Jesus, we’ve come a long way, eh?

@Randy Brown: I’d have thought “vector porn” referred to pornographic images that were vector (outline) graphics, as opposed to photos. But I’m guessing.

@Alex: Yes, I will report back on the traffic this post attracts. Though @Stephen Stockwell, the computer does the collation of the data automatically. Me, the human, does the analysis.

@Vinae Bay: The wonderful Internet transmits every kind of human communication — including pornography. Pornography isn’t sex education, of course, but both are a natural part of the human condition and I’ll certainly continue writing about them.

I’m not quite sure what angle you’re coming from here but your last question is about how to automatically block porn without blocking “the good stuff”. short answer: you can’t. The “Net Nanny” filters aren’t foolproof — I’ve written previously why automated systems can never be fully effective, and some of the filters come the from Christian Right of American politics and also block any sites whose politics they don’t agree with. They do drastically reduce the chances of accidentally stumbling across something you don’t want, but they won’t prevent your lads deliberately looking for the dirty stuff. If you block it, they’ll just find it elsewhere.

I suspect the only effective answer is a combination of education and supervision.

I feel uncomfortable saying much more because (1) I’m not a parent and know bugger all about parenting, and (2) if you have a look though my writing, you’ll find that I’m actually against censorship.

Thank you,
Vinae