Misuse of computers probed
Death threat posted on newspaper's Web site
The Berkeley County School District is investigating the unauthorized use of its computer system to post comments on news stories at The Post and Courier's Web site, including a threat to kill two people, a school official said Thursday.
Law enforcement will be notified about the situation, said Pam Bailey, school district executive director of public relations.
A comment posted at the newspaper's site, Charleston.net, using a school district computer said, "I AM SERIOUSLY GOING TO DESTROY YOU. WHY DON'T YOU BOTH JUST GET TOGETHER SO I CAN KILL YOU IN ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION."
Bailey would not identify where the district computers used to post the comments are located. "To do that at this point would be to jeopardize what we are trying to do, which is identify the blogger," she said. The comments were made in a discussion of a story Wednesday's newspaper about seven people charged in stabbings that happened on Sunday.
"We have identified the location of the computers ... and have initiated an internal investigation to identify the bloggers," Bailey said in an e-mail.
She said the Internet service provider for more than 200 messages posted at the newspaper Web site belongs to the district. Multiple users of multiple computers that belong to the district may be involved, she said. "We don't know if it's students, staff or some combination," she said.
The newspaper contacted the district about the postings that appeared to be coming from district computers. District policy allows use of school computers for educational or work-related purposes. Violation of the policy can result in the user being fired.
In all, 217 comments were posted on Charleston.net through an Internet service provider traced to the school district. The posting times are mostly in the mornings on school days, according to a newspaper investigation.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
Neponset (anonymous) says...
The question I have is: Does one have to have an account on these school computers to access the internet and register with P&C? If so it should not be difficult for some internet investigator to come up with an ID. If not, it would seem necessary to do a stakeout to catch the offender(s) and this news story could tip off the offender(s).
October 3, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
that's one way to trim the fat off of govt
200??? from a govt puter??? what an idiot, they need to be fired for being so stupid!!
I can understand a cpl comments a month from someone taking a break, but 200 and threatening ppl from a govt puter too??
this will be an easy catch, we'll know who it is by who doesn't show up today... lol
October 3, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
They found JOHNQ!
Don't these idiots know that your computer at work is most likely monitored by someone including e-mails you send to co-workers complaining about co-workers or supervisors or what ever. They pay you to work so work! Apparently there needs to be a layoff at BCSD if they have this much time on their hands.
Yeah thethreat posted was pretty bad and I thought against the P&C polcies for posting here. While we don't all agree whats up with threatning with death?
Unless it's against Thomas1776! JUST KIDDING THOMAS, JUST KIDDING! I do enjoy your post.
October 3, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
Is there some reason that the schools don't have a firewall to block access to the internet?
October 3, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
Thomas1776
I don't read every post that Coldbeer puts up but the ones I do read are level headed, well thought out and entertaining at times. What was the context in which that quote was made?
I often wonder what people do for a living because I see their posts almost every day. No doubt some are retired, I know some must work behind a counter in a small repair shop or store because I see them on the keyboard pounding away. I would imagine there are some government workers out there too.
October 3, 2008 at 7:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
I suspect that a LOT of people use their work computer to post here, and other blogs as well. I have no problem with that as long as your work is caught up/done for the day.
There are some folks on here that post a comment here and there, sometimes hours apart...and then there's those that live on this board and post every 2 minutes. I think the prior are the ones at work.
I think it was reported by the PnC due to the graphic threat(s) posed within the messages. The likelihood that the school district discovered this problem on their own is slim, unless the posters found out each others identities and revealed them to the school board.
Either way, just another reason for everyone to play nice here...
:)
October 3, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Rip
I too wonder who these folks are.
There are retiree, like my self, who get up very early and post early and perhaps later in the day.
Folks that are early risers, that post before going to work
Working folks that have access to the internet and post during working hours (both gov. and corp - remember FO Hunt)
Stay at home wives/husbands/moms
Folks that post after work
Students that post at school
And the list goes on
The majority of comments seem to be during the 9 to 5 time frame, which suggests that these comments are posted at work or school.
I tried to find the death threat comment in the two articles, on this subject, without success - guess P&C deleted it. Perhaps someone saw the comment and can fill us in.
October 3, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
OK, we are coming up on 8:00, lets see if the traffic picks up, to support my theory about posting at work/school, unless those folks are a little gun shy and hang back today.
October 3, 2008 at 8 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southerngirl45 (anonymous) says...
Posting on the PnC and getting paid at the same time.WOW!
Who's paying for that?
October 3, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
I agree DoaMM that some are at work. and, I am but since the jobless rate is so high here, I have a lot of time on my hands since companies aren't hiring much I have no where to send my temps. Hence, a lots of time on my hands as well.
The job market is very scarce here and our clients are not in need of temp help. I am here blogging when I see something I want to blog about. I have never wanted harm to come to anyone in the blog. But I have learned to ignore those that blog with ignorance
I too have read a good bit of ColdBeer's blogs and have agreed and disagreed with many and at times most of his blogs have been very entertaining. I do take offence at anyone thing this fine man could say such a thing unless it was taken out of contexted.
October 3, 2008 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Archie1951 (anonymous) says...
I have a great idea to solve this problem: Require all posters to use their real name, most people don't have the guts to say who they are when slandering others. Shut down this site if it can't be screened for inappropriate comments. This post is not about freedom of speech, it's about giving others the right to know the person behind the post.
Archie Thompson
Moncks Corner
October 3, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
This post's and other is about freedom of speech it is about opinions that you share with others, whether you agree or not. Not giving your real name is because of people like this article is talking about there are crazies out there. But, if you aren't afraid then by all means give your name.
Patty Vallairo
October 3, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Arch
Great idea, except for harassment and danger, I know of one blogger who had to change their user name due to unpleasant back channel e-mails. There are a lot of nuts out there, as this article points out, and we do not wish to expose ourselves to harassment and possible danger. I have personally received unpleasant e-mail and do not wish to expose myself to possible danger - in my case it concerned the articles about two Islamic students and pipe bombs. Looks like "r.. heads" is not allowed by the politically correct police.
October 3, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
"Not giving your real name is because of people like this article is talking about there are crazies out there. But, if you aren't afraid then by all means give your name."
Because of your first sentence above logic tells me not to give any info that could lead to me. My.02 on this.
October 3, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
I've heard references to CB in some of these comments...Is he the one who posted those comments? Did any of you see him post it on that day?
Don't know...just asking...
October 3, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I think it is unwise to identify yourself, do not expose your self just to prove a point.
October 3, 2008 at 9:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
Now that I posted the name is it real? You see there are couples of people who have the same opinion about posting their names, which is really crazy because of the nutters out there. So!!! Is that my real name I posted? Is Archie your real name is Joe Blow a real name no one really knows
October 3, 2008 at 9:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Hey Archie, or whoever you are. How exactly does the post and courier know what your real name is? How about you have to give your age, height and weight too if you're a female. No doubt we can just rely on the honesty of the bloggers.
Per firewalls, why would they block the Internet? Many assignments almost require access to the Internet and it's certainly a wonderful education tool, especially with budget restrictions on printed materials. While they undoubtedly block access to porn sites, why would they restrict access to newspaper sites? Per totally blocking access to the Internet, I suspect they use the Internet to send and receive tons of data from grades to attendance. Do you think every school in Berkley county has a dedicated optical fiber line to district headquarters?
Per logins, I sincerely doubt they require logins other than for personal in office computers. I can't imagine the headache of 10's of thousands of staff and students in the Berkley district needing a login/password to access computers in the classroom or library. That's not the same as maintaining login/password to your email, you're talking about directory services and that would require a separate staff to administer. It also requires that you log off the computer or there isn't a dependable trail anyway as the next person at the computer is using your account.
As far as getting paid to post, if it's staff these could be posted during break from the library, or during a period when that person has no duties. they also could be students at a high school from the library. If all of that users posts are from a district computer, unless it's from an in office computer it's doubtful they'll figure out who it is. If the poster also also posts from their home address, and I suspect they probably do, they're caught.
And 217 comments by 100 different people isn't exactly huge considering the number of students and staff in Berkley county. If they are all by the same person that's a different story.
October 3, 2008 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
I am not scared by posting my real name, but I'm not stupid enough to post it either. Take this as a name:
Claire Bennett- now run with that!
October 3, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
Exactly!! That is why I didn't use my real name just to prove a point. Cathy is not my name. Got that from the cartoon here in the P&C and the last name from some gas stations here just different spelling. It is so easy.hmm maybe I should check and see if Mr. Archie is for real
Won't waste my time
October 3, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
Hey Archie how's the paddlers yes checked if that is you ok I laid I was bored. But see how easy it is please be careful that is why we don't give names it is to easy
October 3, 2008 at 9:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Major
Thanks for your input. I guess you are saying that the schools probably have open terminals where folks can jump in and start blogging. I guess you can have an independent internet account, such as my Yahoo account, and when you register for a P&C user name, you will receive your pass word thru that account. I don't know much about the internet, but lets hope that folks that do, can ferret out the ferret(s)
October 3, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
GirleyGirl If you were Claire Bennett,you'd certainly have no fear of death threats.LOL
On a more serious note,who in the world would post their real info?Some people who have come on here are complete nutcases!I have had an email sent to me wishing me death.All over an article that I posted nothing negative on.I guess the emailer was confused.
October 3, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Confuzzled (anonymous) says...
IMO, the threat mentioned in the above article sounds rather juvenile and 'thuggish' - as if it came from a student. I, personally, do not see a problem with people using gov't computers and I seriously doubt a mature adult would leave a threatening message on a public blog. Then again, who knows ???
I would never use my real name on a blog because there are too many crazies in this world. My life is complicated enough, thus my screenname 'Confuzzled'...lol.
Too, I do not work for any gov't. agency. Sure wish I did because I hear the benefits are great ! :-)
October 3, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
I worked for the gov., but we did not have internet connections at the time. But if we did, I am sure that a lot of my colleagues would have blogging away.
October 3, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Thanks for clearing that up, CB...
I was worried you had gathered your weaponry, climbed a tower and that we had lost ya!
*sniffle*
October 3, 2008 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Probably the only way one could be anonymous is to post from a school or library or on a wireless lan. I suppose the P&C could request the phone company to identify ones IP address.
October 3, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
Can law enforcent focus on prosecuting criminials and not on who is blogging at work on a school computer? How about protecting these kids at school from drugs, thugs, etc..That way I wouldnt have to send my daughter to a private school and spend money that I dont have right now to ensure her safety. I would rather my tax dollars are focused on prosecuting these type criminials than this nonsense. WOW!!!!!!
P.S. and I hope they dont contact my job cause this is all I have been doing lately(to addicting)
October 3, 2008 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
I'm one that posts before and after work. Hell, I can't figure out how everyone has time to even read the paper!
October 3, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Sounds like RW got a litle free time from mopping.
October 3, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
LOL @ CFB
I was wondering who might catch that!!
October 3, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
Well, the day shift is about over with 41 comments posted, lets see what swing shift yields.
October 3, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Internet "gangsters" make me laugh at their patheticness. Is that a word? Lol
October 3, 2008 at 4:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeff61 (anonymous) says...
If the P&C are going to out people i am not sure if I want to post here anymore....I understand needing to deal with threats but if they are out to cost people jobs over posting here,,,not sure if it is worth it
October 3, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
Jeff -
They did this same thing a few months ago. Some people left because of it. I created a "fake" hotmail account and use this name now. I don't post at work so coming after me for posting from home will make them look like bigger retards than they already are.
October 3, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ploughmud (anonymous) says...
Thomas1776 is a bumbling idiot who has diarrhea of the mouth(fingers). It is obvious he lacks the intellectual capacity to find a way out of a wet paper bag. For quite some time you have spewed nonsense into these comments/debates, and your hatred for your fellow man is obvious. Please do us all a favor and shut up, go away, or both.
October 3, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ploughmud (anonymous) says...
When you are ready to find your way out of that paper bag, I'll be glad to give you a hint.
I'm surprised you accuse me of antagonism, and I guess you would know what it looks like. I'm very tired of your rants and raves, and its obvious you have nothing else to do all day but to make hateful, uneducated comments. Almost every article for which you have left comments accuses people of gross criminal conduct....based on your behavior on this website, it would not surprise me if you have no friends or family....Open your eyes, boy, and when you begin to realize you don't have all the information, and thereby do not have all the answers, you may be able to maintain an intelligent, useful, and productive conversation with other normal human beings.
October 3, 2008 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Uber idiot 1776 accuses everyone. Why don't you go away Jr. Dick Tracy.
October 3, 2008 at 7:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
symptoms_may_include (anonymous) says...
*Laughs a little on the inside*. The people commenting here have no f'ing clue.
October 21, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.