It came to my attention recently that my blog has been designated "adult content" by the security software Websense. As a result, any network that uses Websense, including my employer's network, will block access to my blog.
Adult content? Seriously? Websense defines adult content as:
Sites that display full or partial nudity in a sexual context, but not sexual activity; erotica; sexual paraphernalia; sex-oriented businesses as clubs, nightclubs, escort services; and sites supporting the online purchase of such goods and services.I know there are loads of pics of beautiful women in bikinis posted here, but it's not like there's anything that could remotely qualify as pr0n. If my blog were a movie, it would easily get a PG-13 rating, no editing required. You won't see anything here you wouldn't see on a typical episode of Baywatch.
This development is definitely a serious inconvenience. When lunchtime rolls around, I like to check the blog for new comments. I also like to check out the blogs in my blogroll. Thanks to Websense, these activities are no longer an option. Also, anyone who checks my blog from their work won't be able to if there network uses Websense.
Beyond the inconvenience, there's another issue at play here. My name, my real name, is attached to this blog. If someone Googles my name from a Websense-using network, and they find this blog, they're going to get the dreaded adult content blockage. In essence, Websense has branded me a pornographer. Not a good label to bear if you're applying for a job.
So I'm going to have to find a solution to this situation. I've given serious consideration to switching to Wordpress. But that still leaves the question of what to do about this blog and it's unearned scarlet letter. I'm probably going to email Websense to see if they
Update: Comments have been closed for this post because dirtbag spammers have already started showing up here. That didn't take long, did it?
6 comments:
That's really bogus. Your blog shouldn't even be on Websense's radar. That's the problem with blacklist sites. Too many false positives. I hope you find a solution, my friend.
le0pard13,
Thanks, man. I sent an email to Websense. I'm sure they can help me, but I don't know if they will. In the meantime, I'm giving serious thought to making the move to Wordpress.
This has never happened to me, but I know of other sites that have been flagged by Websense and they were able to petition them and have it unblocked. So all hope isn't necessarily lost -- good luck.
I made the jump to Wordpress, and it was utterly painless. Even importing all my old Blogger posts was simple. Still figuring out how to use Wordpress, but so far, so good.
As Chris said above, WP is pretty simple and transferring your blog over should be relatively painless.
Also, it is soooooo much easier for people to comment on WP ;)
What, no more apples?
Big brother needs a beatin'.
Quoting Chris here: Leave the party. Take the cannoli.
Anarchists of the world unite!
Just don't get any tattoos ...
Thanks, everybody. I'm still awaiting a reply from Websense. In the meantime, I'm examining the Wordpress option. So far, I like what I've seen. And don't worry, Charlie, there'll be more apples at some point. Either here, or at a new site.
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