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© Copyright 2003, Charlene
Bruhl, all rights reserved
Note: Some pages on this site are still under construction
and will be updated as soon as possible. To report problems or errors on this
website, email Miss Charlene's webmaster
Mike Starr.
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| Note |
Some links on this
website may be "affiliate" links to commercial enterprises. If you purchase items from that specific
website, the small amount of revenue earned helps maintain this website. |
This section is devoted to the Internet
beginner. As a Social Worker, I had not learned how to use a
computer, let alone how to search the Internet. Much of what I
have learned has been through trial and error. However, there is
good news for you!! There are now multiple web sites which
explain how to find information and how to evaluate the quality
of the information posted.
When using the Internet, it is most important
to remember:
ANY ONE CAN PUT INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET ! !
! !
There is no screening or editing process to determine what
gets posted or who can post information. This is both a blessing and a curse!
The blessing is the opportunity to find many diverse opinions, sometimes listed
together on the same web site. The curse is the fact that there is no sure way
to verify the "correctness" of the information listed. This is a situation which
requires simple common sense. When looking at a site, you should raise the same
questions as you would in conversation or when reading printed materials. Ask
yourself:
- Who is the author of this information?
- Does the identified author appear to be a
person who should know about the subject matter?
- Is the purpose of the site to provide
information, or is it to sell merchandise or an idea?
- Is the bias or perspective of the site
easily identified, or is it hidden in confusing language?
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Is the information free or is something
expected from you? (Beware, instead of asking for money,
some sites want you to "register" as a means to
obtain personal information about you for statistical
purposes or future solicitations. I am not opposed to
registering, just need to warn you to be careful.)
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Note |
During the registration process, many websites will give
you the option of receiving email from the website or from "partners"...
in some cases, that means they mean that they're going to be sending you
"spam" (unsolicited commercial email) or transferring/selling the
information they've collected about you to another company. Read the small
print carefully and make sure you understand the permissions you may be
granting them. If in doubt, just say no. |
- What type of sponsors are associated with
the site? (ex. government, university, foundation,
commercial business, personal web page, advocacy group)
- Does the site have annoying "pop-up" ads or route you to
another site that is not what you thought it was going to be. (ex. There is
a lot of good information located on the
About.com web site, sexuality section,
however the articles are very short and you are
confronted by multiple "pop-up" ads and
advertising. I have chosen not to list any of their
information for these reasons.)
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