I hope that when
Larry returns, and reads the above replies, he understands that the
spirit in which they are given is positive...
Maybe another try at explaining the 'system' of
Gnutella...
When you use the Gnutella Network for the interchange... sharing... of files, you are NOT connected or 'working' with any one specific
server or other so-called 'central base'... OK ?
The Gnutella Network is a system devised, improved and maintained by very clever people... (all for free... It's a hobby.... A BIG GLOBAL hobby, OK ?)
There is NO BOSS.
There is no 'Corporate Structure' possibly benefiting from this wonderful and amazing Gnutella Network... Gnutella is 'us'...
There are, unfortunately, some individuals who are committed to corrupting innocent users... 'innocent users' ? (That's another separate subject, as one must address the 'innocense' of those users who are benefiting from potential acts of copyright infringement.... (Halo now lowered slightly, hmm?)
There are some 'Tips & Tricks' that can be learned to avoid downloading much of the garbage out there (Not only via the Gnutella Network but Internet activities in general) and there are many very nice and deeply responsible parents here... HERE meaning the Gnutellaforums... who are regular members and who are very happy to advise anyone with any problems... Take advantage of this wonderful group of nice folks, heh ?
The main point is simple.... YOU are responsible for the time during which your children are possibly exposed to 'new' experiences. I am NOT going to attempt to define 'new experiences'.... THAT IS Larry's job.
There is far more puerile garbage in TV today as a mass dosage, right ?
The 'elected' activity represented by the act of downloading some misnamed or whatever file using a Gnutella Network 'client' is nothing in comparison to the 24/7 psychosis that is not only available but, more or less, spoon-fed to children as a behavioural control function.
In short, if a parent chooses to allow an immature individual to have general free access to the internet as IT IS TODAY (ANY ASPECT WHATSOVER OF THE INTERNET!), than they have only to look in the nearest mirror for the first to 'blame' for any problems.
In general..... What cultural values allow as a
norm the purchase of and free access to a machine that cost normally at least $1,000.00 and for which the 'rental' charges per annum for 'connection' can easily exceed another $1,000.00... What 'values' then proceed to permit juveniles to operate such facilities without supervision ?
THERE IS ABSOLUTLELY NO FAULT WHATSOEVER THAT MAY BE IMPUGNED CONTRA ANY ASPECT OF ANY FUNCTION OF THE GNUTELLA NETWORK.
Do your job as a parent and, almost certainly, turn off and forbid all of your bent popular electrodomestic garbage toys.
Take them for a walk, hmmm.
Batteries not included 