A lot of bloggers & podcasters have picked up on the Texas PI computer repair story and reported the sensationalist aspect of it. So far I have only heard Buzz Out Loud tell the whole story and I listen to a LOT of tech podcasts. Most bloggers and podcasters (GNC included) have left their listening public with the idea that all computer repair technicians in Texas are now out of business if they don't get a PI license. This is not factual. What IS factual, is that if the repair technician performs an "investigation by analyzing data" he is then performing an "investigative service". "Investigations" as defined by the law are regulated under Texas law. Here are some links that support my point.
http://tinyurl.com/6enx2f - a balanced article by The Daily Texan Online
http://tinyurl.com/4pd39c - the actual text if the law. Note that the word "Computer" only appears once.
http://tinyurl.com/5s5m24 - Slashdot discussion of the topic.
I think this clearly points out one of the traps that people engaged in this "new media" (which I love & support by the way) need to be careful of. If the format of a show simply consists of finding interesting stories and re-reporting them, then that show runs the risk of further spreading inaccurate reporting. Where is the value to the listener in simply spreading what someone else has reported? The real value comes in uncovering the truth, or giving a fresh perspective. I don't suppose there is time to fact check each article, but a healthy dose of skepticism is probably in order. It really was a stretch to think that the Texas legislature intentionally passed a law that would have the net effect of putting all Texas computer techs out of business. I mean really, how would they get their own computers fixed? By a PI? What is he going to do, handcuff it, point a gun at the CPU, or grille it under bright lights? "Mr. PC, exactly where were you on the night of the alleged virus attack?"
I for one learned a huge lesson from this that I will remember for my podcast, check the facts. I hope others take the lesson also.
Love the show!
