really important to discuss with her. But wait a minute – her status on MSN Messenger is reading as “Away.” You sigh and decide to wait for a while, hoping she will be available for chat soon. You start working on something else. A while later you check again, but her MSN status still shows her as Away. You now decide to go offline and give her a call. Just then, she messages you. It turns out she was online all this time, and apparently had not bothered to change her status on MSN Messenger.
What would be your reaction in a situation like this? You would probably be ready to pull your hair out or at least look for the nearest wall to bang your head against. But the fact of the matter is that more and more people are entirely disregarding online etiquette, whether they are using email or instant messengers. Instant messengers are more notorious in this regard, since it is highly likely that most of the people on the list of contacts are friends and with whom most of the people do not really feel compelled to follow any etiquette as such.
But, is this the right attitude? Most people would tell me to loosen up – after all, what does it matter if the status on your instant messenger shows you as Away or Be right back when you are actually at your desk? Who cares if you have a busy status on when you are not really doing anything which can even remotely be classified as busy? Well, the news flash is, just as one follows some form of etiquette with friends and family members in real life, the same can, and should be applied during online interaction as well. Following etiquettes indicate one’s considerations for others – something which never goes unnoticed.
So what are the basics that one needs to bear in mind while using any form of instant messengers? First of all, if you have some hectic and serious work to do online, then simply stay away from instant messengers in the first place. If you would like to sign in anyway, then do so in the ‘Appear offline’ or ‘Invisible’ mode. Signing in while you have work and then not replying if someone messages you (on the pretext of being busy) can be very annoying to one has messaged you. The best thing would be to finish your hectic/urgent work first and then sign into your instant messaging software.Also, make sure that you do not have your Windows Messenger running in the background. In many computers, Windows Messenger loads automatically when the computer is started and does not show any icon in the task bar to alert to. You may think you have not logged in while your list of contacts sees you as online and sometimes, Away. So ensure that if you want to work on the internet without signing into your instant messenger, simply check for and sign out of Windows Messenger first.
Yet another very annoying habits that internet users have developed is replying late to a message. Replying later than five minutes can happen for any reason – the main consideration here is to let the person on the other end know that you will reply late and give a reason. It could be that you are playing a timed game and hence replying late. Let the other person know that since to keep people waiting is against the norms of etiquette, whether online or offline.
Another important rule is to keep the correct status – and respect it. If you are not away, change your status to Online. If you have to rush off somewhere while you are chatting, quickly set your status to Be right back. If you are busy talking to one person, and do not want to be disturbed, then set your status to Busy. Yes, all this should be second nature to most of us, but it is unfortunate that very few actually choose to follow it.
Respect for other people’s IM status basically means that if a friend has a set a busy status, then you do not message that person unnecessarily. The problem with many people is that they perceive the busy status to be for ‘others’ and not themselves. Or sometimes, people think that their close friend(s) can never be busy for them. Regardless of sentimentality, sometimes people can be and are busy, so if you see status their online status as Busy, respect that.
At the end of the day, remember that these are not hard and fast rules as such – the ones given in the preceding paragraphs are merely something I have noticed from my online interaction. Perhaps, once you start giving this topic some serious thought, you will discover some more breaches of etiquettes and this would give you your own list of rules to abide by – thus avoiding making the same error. Online etiquette is not about being uptight and following rules – it is about having the right attitude which reflects that you are concerned about others and not just yourself.
What would be your reaction in a situation like this? You would probably be ready to pull your hair out or at least look for the nearest wall to bang your head against. But the fact of the matter is that more and more people are entirely disregarding online etiquette, whether they are using email or instant messengers. Instant messengers are more notorious in this regard, since it is highly likely that most of the people on the list of contacts are friends and with whom most of the people do not really feel compelled to follow any etiquette as such.
But, is this the right attitude? Most people would tell me to loosen up – after all, what does it matter if the status on your instant messenger shows you as Away or Be right back when you are actually at your desk? Who cares if you have a busy status on when you are not really doing anything which can even remotely be classified as busy? Well, the news flash is, just as one follows some form of etiquette with friends and family members in real life, the same can, and should be applied during online interaction as well. Following etiquettes indicate one’s considerations for others – something which never goes unnoticed.
So what are the basics that one needs to bear in mind while using any form of instant messengers? First of all, if you have some hectic and serious work to do online, then simply stay away from instant messengers in the first place. If you would like to sign in anyway, then do so in the ‘Appear offline’ or ‘Invisible’ mode. Signing in while you have work and then not replying if someone messages you (on the pretext of being busy) can be very annoying to one has messaged you. The best thing would be to finish your hectic/urgent work first and then sign into your instant messaging software.Also, make sure that you do not have your Windows Messenger running in the background. In many computers, Windows Messenger loads automatically when the computer is started and does not show any icon in the task bar to alert to. You may think you have not logged in while your list of contacts sees you as online and sometimes, Away. So ensure that if you want to work on the internet without signing into your instant messenger, simply check for and sign out of Windows Messenger first.
Yet another very annoying habits that internet users have developed is replying late to a message. Replying later than five minutes can happen for any reason – the main consideration here is to let the person on the other end know that you will reply late and give a reason. It could be that you are playing a timed game and hence replying late. Let the other person know that since to keep people waiting is against the norms of etiquette, whether online or offline.
Another important rule is to keep the correct status – and respect it. If you are not away, change your status to Online. If you have to rush off somewhere while you are chatting, quickly set your status to Be right back. If you are busy talking to one person, and do not want to be disturbed, then set your status to Busy. Yes, all this should be second nature to most of us, but it is unfortunate that very few actually choose to follow it.
Respect for other people’s IM status basically means that if a friend has a set a busy status, then you do not message that person unnecessarily. The problem with many people is that they perceive the busy status to be for ‘others’ and not themselves. Or sometimes, people think that their close friend(s) can never be busy for them. Regardless of sentimentality, sometimes people can be and are busy, so if you see status their online status as Busy, respect that.
At the end of the day, remember that these are not hard and fast rules as such – the ones given in the preceding paragraphs are merely something I have noticed from my online interaction. Perhaps, once you start giving this topic some serious thought, you will discover some more breaches of etiquettes and this would give you your own list of rules to abide by – thus avoiding making the same error. Online etiquette is not about being uptight and following rules – it is about having the right attitude which reflects that you are concerned about others and not just yourself.
Smile and Win
So, you have had to give up on yummy sweet snacks and chocolates to save your teeth. You are not alone. Dental troubles are quite common, and we often see the sad victims of toothache running to the nearest shop to buy toothpastes that promise to free them from the pain. For some, this may bring temporary relief, and to some, not even that. Perhaps a little information and precautionary measures may result in fewer trips to the dentist. For this, log on to Simple steps to better dental health — this website should help you in maintaining healthy gums and teeth effectively.
The online solution towards better dental health does not come with a toothpaste advertisement. However, it does mention that all information present has been taken and apparently validated from the College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University.
This website apparently believes in the age-old axiom that prevention is much better than cure. And so, the very first section in this website is labelled ‘Prevent Problems.’ You can go through the information given to find out what is the best dental care in order to avoid frequent visit to the dentist and the resultant painful treatment. There are a number of tips related to flossing your teeth, using fluoride toothpaste, and going to the dentist to get your teeth checked so that the problems can be detected and treated as early as possible.
The next section lists some of the major symptoms. These are only some of the very many which can go wrong with your teeth, so it is best to be aware of them. Every condition has been explained in detail along with what it exactly is, main symptoms, tips to prevent it and of course, the treatment you should seek. Some of the conditions listed are bad breath, cavities, dry mouth and tooth discoloration.
A separate section deals with the treatment which dentists routinely carry out on your teeth. Every treatment is an experience in itself, so you might want to know what is going on. The major treatments described here in detail include crowns, dentures, fillings, gum surgery and root canal.
Apart from these three basic sections, there is an entire guide available for parents, detailing how they should ensure the dental health of their infants as well as teenagers. The question of what effect baby pacifiers can have on the mouth of the infant, along with which toothpaste is the best to use, has been answered in detail.
At the end of the day, it is all about taking the right precautions at every age and every stage of one’s life to ensure healthy teeth. After all, no one wants to land up early with dentures. But even if dentures are only a distinct possibility, treatment at dentists is painful as it is.
To access help on maintaining your teeth, log onto http://www.simplestepsdental.com
The online solution towards better dental health does not come with a toothpaste advertisement. However, it does mention that all information present has been taken and apparently validated from the College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University.
This website apparently believes in the age-old axiom that prevention is much better than cure. And so, the very first section in this website is labelled ‘Prevent Problems.’ You can go through the information given to find out what is the best dental care in order to avoid frequent visit to the dentist and the resultant painful treatment. There are a number of tips related to flossing your teeth, using fluoride toothpaste, and going to the dentist to get your teeth checked so that the problems can be detected and treated as early as possible.
The next section lists some of the major symptoms. These are only some of the very many which can go wrong with your teeth, so it is best to be aware of them. Every condition has been explained in detail along with what it exactly is, main symptoms, tips to prevent it and of course, the treatment you should seek. Some of the conditions listed are bad breath, cavities, dry mouth and tooth discoloration.
A separate section deals with the treatment which dentists routinely carry out on your teeth. Every treatment is an experience in itself, so you might want to know what is going on. The major treatments described here in detail include crowns, dentures, fillings, gum surgery and root canal.
Apart from these three basic sections, there is an entire guide available for parents, detailing how they should ensure the dental health of their infants as well as teenagers. The question of what effect baby pacifiers can have on the mouth of the infant, along with which toothpaste is the best to use, has been answered in detail.
At the end of the day, it is all about taking the right precautions at every age and every stage of one’s life to ensure healthy teeth. After all, no one wants to land up early with dentures. But even if dentures are only a distinct possibility, treatment at dentists is painful as it is.
To access help on maintaining your teeth, log onto http://www.simplestepsdental.com
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