Much of the online interaction on Blogs, Bulletin Boards and virtual neighbor networking groups is done with at least some anonymity and in watching these communications one has to wonder if anyone is truly who they say. In the case with all the Internet transactions, business dealings and communications these days who can you really trust? We are told we need to be careful with Identity Theft when doing business online or with online e-commerce, but who tells us this?

We are told by agencies like the FBI and FTC; Federal Trade Commission. Both agencies are not without some trust issues in themselves. For instance the FBI has sold secrets to Chinese Sex Spies and the lady was not even that good looking. The FBI misplaced some 2000 laptops they could not find and then lied in court to convict Martha Stewart; not of insider trading but lying to the FBI? Go figure, we the FBI lied to convict someone who they said had lied? Help.

What I am saying here is who can you trust, you cannot even trust the government which is supposedly enforcing all these things. The FTC lied to us about their aggressive fight on SPAM and countless other cases they filed against Diet Supplement Companies, Franchising Companies and even Microsoft. Additionally they prevented Microsoft from controlling their own systems, which would not have allowed people to go online with anonymity and slander others or hide their identity in the first place. Thus, the FTC caused all this mistrust in the Worlds Greatest ever created communication system.

There is definitely some trust issues on the Internet and you have to wonder who you can trust online. Your best bet is to trust no one, as it is safer that way, no agency and some of the companies, which offer a win/win when you get what you want, they get what they want. Make sure you are getting a fair deal and not being lied to or deceived, check up on incoming correspondence and beware of signs of questionable statements and comments or outrageous Public Relations from agencies, Internet marketers or companies. Think on this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Currently Lance is retired at age 40 and is running an Online Think Tank Forum while traveling North America. Perhaps considering something extremely challenging to do that will exercise his mind and utilize all his experiences, observations and skills. Any ideas?