CHAIN MAIL

For years chain letters were doing the rounds. These caused terrible distress to many peeps, especially the elderly living alone. I used to bin them to cut the chain. But there was always this niggling doubt that the dire results they predicted would befall me if I didn’t pass them on, would come true. I am made of sterner stuff though. In any event spending time copying these threats and passing them on to loved ones was a step too far for me. 

Modern technology now allows chain emails to fly all over the world. Some that I receive have a spiritual message or an inspirational one. If I think it worthy and uplifting, I take the threat out and pass it on.

I guess those that start these believe they are doing a good thing. Some may well be. It’s the threat that weighs heavy on my mind. Why not let peeps decide for themselves whether to pass them on or not? In my opinion it is another form of cyber bullying.

I’m sure the guys who created the World Wide Web never guessed it would be used in a negative way. There are so many good peeps going through trauma and illness. Does it help them if they are targeted? Whose to know and that’s the crux. Peeps shouldn’t send things around that contain threats …”If you don’t pass this on to 10 people something terrible will happen to you!” What a crock.

AND … I’m sick of getting emails from gambling sites. I do not gamble and I believe the government should put a stop to the sites encouraging peeps to start. It’s even all over the TV. Shows I love to watch are sponsored by bingo for example. Even Barbara Windsor advertises for one company. I despair. Poker machines have ruined lives. Peeps become addicted and can’t stop until their money is gone. There is a psychology working them. They never know when the next one is a winner so they have to keep playing. Some peeps become so fixated they would bet on two flies going up a wall. Families are ruined because the money to feed the kids is gone. But the addicted gambler can’t stop. The people who encourage them should be ashamed of themselves. I “bet” you have never seen a destitute bookie but I think you know punters who are one step away from the gutter.

How do these companies come to have my email address and name in the first place? If we buy something on-line or sign up for access to television shows in order to take part in debates those companies should not be allowed to "sell" our information for profit or misuse it in any way. Of course there is always a disclaimer and a message telling us that if we tick the box we are agreeing to their terms and conditions. That's simply not good enough in my opinion.

Rant over for this week peeps. Mx