Re: Hiding web structure from users

I found this conversation, about the (supposed) necessity of hiding
information from Website visitors quite intriguing, specifically from the
ethical standpoint. That is, it seems to me that the whole concept of hiding
information is contrary to the rudimentary principals of Web development
(see: Cluetrain Manifesto, http://www.cluetrain.com/ ). I mean, as
professional Web developers, isn't it part of our unwritten code of "do unto
others" conduct to decline the opportunity to implement technological
systems that purposefully hide information from the general public?

And of course I'm not talking about paid subscriptions, nor about private
enterprises who develop Intranets to share privileged information among
exclusive clients and co-workers. But I am talking about where we draw the
line when it comes to doing development work that is (IMHO) fundamentally
unethical.

All of us who derive gainful enjoyment from the proliferation of Internet
wizardry are, right now, in much the same position as were the folks who
developed the first "A-bomb." We work, day-to-day, at the ever evolving
brink of the electronic communications forefront. We make thousands of
choices and voice millions of opinions (to each other and with our clients)
about what we will and can do with Website design.

Each step of this path ripples consequences that culminate as the quality of
life we all will experience at some not-too-distant-point of our collective
future. So with respect, I urge us to contemplate the very slippery slopes
of censorship, discrimination and deception.... And willfully chose to adopt
a course of action that ensures honesty, integrity and our (consumer-driven)
"right to know."

At base line, I'm saying there are some items of business to which we ought
to just say no... even and especially when that means we will probably have
to start looking for a new office to work in and/or a some new clients to
serve.

:-)

Christine Louise Weiss
editor(at)gozarks.com
HOME OFFICE  501-723-4322
http://www.gozarks,com
HYPER TECH 501-745-2882 ext. 105
http://www.wildnut.com
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