Well, I don't know what you mean by "in MySpace," but as I understand it, there are always multiple channels of communication on social networking sites. For instance, while one might post to someone's wall, which is in full view of all those who have "friended" the owner of the wall (if the page is set to display only to such friends, which constitutes an intriguing variable), there is also the option of a "private message" or PM. This is very much a note in an envelope, sent via the postal service. We as researchers will never have access to this in "published" form. I am in complete agreement with Jeremy's response to Ed's very meticulous presentation of UoI IRB standards: blogs are published. End of story. Marj's distinction between textual analysis and ethnography is indeed very interesting, and I believe that in this particular case her argument holds, but in general I am reticent to distinguish too much between the two categories of research. At least, that's how I work. Conor alex@islands.vi wrote:

I wonder if the argument is missing the point. Much of what used to be private is now out in public view. Love letters in envelopes are hidden. Love letters in MySpace are public. Are we entitled to the same rules of privacy as were relevant in the stamp and envelope era when we are using open media?

Will the laws regarding privacy be subject to revision in the near future.

RIAA is filing lawsuits against kids who copy music. Will this change the kids or change the laws??

Alex Randall Prof of Comm Univ of the Virgin islands. _______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org

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