We are suckers for thinking that we are smart enough to fool the machine and this weekend thousands if not millions of facebook users posted the following warning in hopes of protecting their privacy.

“In response to the new Facebook guidelines I hereby declare that my copyright is attached to all of my personal details, illustrations, comics, paintings, professional photos and videos, etc. (as a result of the Berner Convention). For commercial use of the above my written consent is needed at all times!

(Anyone reading this can copy this text and paste it on their Facebook Wall. This will place them under protection of copyright laws. By the present communiqué, I notify Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, disseminate, or take any other action against me on the basis of this profile and/or its contents. The aforementioned prohibited actions also apply to employees, students, agents and/or any staff under Facebook’s direction or control. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of my privacy is punished by law (UCC 1 1-308-308 1-103 and the Rome Statute).

Facebook is now an open capital entity. All members are recommended to publish a notice like this, or if you prefer, you may copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once, you will be tacitly allowing the use of elements such as your photos as well as the information contained in your profile status updates.”

Snopes.com debunked the validity of this posting and suggested that people chill out about their privacy since most facebook members tell all and say all, but if they are truly concerned about this issue, there are three remedies;

1. Do not subscribe to Facebook

2. Bilaterally negotiate a modified policy of privacy with Facebook

3. Cancel your Facebook account

My course of action is to do nothing and pretend that nothing I am is of interest to anyone other than myself.

No commercial value, no sell-out – Pascha Ray