Weekly Blog Review #9

This week in my Introduction to Publications class we learned about data collection. How companies can track your searches and what sites you go on. Here are some terms we learned:

• Track - When companies collect information about you based on your online behavior.
• Target - When companies tailor content to you based on the information they have collected about you.
• Demographic - Common categories of the population, such as age, gender, and race.
• Cookies - Data files that are stored on your computer when you visit certain sites.

Now that you know more about data collection, here are some tips to help limit the collection of data on you or you computer:

• Always read the fine print. It might just tell you some important information. Like whether they will sell your information to other companies or not. For example, if you have gotten spam mail after signing up for an accouunt, then the most likely sold your email.
• Avoid using the same website for your email and your search engine. That can limit the total amount of information that is retained by one site. Also, clear out your browsing history and cookies, so that your searches and browsing are not connected.
• Avoid downloading search engine toolbars. When you do, it may permit the collection of information about your web surfing habits. 
• Disable auto sign-ins. This saves your information, so that other people can access it.
• Clear out your cookies!
• Determine who your audience is. This is mostly on blogs and social networking sites like Facebook. You can determine who can see your information on Facebook in its settings.
• Opt out cookies. I know you can do this in Google Chrome in the settings, and I'm sure you can in other browsers, but I don't know how.

This week we used Mixbook to make a pamphlet about limiting your data collection. Mine included the tips above. And also a few pictures, not much more. I really liked using Mixbook because it was easy to navigate. I just think that they could put in better templates.

Also, this week we moved into out building!!!! On Friday November the 2nd was our first full day in the LSB (it stands for Lena Sue Beam, but I say Lumpy Space Building. Because of LSP from Adventure Time.) Being in our building is so much better then being in the MC.

So, overall, I've had a pretty good week. Nothing to stress full. I'm excited for Spirit Week next week! Here are our days:
Monday: Nerd Day!
Tuesday: Culture Day!
Wednesday: Gender-Bender Day! (Guys have to wear dresses!!)
Thursday: Celebrity/Superhero Day!
Friday: Spirit Day!

Well, hope you guys had a good week! And I hope you guys learned something from this! See Ya!!!