Internet Site Term Paper

censorship of the Internet, especially of pornographic materials, is a topic that can be easily resolved is being naive. This is a complicated issue with enough gray areas to be thoroughly debated and to demand that comprehensive information from both sides be studied. Freedom of speech has always been a thorny subject, and it becomes no easier when considering the Internet that can be accessed by individuals of all ages and backgrounds from around the world.

Most of the websites dealing with this topic are slanted in one way or another based on the political, religious or moral stance of the URL's authors. It is refreshing, then, when a writer takes a stab at equally presenting arguments for and against online pornographic censorship. The website "Pornography and the Internet in the United States" (http://www.slais.ubc.ca/courses/libr500/fall1999/www_presentations/c_hogg/print.htm) was written by Charles Hogg as part of an assignment for Library Studies 500: Foundations of Information Technology. It provides a definition of pornography and obscene sex, arguments pro and con on the censorship of Internet pornography and a legal history of pornography suppression in the United States. Based on suggestions regarding how websites are to be reviewed to determine their value, this URL should get high marks in terms of its accuracy and thoroughness, non-biased approach, degree of information contained and ease of use. It does fall short, however, in its currency, suggestions for follow-up actions, links and specific examples.

Accuracy ranks as the most important factor when evaluating a website, according to many materials written on this subject. The Good, the Bad, The Ugly, a book on website comparison, stresses that visitors should seriously question the reliability of a URL and its author/sponsor. "How to Evaluate a Website," an online location by the University at Albany -- SUNY (http://www.ubwenge.org/PiasToys/evaluateoutside.html), warns "not to take information at face value" and to "look for point-of-view and evidence of bias." Hogg's site "Pornography and the Internet" presents an objective historical foundation and balanced information on both the reasons to and not to censor online pornography. Although much of the material is written at a more sophisticated level than the education of the average Internet reader, the site offers a very good overview of the legal aspects of the issue, as well as pro and con views based on John Stuart Mill's (1806-1873) harm theory. This argued that the state can justify interference with the conduct of individual citizens only when it is clear that doing so will prevent a greater harm to others. Hogg's URL relies on this more impartial theory, rather than look at the beliefs of those who are more emotionally involved with this issue due to their moral or political bent. After reading his coverage of the topic, one has a good base on which to build.

This site also receives high grades on other checklist items noted on the Internet review website by ERIC Digests (www.ericfacility.net/ericdigests/ed430564.html) in terms of how the information is presented clearly, "arranged in an orderly fashion," "easily followed from an introductory index," "a clear tie among purpose," and all…