Featured Site: Snopes.com

Let me preface this post by saying that I'm not trying to insult anybody, or question your intelligence. I've been actively using computers since I kid (about 25 years now, in other words), and have been an online user since it became available to the masses (about 17 years or so). So, generally, I may be more familiar with them. No aspersions intended.

That said, I'd like everyone out there who's ever gotten an email, and decided to "send this letter to everyone you know!" to stop and think before doing so. Virtually every letter of this type is nothing more than a hoax. The more dire the news contained within the email sounds, the more likely it is a hoax.

Usually, this sort of email is little more than a nuisance. Bogus computer virus warnings are one of the most pevelant, and generally harmless of the bunch. Next comes the warnings to women to avoid perfume spritzers, or hapless men looking for advice or directions. It's probably best to be on guard from such things, even if the email warnings are false.

Some hoaxes are damaging, like the ones circulating saying nasty things about political candidates, from Hillary Clinton to John McCain; and particularly one about Barack Obama. As I said before, almost all of these emails are hoaxes, sometimes containing a nugget of truth, but usually boulders of lies.

Barack Obama is not a Trojan Horse Muslim. Hillary Clinton was not nicknamed "Running Eagle." Microsoft did not today issue their most dire virus warning ever. That kid with cancer isn't still trying to collect the most get well cards. And Richard Gere never had an intimate relationship with a gerbil (and neither did any other human anyone can find, gay or straight).

Fortunately, there is a resource that can put some of these hoaxes to rest. Simply go to Snopes.com, type a few of the words from your warning email into the search box, and press enter. Put Snopes in your favorites, and use it every time, before you send to everyone you know. They'll thank you for it.