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[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

Like the frog in the heating pot, like the erosion of freedom, the  
Internet has moved into our lives with increasing speed and increasing  
influence. The recent presidential election was strongly influenced by  
Internet use and future elections will use it ever more effectively.

The Internet is a tool of great use. It is a sharp tool, it is very  
strong, and it is double-edged. As with all powerful tools, safe and  
profitable use requires knowledge and discipline.

All writers who use the Net have a need to be read. Motivations range  
from mild friendship to strong financial enticement. Professional  
writers--some disguised as bloggers plus out-front reporters,  
journalists, critics, MSM employees--all have in common the need to  
attract your attention to their words. They must do this or lose their  
income. And so over the years writing has become ever more  
sensationalistic, from "if it bleeds, it leads," to unsupported rants  
and charges against various persons and conditions of public interest.

Sensational writing is engaging to the point where it is potentially  
damaging to one's values, ethics and life successes. The Internet  
Disease damages by jerking focus from controlled personal plans to  
wide-ranging and disparate thoughts that have little relevance to  
one's happiness. The cure for this disease is simple--strong, personal  
focus, so strong that the siren call of the Net cannot distract. Such  
focus requires thinking through the disease and the cure sufficiently  
that one is fully aware of all profits and losses. Anyone with common  
sense can retake and remain in charge of our lives.

Some people rise, have a beverage, observe the sunrise, wander out to  
the garden or the shop. Those with the Internet Disease get their  
beverage and head for the many-eyed monster. Some people are in charge  
of their lives. Those with the ID get their daily instructions from  
others.

Focus and persistence, the twin traits of a successful life. Are you  
in charge of yours?

It's a choice.