Chit Chat Bang Bang

Hello again, 'tis been a long time since my last post (1 whole week!) but I have been struggling to understand the content discussed in the week 10 reading. The content that is subsequently the topic of this blog.

Protocol is a sticky subject to discuss. At large, "protocol is a type of controlling logic that operates outside institutional, governmental and corporate power" (Galloway, 2004, 132).

In the lecture, John Banks discussed negotiated social protocols (Netiquette) that he defined as "acceptable ways of behaving online." Undeniably, rules and regulations must be enforced in chatrooms, otherwise all kinds of behaviour would occur. Cybersex, offensive language, chatrooms would be flooded and virus' would be easily sent to unsuspecting individuals.

However, you can't regulate communication too much. Having too many rules restricts free expression and debate. So yes, if you are angry at someone you should be able to use CAPS. One annoying experience I encountered when participating in my chosen online community FanForum was that when the conversation thread became too controversial, it was deleted. It wasn't fair! The topic of the thread was gay marriage rights so it was inevitable that conversation would lead to the Catholic Church. As soon as members started to post arguments that the teachings of the church were outdated regarding homosexual couples, the thread was deleted because it was offensive. Well if what is true is offensive then I'm concerned about these rules we are being forced to follow online.

It's worrying enough that just anyone can submit an internet standard, where international bodies decide on what gets established. I'm hoping the people on the selection teams are tough enough on what gets passed and what doesn't.

At first I was against international regulating bodies, but now I'm sitting on the fence as not every website is controlled by international regulations. And I think it should stay that way. For example, the ACMA deals with internet content on Australian based websites (as John spoke briefly of). I just think these international bodies should have responsibility, but no power. Just like the UN's job ... you know what I mean? Responsibility to set standards, but websites can choose whether or not to follow them.