Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2001 07:32:30 -0700 From: isher@SPRYNET.COM (Dean Weingarten) Subject: Stupid Media (anyway to capitalize on this?) To: AZRKBA@asu.edu
News/Current Events News Keywords: GUNS MEDIA IDIOTS CLUELESS DINGBATS Source: nbc10.com - Philly NBC Affiliate Published: 4/26/2001 Author: Cindy Hamill Posted on 04/28/2001 06:26:59 PDT by FreedomPoster
<Picture><Picture>Website trying to sell guns to children April 26, 2001 <Picture>by Cindy Hamill<Picture> NBC10 uncovers a federal investigation into a shocking website. The site tries to sell weapons to children. It tries to get your credit card number. Now, federal agents in our area are on the case NBC10s Cindy Hamill has the story.
PHILADELPHIA - FEDERAL OFFICIALS are hot on the trail of the person or people responsible for starting web page targeting kids and your wallet. Its a name you might not want your kids to know, but youll want to be aware of whats out there and how they may be trying to get your money.
A few strokes on the keypad gets you to "gunsforkids.com." The name itself seemed a little too obvious, but there it was. They sell uzis, semi automatic pistols, and even flamethrowers supposedly on sale to kids.
Some selling points include such phrases as "climb up on top of a cafeteria table with a tank full of thick, stinking diesel fuel strapped to your back, and watch the reactions of classmates and teachers, and be immortalized in the Guns for Kids Hall of Fame."
Thats just appalling, especially whats going on in the schools with Columbine and everything, said Marcia Schvom, from Wynnefield Heights.
Parents were amazed, but there's more. The web page reads, Why spend another afternoon in detention when you've got a desert eagle... outstanding results on police cars and DMV workers."
Its terrible, said Barbara Smith, from West Philadelphia. Its too easy. The Internet is too easy for kids to get on and buy guns."
That's what NBC10 News thought, so we tried it out ourselves. An NBC10 employee went online to buy a gas mask. It was easy.
One mask is $190, so we'll go to check out," the employee said. They want your parents name, your parents credit card number, age and e-mail.
Within seconds it was done, or so it seemed.
Thank you for your order, the order screen read. Your loot will arrive soon."
It never asked for verification of age or license information. It also never asked for a mailing address.
So what they got is a credit card number a name and an e-mail address, the NBC10 employee said.
We traced the domain to someone in Montana and tried to call but never got an answer. We had to cancel our credit card after this test, but theres no telling how many kids have responded and dolled out their parents account information.
The site went up last May, and could be down soon if federal officials decide its illegal.
There was no apparent direct email listed for Ms. Hamill or her producers. I did find this:
quote:
The NBC10 Team often gets tips from viewers and Web site users that make good stories. If you know something, which should be investigated, please fill out as much information as you can in the form below.
So I sent in the following "story idea":
quote:
I suggest you run a segment wherein your reporter Cindy Hamill, and whatever producer/editor made/ran her item "Website trying to sell guns to children", are struck repeatedly with ClueBats. It is obvious they are clue-less, else they would have recognized the website http://www.gunsforkids.com as the dark satire that it is.And you wonder why traditional media ratings and crediblity are in the crapper. Sheesh.
You think I'll get a response?
BTW, the gunsforkids.com domain is registered to Goldstein, Emmanuel. I don't know if it's the 2600 guy or not.