As someone with an MBA who lived out in the mountains for 16 years without a computer, I may have an interesting perspective on things. It's amazing how much research can be done quickly, when compared with walking into a huge library and trying to find anything. On the other hand, it's difficult to find info on various subjects. It seems people need early instruction on certain issues inorder to minimize negative web content.
People are essentially programming info systems through online behaviors, shopping patterns, social networking, systems maintenance, etc. Negative input needs to be minimized inorder to stop feeding a negative undermining. In programming, one thing may cause a program to not function. Fraudulant and unethical activity needs to be kept to a minimum, as it doesn't take much resources to do a lot of damage.
Consumers need to be focused with online behaviors. It's difficult to find accurate reviews and info on things such as social network/bookmarking site security and quality, software quality/security and uses of personal info. Ratings and reviews seem oftentimes biased or manipulated. Forums offer some info, but much of this is back and forth. With software, a couple of major issues stand out. Some open source and freeware programs may not be as secure because these programs don't have the financial backing to enforce security measures. Some of the larger companies are pursued under anti-trust. It takes capital to produce and support quality products, and prevent dangerous piracy.
With social networks, a secure Facebook page may be a lot different than some lesser know bookmark site. People are posting pictures and personal info, and providing the site owners with details. This could end up anywhere. Info is worth money. A general lack of focus and quality reviews are issues. Search results are part of the problem. Security and privacy should be a factor in page ranks.
Push-pull marketing techniques could use more notice from end users. Quality ads with a long term brand building focus are minimal. Most ads are designed with short term goals. Consumers shouldn't be shopping through flashy, click through ads. People need to know how to invest a little time in research inorder to find pertinent results. Through better search techniques, shopping patterns, etc. quality info will be presented over less relevant data. The material being presented is ordered in accordance with demand. People can influence the order and quality of info being presented through behaviors.
I've looked at SEO discussions and recomendations. It's hard to find info here, also. If they know what they're doing, they're probably working for companies and not consulting. Search results should be influenced through content quality and demand, and not an elusive set of techniques that no one agrees on.
I have a new site www101.org I'm developing with these issues in mind. This is real basic until I have the resources to build a more modern and thorough website. Please feel free to copy or print this article/discussion out for distribution to students/teachers.
Chris Harris
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