Folks,
On a regular basis there will be a link telling you of an online poll or a comment section we should "go and hit".
Or you go to a web site with LOTS of very loud and nasty comments
Activism like this is fast and easy but to have some effectiveness needs to follow some basic steps if you want your vote and voice to be counted.
Rule
NEVER go directly from THR to another other site by clicking the link then voting
Reason
When you enter a web site the web server logs capture all sorts of information about you including where you have just come from. If 50% of all poll results come from THR, the frequent response will be "Damn gun nuts"
Work around
Where there is a link, right click with your mouse and copy the link. Open a clean window or tab to another site, say the ACLU or Brady, paste the link in the browser address bar and hit enter.
Rule
Multiple voting can work against you
Reason
I know certain politicians like the "Vote Early - Vote Often" option but in the Internet world you will probably be caught.
Many times when you enter or perform an action on a website you will get a small text file called a cookie dropped into your computer. This is used to remember preferences etc and can also used to ensure your identity for things like voting. So the web site owner can and frequently will discount multiple votes. Not saying don't do it but be aware
Work around
With Internet Explorer you can only delete ALL cookies which is more trouble than it's worth. If you have another type of browser such as Firefox you can delete individual cookies then you re-enter and re-vote.
Rule
Keep it high road when you post
Reason
Yes we're all passionate about our rights and beliefs. Guess what so are other people about theirs.
Work around
Nothing turns people off faster then ranting, swearing and gibberish.
Basic rule of thumb should be "Would I be happy if my parents read this without knowing its me?"
Never swear, keep your comments to the matter in hand, keep CAPITALIZATION to a minimum, check your grammar and spelling, don't use slang, be polite.
Not rising to the bait earns greater respect for your position.
Finally remember, the Internet never dies, anything you post will be archived, indexed, search engined and backed up. Don't put down something you would be unhappy with in a couple of years time.
Email and posting/blogging is frequently the electronic version of Tourette's syndrome, engage mouth then brain.....
Be careful out there......
On a regular basis there will be a link telling you of an online poll or a comment section we should "go and hit".
Or you go to a web site with LOTS of very loud and nasty comments
Activism like this is fast and easy but to have some effectiveness needs to follow some basic steps if you want your vote and voice to be counted.
Rule
NEVER go directly from THR to another other site by clicking the link then voting
Reason
When you enter a web site the web server logs capture all sorts of information about you including where you have just come from. If 50% of all poll results come from THR, the frequent response will be "Damn gun nuts"
Work around
Where there is a link, right click with your mouse and copy the link. Open a clean window or tab to another site, say the ACLU or Brady, paste the link in the browser address bar and hit enter.
Rule
Multiple voting can work against you
Reason
I know certain politicians like the "Vote Early - Vote Often" option but in the Internet world you will probably be caught.
Many times when you enter or perform an action on a website you will get a small text file called a cookie dropped into your computer. This is used to remember preferences etc and can also used to ensure your identity for things like voting. So the web site owner can and frequently will discount multiple votes. Not saying don't do it but be aware
Work around
With Internet Explorer you can only delete ALL cookies which is more trouble than it's worth. If you have another type of browser such as Firefox you can delete individual cookies then you re-enter and re-vote.
Rule
Keep it high road when you post
Reason
Yes we're all passionate about our rights and beliefs. Guess what so are other people about theirs.
Work around
Nothing turns people off faster then ranting, swearing and gibberish.
Basic rule of thumb should be "Would I be happy if my parents read this without knowing its me?"
Never swear, keep your comments to the matter in hand, keep CAPITALIZATION to a minimum, check your grammar and spelling, don't use slang, be polite.
Not rising to the bait earns greater respect for your position.
Finally remember, the Internet never dies, anything you post will be archived, indexed, search engined and backed up. Don't put down something you would be unhappy with in a couple of years time.
Email and posting/blogging is frequently the electronic version of Tourette's syndrome, engage mouth then brain.....
Be careful out there......