SmartAuthorSites.com Helps Authors Market Their Work

SmartAuthorSites.com Helps Authors Market Their Work There is nothing more satisfyingâ€"and challengingâ€"than finishing up a novel. Thinking of a topic that you can sustain through thousands of words, creating a world for your characters, and coming up with an intriguing plot (or an intriguing way to present facts in a nonfiction book) is no small feat.But what happens after youve written your novel? Whether youre a first-time novelist or youve got three or four books under your belt, youre going to need to be able to market your book effectively so that you can sell copies to would-be readers. And in order to market to your audience well, one of the first things youll need is a high-quality author website.If youre not sure how to get started or you consider yourself completely clueless when it comes to design, SEO, and marketing, the website Smart Author Sites is here to assist you. On Smart Author Sites, you can learn about goals for your author site, SEO research, blogging, and use their design services to give your page an attract ive look and feel.In addition to all of the available Smart Author Sites services, you can also keep up with all the latest book industry news and effective marketing tools for authors.I started this blog when I created Smart Author Sites back in 2006. It has undergone many redesigns since then, but the focus of it is the same. Its a place where I can share my learnings about what makes author websites work and what new authors can do to build online presences for themselves that will be worth the time and resources, says site creator Karina. I offer tips on how to design an author website, common problems and mistakes, myths being bandied about, new online trends that authors should jump on, how to properly optimize a blog for SEO and more. I like sharing my knowledge with all the struggling authors out there who have important stories to share with the world and helping them take their writing to new heights.In our post today, well go over the ins and outs of Smart Author Sites an d whether or not it would be a good tool for an up-and-coming author to use.Services of Smart Author SitesSmartAuthorSites.com offers a variety of services to writers that save time, money, and offer convenience and guidance throughout the whole launch of your web presence. Here are the services that Smart Author Sites offers:Pre-Launch ServicesBefore the launch of your website, theres a lot to be done to prepare. First, the professionals at Smart Author Sites will need to gather some information from you on your book and what your goals are for the website. The staff at SmartAuthorSites.com will gather all of the info they need through a 30-minute phone conversation with you. On this phone call, theyll find out, for example, what the site is about, who the intended audience is, what will be unique about it, and what you envision would make it a success. From there, your professional will make recommendations on the following:URL/tagline/brandingWhat will be featured on your website What you want to promote and where and how to ensure successful site visitsContent tree and organization of your websiteCreative content ideas to accomplish goals youve come up with togetherAnother area that your professional will help you with is SEO research and implementation. SEO, or search engine optimization, is essentially strategy to help your website get to the top of searches on search engines like Google. One of the best ways to do this is through the usage of strategic keywords. Your team at Smart Author Sites will help you determine which keywords will provide the best success for you and they will recommend a list based on an algorithm of searches and competition. And not only will they identify these keywords, but theyll also recommend how you should implement the keywords in your website pages.Once you start to write the content for your site, your content will be reviewed and your team at Smart Author Sites will determine if you have enough content (or if you have t oo much), whether or not it could capture an audiences attention, and deciding if it needs any light editing or if you need help incorporating specific keywords.Additionally, the team at Smart Author Sites will assist you with blog consultation. Theyll help you determine how to come up with a theme, how to get ideas for a regular blogging schedule, how often you should be writing in your blog, how to optimize each post, how to build blog followers, how to turn your traffic into actual fans of your products, and how to use blog features like plug-ins and categorizations.Design and Development ServicesGood content is crucial for a website, but design is equally as important. Smart Author Sites has a partnership with 515 media, who will help you by creating an efficient, user-friendly and mobile-ready website design.Post-Launch ServicesAfter the website has launched, Smart Author Sites goes one step further than many website building companies, and theyll follow up with you on how your site is doing and provide regular analytics reports and analysis. Theyll check the overall site traffic numbers, the days that are the highest traffic (and try to help you figure out why that is), a breakdown of where your traffic is coming from, which pages people are visiting the most, which pages people are leaving quickest, and whether or not any technical issues are slowing down the site and making it less user-friendly.All of these data points are important to look at when you are trying to convert your visitors to actual customers so you can sell more of your product (your book).Types of Clientele Who Use SmartAuthorSites.comSince the start of the website in 2006, Smart Author Sites has helped over 500 authors in several different genres with their websites. They have helped everyone from self-published authors to authors who worked with a traditional publishing house. From thrillers to memoirs to childrens books, Smart Author Sites has helped design websites for a variety o f authors who write in a wide range of subjects.Reviews from Real AuthorsIf youre an author, theres no other higher opinion that you trust more than a fellow author. Luckily, SmartAuthorSites.com has plenty of high praise from authors who have used their services.Here are just a few of the glowing reviews that are posted on their website:From start to finish, it was a pleasure working with Smart Author Sites. Karin, the company founder, helped me establish my goals for the website, she made excellent marketing suggestions, and she quickly comprehended the theme of my novel and built the site around that.Ann Weisgarber, historical fiction authorI enjoyed working with everyone on (Karins) staff and was particularly impressed with 1) the ability of their designer to produce an end-result in accordance with my specific ideas, and 2) the responsiveness of their primary coder... Karin has an excellent team. Im a happy client and proud of my website.Richard Bard, thriller authorMy experien ce felt personal as well as professional. It was a true pleasure! I would highly recommend Smart Author Sites to anyone who is looking for a top-notch website design partner that really knows their stuff AND cares about you and the results! I look forward to our continued partnership!P.J. Jackson, inspirational childrens authorWhats on the Smart Author Sites Blog?The Smart Author Sites blog is a useful spot on the website for authors to learn about new tools, apps, and trends in the literary sphere.Karina, the blogs author and owner of the site, writes on the blog regularly about insights into the industry that she believes would be helpful for authors. Whether you want to know more about the difference between strategic and generic marketing for authors or if youre trying to figure out how to market your latest book on Instagram, Karinas advice is very explanatory and has tons of examples throughout the content for you to follow along easily.The blog is very general in the fact tha t she is careful not to tailor it too much to self-publishing authors or authors who are going through a traditional publishing house. She is also explanatory when she needs to be for newer authors, but still has plenty of expert tips available for those who are familiar with the industry and who are looking to get a deeper level of insight into how to better market their books.A Site You Can Trust for Your Author PlatformAll in all, Smart Author Sites has a myriad of expert services and advice for authors of all levels. Once you have completed your novel and are starting to get serious about selling and marketing your books, it can be easy to fall into the trap of a gimmicky company with false promises. However, it appears that this company only has the best interest of the authors that they are working with.For more information on what Smart Author Sites has to offer, visit their website and fill out their contact form to learn more about how they can help you with your book promo tion.

Analysis of The Fall of the House of Usher - Free Essay Example

In the short story, The Fall of the House of Usher, written by the poet Edgar Allen Poe during the romantic period, it sheds light into a time where there was much darkness, mental illness, and an overall negative phycological outlook and misunderstanding to certain societal and personal identifications. Poe is a known poet of revealing the inner evils and the dark and gloomy settings within his writings. He is a known writer of the personal fears and fictional mysteries that displayed a semi-accurate truth that was historically known as the gothic writing style during the romantic period. This gothic style of writing that Poe is known for is precisely presented in, The Fall of the House of Usher, within Poes extensive use of a darkened setting, the use of underlying physical and mental illnesses, surreal imagery, and symbolism that both represented the gothic writing style and the historical context of the mid-nineteenth century. The short story written by Edgar Allen Poe begins with a descriptive yet negative setting that promotes the gothic literature style presented by the author. During the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country; and at length found myself, as the shades of the evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. (Poe 629) This descriptive beginning to the story portrays to the reader the gothic style of writing that Poe is known for. When looking at what makes literature apart of the gothic style we can review the comments made by Andrew Smith when he describes the characteristics of gothic literature for the romantic period when stating that gothic styles contain representations of ruins [or] castles and that it contains, forms of monstrosity, and images of insanity, transgression, and the supernatural. When looking at the short story, The Fall of the House of Usher, and what Smith identified as elements of a gothic writing, the readers can identify the correlation to the gothic literature based on the imagery used to describe the setting. The audience can use the imagery and diction used by Poe to solidify this statement with the use of words such as, Decaying, excessive antiquity, and even the description of the grey walls that darken the setting furthermore and help present the themes of gothic li terature. Using what Smith presented as characteristics of gothic literature the audience can create a connection of the gothic literature genre to the short story written by Poe, but we can also use contextual evidence in the story to get an idea of the theme and period and how it was presented in, The Fall of the House of Usher. A major theme of the short story is incest. Incest is subtlety presented to the reader at first when the author mentions in the short story, Her decease, he said, with a bitterness which I can never forget, would leave him (him the hopeless and the frail) the last of the ancient race of the Ushers (Poe 633). This is important to the theme and the period because it sheds light upon the reason of the mental illnesses faced by the Ushers. As Poe presented a like comparison between both remaining members of the Usher family when he describes their features, figures, and even the air around them all seemingly alike, even Identical (Poe 633). With this description of the Ushers Poe is giving even more insight on the ancestral lineage of incest and its importance to the overall plot. When understanding the importance of the relation of incest to the plot the understanding of the side effects of incest is a required knowledge. Written in a scientific meta-analysis study there is a statement about incest and how it relates to the Ushers when stated, Biological incest offenders exhibited more psychopathology (e.g., mental health difficulties) (Toates). This is a key factor in the plot and identifications of the Ushers mental illnesses and fears. This reported research of biological incest (which is what is believed to be a part of the Ushers lineage) ties together the themes of the story and gives certain understanding to why the Ushers actions, appearances, and phycological states are presented the way they are in Poes, The Fall of the House of Usher. When looking at symbolism in the short story the audience can identify certain aspects that reference the gothic literature this specific story is a part of, but also the time period in which this work is written in. Symbolism is immediately found in the title of the piece, The Fall of the House of Usher. This in simple terms represents the crumbling of the House at the end of the story, but in a symbolic aspect it could mean the discontinued lineage of the Usher family with the death of Madeline and Roderick Usher. Diving deeper into the ancestral tree, this also means the discontinuation of the incest that was a part of the Usher family; the incest that caused their mental and phycological illnesses. The Ushers house complete demolition also means that the darkness and evils that surrounded the actions practiced by the Usher lineage are no longer. Poe, represented many different symbolic elements within his short story that presented the audience with insight into the gothic litera ture style and the romantic period. Poes, The Fall of the House of Usher, gives the audience insight into the romantic time period and gothic literature style presented by the writer by using the symbolic elements, the descriptive diction with darkened settings, as well as the use of imagery and other analytical elements to portray his darkened story. It also gives us insight into the importance of the author and his effect on modern day gothic literature and society. As Lasley Dameron commented in his online article, Edgar Allen Poe is the souths most renowned literary artist of the 19th century, and recognizing his connection to the gothic elements and his artistic talent to articulately display the plot and theme of a short story while keeping the audience hypnotized within his writing and is one of the most influential gothic writers during the nineteenth century.

Differences Between Christianity And Buddhism - 2100 Words

The purpose of this paper was to examine and discover the similarities and the differences of Christianity and Buddhism in their worldview philosophies and attitude concerning healthcare. A comparative analysis was completed between the two religions as it relates to their respective belief systems, spiritual practices, overview on health and perspective on healing. Although results revealed some similarities, subtle and significant differences do exist. Healthcare providers need to be familiar with these nuances in order to meet the healthcare needs of a spiritually diverse population. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Spiritual diversity has become a seemingly ubiquitous part in today’s healthcare. Doctors, nurses and other providers are challenged on a daily basis in an attempt to consider and assimilate their patient’s different religious beliefs. The recent trends and strong indications of religious vitality and diversity present a pressing need to recognize various faith traditions in healthcare ethics (Reimer-Kirkham, Grypma, Terblanche, 2013). Christianity and Buddhism, two of the most widely practiced religions today, bring their own viewpoints concerning healthcare. These religious beliefs may have similar ideas with regard to illness and healing. However, the differences in health practices and the approach to achieving optimal health can be both insignificant and consequential. This paper will explore and compareShow MoreRelatedDifferences Between Christianity And Buddhism1481 Words   |  6 Pagesand spiritual needs. Although physical and emotional needs are equally important, this paper will focus on the patient’s spiritual needs. It specifically will look at the differences and similarities between Christianity and Buddhism. The worldview of both religions will be explored, and a summary will be given of the differences. Common elements of all religions will be examined. Those things that are important to patients of different faiths will be presented with an emphasis on nursing. LastlyRead MoreDifferences Between Christianity And Buddhism1636 Words   |  7 Pagesthat will be discussed in this paper; Christianity and Buddhism will be the faiths in focus along with the effects on the concept of worldview. Common Components and Health Care Christianity. â€Å"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him† Colossians 1:16 (King James Bible Online). Christianity is a monotheistic religion, meaningRead MoreDifferences Between Christianity And Buddhism1184 Words   |  5 Pagesa person’s spirituality. Christianity is the largest of these religions, with more than 2.2 billion adherents. Buddhism is also another religion practiced that has around 360 million followers. This paper will compare both of these religions according to their worldviews and also tie in their health care implications. A worldview helps to form a person’s thoughts and opinions. It determines someone’s values and decisions in life. Although Christianity and Buddhism are different in many waysRead MoreDifferences Between Christianity And Buddhism2030 Words   |  9 PagesThis paper is a comparison between two very different religions, specifically Christianity and Buddhism. Coming from opposite sides of the globe these two religions could not be any farther apart in any aspect. I will discuss who Christ is for Christians and who Buddha is for Buddhists. I will also get into the aspects of charity, love, and compassion in both religions and I will be looking at the individual self and how Christians see resurrection where the Buddhists feel about the afterlife. OneRead MoreDifference and Similarities Between Christianity and Four (4) World Religion, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Muslims and Hinduism.2305 Words   |  10 Pages Title: Difference and Similarities between Christianity and Four (4) World Religion, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Muslims and Hinduism. Introduction: In the world today there are many religions of different beliefs with vast numbers of followers. However, some of these religions turn to have similarities and differences which defer them from each another. The following report briefly talks about the differences and similarities between Christianity and other four (4) major world religions and theyRead MoreChristianity And Buddhism : A Nation Of Many Religions Essay844 Words   |  4 Pagestheir life, so they relay themselves on religion. Christianity and Buddhism are two ancient religions which both have being on earth for a long time. Both religions are based on the teachings of one man. Moreover, they have many similarities as well as differences. They both have a place of adoration. For Christians is a church, chapel, cathedral, and may others. For Buddhism is a monastery, nunneries, pagodas, and temples. Both Christianity as Buddhism believe on the adoration of something, which willRead More Comparing Buddhism and Christianity Essay1410 Words   |  6 PagesComparing Buddhism and Christianity In the early sixth century Christianity was evolving at a rapid pace. The spread of Christianity was not only moving westward through Europe, but it was also moving eastward down the Silk Road. The eastward spread of Christianity was primarily a form of Christianity known as Nestorianism, after the teachings of Nestorius, a fifth century patriarch. By 635 Nestorian Christianity had reached the heart of China spreading through all of Persia and India. DuringRead MoreBuddhism and Christianity1411 Words   |  6 PagesIn the early sixth century Christianity was evolving at a rapid pace. The spread of Christianity was not only moving westward through Europe, but it was also moving eastward down the Silk Road. The eastward spread of Christianity was primarily a form of Christianity known as Nestorianism, after the teachings of Nestorius, a fifth century patriarch. By 635 Nestorian Christianity had reached the heart of China spreading through all of Persia and India. During the middl e of the seventh century NestorianRead MoreThe Religion Of Islam And Islam1544 Words   |  7 Pagesreligions are different in many aspects, but respect the opposing religious groups. Examples of these religions are Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity that originated from different regions and cultures. While Buddhism comes from a different background, Islam and Christianity come from the same source, and have spread in similar ways throughout history, however, the three religions have differences in their philosophies and practices. These three religions differ in origin, practices, beliefs, worship, andRead MoreChristianity vs Buddhism923 Words   |  4 Pagestruths,† said by Muhammad Ali. Religion is the belief and reverence for a supernatural power and powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe (2003). The religions I’ve chose to compare and contrast would be non denomination/ Christianity and Buddhism. Each religion would be broken down by their religious belief, religious ritual, and religious experience. The definition of these religious things are: religious belief is a statement to which members of a particular religion adhere, religious

Syrian Civil War - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 772 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/05/18 Category History Essay Level High school Tags: Civil War Essay War Essay Did you like this example? About a week ago, you wake up to the news of the U.S. sending strikes of missiles attacking the nation of Syria. President Donald Trump claims that the international community is to blame for not settling the conflicts in Syria. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Syrian Civil War" essay for you Create order As a result, the U.S. took the problem into their own hands and further involved themselves to calm the situation. This event is a result from the Syrian Civil War and the Syrian government attacking its own people with poisonous gas, killing dozens. This and many other incidents have caused Syrians to gather their belongings and travel away from Syria, attempting to go anywhere. It first began with lesser significant occurrences, like droughts and lack of work. These problems are not trivial, but slight in comparison to the war going on within the country. The Syrian refugees started migrating to countries across the Mediterranean Sea, like Greece and Turkey, Now, refugees have been recorded to migrate to other countries to avoid the war of Syria, like those in Eastern Europe and North America. As far as the cause of the Syrian War, it all began around March 2011. Protests began to occur after teenagers were captured and tortured over paintings of revolutionary mottos. Once the protestors had organized a large group and stop obeying the security, the nations security forces had enough and began opening fire. This only opened up room for more activists to take to the streets. It ultimately became a battle between those who supported the government and those who rebelled it. Activists were upset from constant lack of freedom, economic troubles, and global problems like global warming. The rebels hoped to accomplish in the removal of President Assad and his forces to make room for a new government in which they can decide. President Assad wanted to stop all forces opposing the government and rule with a dictator-like command. The war ended up taking place on its own country. According to ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SYRIAN REFUGEES IN LEBANON AND THEIR EMPLOYMENT PROFILE, over twelve million Syrians have fled their homes because of their communities and homes becoming the battleground of the Syrian war (Masri, 2014). During the Syrian war, there were multiple levels of conflict. During the protesting for the captured teenagers, this was a time of civil disobedience. The protestors were challenging the law and standing up for what they believed in. Even though it ended up with the government killing activists, they stood up against a law they saw as unjust. Since 2012, the war progressed to a LIC (Low Intensity Conflict) which included asymmetrical warfare. The captured teenagers drew paintings terrorism when they painted revolutionary mottos on a school. They used these pictures to express their anger toward the government. This helped gather more people for their cause and struck fear in the opposition. They also were involved in asymmetrical warfare while the rebels faced off against the Syrian army along the civilians who agreed with President Assad. Since the start of this war, over 465,000 Syrians have lost their life from the war, over a million injured from the war, and over 12 million hav e been displaced from their original homes 12 million was half the countrys prewar population. President Assad has not been battling fair either. Assad dropped bombs filled with poisonous agents on a town with only women and children that basically wiped most of their civilians. The U.S. and other countries are attempting to help the rebels fight out Assad and his army. Like I stated earlier, the U.S. bombed a Syrian air force base where Assad has control to weaken his forces. Russia bombed parts of Syria owned by terrorist groups. Surrounding and Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey helped supply the rebels with weapons and other materials. It can now be evaluated to a point where the war can seem like a Shia versus Sunni war. The government of Majority-Shia Iran and Iraq support Assad and his government while Sunni-majority states like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar stand ready for the rebels. As far has the war has come, it is not over yet. For the consequences, they will have a divided country to bring together which may take years. Their civilians are spread throughout the continents and may never come back. This also put a strain on the Shia-Sunni relations. This has been a long battle coming and I dont believe thing can go back as they used to. The only way I see for this to end peacefully is for Assad to give up his presence as president and allows the rebel to decide their government.

To what extent do ways of knowing prevent us from deluding...

To what extent do ways of knowing prevent us from deluding ourselves? Justify your answer with reference to at least one area of knowledge Ways of knowing are the core of TOK for us to get knowledge in different Areas of Knowledge. The two key terms on this essay question are â€Å"ways of Knowing† and â€Å"deluding ourselves†. â€Å"Ways of knowing are how we acquire knowledge about the world around us, and figure out our relationship with it†. (IB Diploma Program, 31) Ways of Knowing help us to understand Areas of Knowledge fully. TOK has 8 Ways of Knowing; on this essay I will discuss the three ways: - sense perception, emotions, and reasoning. â€Å"Deluding ourselves† means to mislead the mind or judgment. It means deceiving ourselves. In other†¦show more content†¦That fear will cause me to run (Theory of Knowledge). These decisions have to be decided quickly and they come from our emotions. The last but not the least is reasons. Reasoning is justification for something. Reasoning follows logic or the truth. It prevents us from deluding ourselves since when we are reasoning we use evidence to conclude and we accept the truth whether we like it or not. In order to get knowledge in science we usually use inductive and deductive arguments. We need to see the past patterns to generalize knowledge. Unless we generalize and put them as a theory or a law, it is hard to get knowledge from natural science. Deductive reasoning uses specific premises to conclude a truth, and if the premises are true, the conclusion is impossible to be false. For example- All IB students must do TOK and EE Adam is an IB student Adam must do TOK and EE (Theory of Knowledge ) Such generalizations help us to come to a specific truth. In natural science, when scientists come up with a theory, first they will do an experiment and they will look for patterns in order to make conclusions. For example- My grandfather has diabetes, my father has also has diabetes, and I also has diabetes, so my son will have diabetes problem. Such knowledge is very important in natural science to give a reliable knowledge through reasoning. However, to some extent, ways of knowing may delude us from knowing the truth. Ways of knowing are dependent on eachShow MoreRelatedExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pagesstrategic issues of speciï ¬ c organisations in much greater depth – and often providing ‘solutions’ to some of the problems or difï ¬ culties identiï ¬ ed in the case. There are also over 33 classic cases on the Companion Website. These are a selection of cases from recent editions of the book which remain relevant for teaching. The case studies are intended to serve as a basis for class discussion and not as an illustration of either good or bad management practice. They are not intended to be a comprehensive

Essay Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreaus Religions

Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreaus Religions Benjamin Franklin and Henry David Thoreau are by no means religious in any traditional sense of the word. If, however, â€Å"religious† is taken to mean the â€Å"belief in any sort of supreme being...that obliges ethical or moral conduct†, then both Franklin and Thoreau fall into this category. Though the two are strikingly opposite in their manner and social interaction, they are both held to a religious and personal standard. Their individual spiritual beliefs, ethical codes, and their â€Å"quality of life†show that all of their actions and thoughts are held by themselves to a higher standard. Both men have specific beliefs about the existence of God and†¦show more content†¦He also believed in the joys of nature; he believed them to be gifts that life should be â€Å"earnestly lived from beginning to end†, true to one’s beliefs (Thoreau 34). Their beliefs also led to them possessing specific moral codes about how to live in the world. Franklin was more traditional in this sense; most of his influences came from Christianity and the Ten Commandments. He has very specific beliefs about right and wrong and this is shown in his determination to achieve perfection. He believed that God gave humans the common sense to know what was bad for them and that the reason certain things were bad was that they were detrimental to the individual or to society which can be seen in his attitude towards idle behavior like lust and drinking. Thoreau’s attitudes also reflect common sense. He highly disapproved of falsity, materialism, commercialism, capitalism, and greed. He said that the â€Å"mainspring of humanity is vanity† and that â€Å"the devil finds employment for the idle (Thoreau 39, 49) . All of these coincide with religious views, even if he was not a â€Å"religious† person. He prides himself on the fact that he is able to survive on a small amount of money and that he getting back to nature. Both men’s beliefs can be seen in their quality of life and in their interaction with the world. Franklin was a revolutionary; always seeking change for the better, whether in himself orShow MoreRelatedThe Emergence Of Self Concept1489 Words   |  6 PagesThe Emergence of Self Throughout our history the idea of self has developed and proved to be a dominant concept that Americans have come to understand. Not defined or found in lineage, religion, or history, the concept of self is defined by a collection of values. These values and principles are rooted in individualism, self-actualization, and self-reliance where people are able to fulfill their own destiny and believe in the promise that through ward work and determination life can be differentRead MoreThe Long History Of Summer Camp1901 Words   |  8 Pagestradition. Their new ideas in regards to religion, personal growth, and the natural world becoming increasingly accepted in society created a foundation for this establishment. From the 17th century scientific revolution in England, and later the Enlightenment that spread and emphasis on logic to America, came a new religious philosophy called Deism. In reaction to the Calvinist practices of the Puritans, Deism denied the legitimacy of organized religion and instead emphasized the idea that God

Aviation Security Free Essays

Prior to the 9/11 attack, the US Aviation had little concern over the threat of either hijacking or terrorism. Surveys detailing the passengers’ concerns in flights were more directed towards the airlines’ maintenance and safety than the risk of being hijacked or being attacked by terrorists (Rosenzweig and Kochems, 2005). But after the 9/11 attack, especially with terrorists having used planes as the instruments for initiating a global anxiety over terrorism, aviation security has become an utmost priority of the Department of Homeland Security (Decker, 2005). We will write a custom essay sample on Aviation Security or any similar topic only for you Order Now Increased international concern over terrorist-related aviation security heightened after the attack. This is evidenced by several complaints and questions issued immediately after 9/11. According to the Citizens’ Complaint and Petition as filed with NY AG Eliot Spitzer on November 2004, New York citizens were dissatisfied with official investigations done regarding the attack. Some of the implications of the complaint include the citizens’ suspicion of unsatisfactory intelligence prior to September 11 and that some government officials are responsible for the attack and are directly to blame for the tragedy. In other words, the citizens doubt that the tragedy was a result of mere incompetence on the part of the intelligence committee but more of an act of complicity between the terrorists and some officials. Quoting from the complaint: â€Å"A majority of citizens come to suspect high crimes and treachery within their own government, but cannot find officials with enough courage, power or independence to thoroughly investigate their concerns and restore the public trust (2004). † Moreover, the citizens are concerned that the government is deliberately hiding the real results of the investigation regarding the 9/11 attack keeping their questions from being answered and their peace of mind untended. Representative Cynthia McKinney of Georgia responded to a 9/11 briefing saying that a number of families of the 9/11 tragedy’s victims share her concerns about the truth on all aspects about the 9/11 attack: â€Å"This calls for another look at the government’s account of 9/11, which guides so much of what has happened since. Mistakes of fact, intentional or not, have changed and guided America into costly wars and increased insecurity at home. They need to be addressed and scrutinized, not dismissed and used to attack those who discover or raise those (2005). † Although not stated directly such complaints imply the citizens’ concern for justice and the assurance that their government could be trusted with providing them with their right to a safe environment. Such actions and concerns by the citizens force the government to respond by enhancing security measures especially in aviation, and improving intelligence and investigative capabilities as demanded by the rising anxiety resulting from the tragedy. The complaint also expressed concerns over the taxing effect of â€Å"exaggerated† security measures on civil liberty but notwithstanding, most are still willing to sacrifice the said liberty in exchange for the safety that they demand to be ensured of. In this era of terrorist threat, the citizens regard their civil liberty as second only to their safety. This proves the growing concern of the public over security with its extent emphasized by the object they are willing to exchange it for (O’Connor, 2006). In ensuring the safety of the people and the state, one very important factor to consider is the efficiency in allocation of resources. Clearly, it would be unwise to try to protect everything from terrorist attacks because of limited resources and the asymmetric aspect of risks and consequences afforded to different assets. Here assets refer to people, structures, places, ideas, or any possible object (or non-object) that terrorists may direct their attack to (Rosenzweig and Kochems, 2005). The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, recognizes the state’s limitation in resources and emphasized in one of his speeches, the need for an â€Å"objective measure of risk (Rosenzweig and Kochems, 2005). † Here is where the risk-based approach to counterterrorism comes. In other words, prioritization is very important in ensuring the efficiency in allocation of resources. The efficiency in allocation of resources can be realized by using the risk-based approach. Risk-based Approach to counterterrorism involves the identification and analysis of risks or threats, vulnerability, and criticality. The assessment of these factors is critical in determining how to allocate resources efficiently for maximum prevention of terrorism, which is the main purpose counterterrorism (Decker, 2005). The analysis of threats involves the identification of current assets that are most at risk to terrorist attacks, the capacity of the terrorists to attack the asset, the chance of success of the possible attack and the possible consequences if such attacks were successful (Decker, 2005). If the analysis of threats involves the risks, the analysis of vulnerabilities involves the assessment of the state’s limitations in terms of resources, capabilities and assets. The identification of possible structures which are most at risk to being attacked, the limitations of intelligence, the limitations in terms of funds, are aspects which are important in the analysis of vulnerabilities because these weaknesses, aside from being easily manipulated by terrorists to their advantage, could also cripple our forces if successfully attacked (Decker, 2005). The analysis of criticality involves the possible effect of a successful attack. Here, the differences in consequences afforded by successful attacks are considered. It is important to consider in the analysis of criticality, the assets’ functions and the degree to which a successful attack would cause damage not only to the states’ functions but also to the peoples’ psychological status and moral excellence (Decker, 2005). To summarize, risk is the primary consideration in the actions and decisions executed for the prevention of terrorism. Analyzing the processes involved in the risk-based approach to counterterrorism, we can deduce that the factors influencing the â€Å"objective† value attributed to â€Å"risk† are the probability of attack, the probability of a successful attack and the probable degree of damage caused by the successful attack (Rosenzweig and Kochems, 2005). Considering the factors involved in the assessment of risk, aviation deserves to be one of those included in the list of high priority assets. The success of the 9/11 attack exemplifies the degree of risk involved in aviation. The probability of attack is high considering the limitations in security especially when an airline is not on land, which also increases its chance of success. The damage involved includes the lives of civilians, the loss of the airline involved, disruption in economic activity and abstract losses such as psychological and morale discord. In response to the threat associated with aviation, TSA Administrator Kip Hawley announced changes in security procedures. These changes include more intensive screenings and a longer list of prohibited items. Understandably, firearms, ammunition and any other explosive including fireworks are not permitted at the checkpoint and in any checked or carry-on baggage. Lighters, pocketknives, teargas and other weapons of self-defense are now prohibited at checkpoint (â€Å"TSA reminds passengers to:†¦ †, 2006). A more intensive detection procedure for greater threats such as explosives and guns is now implemented. One security tactic implemented in aviation is that of unpredictability. This is called the layered-screening approach. Various random methods are now used to screen passengers. According to Hawley, it is important that the aviation security is equipped with the â€Å"weapon of uncertainty† so as not to let terrorists gain the advantage of knowledge to easily maneuver situations for the accomplishment of their terrorist plans. Also, according to Hawley, this tactic will help the security team in focusing endeavors to preventing individuals from gaining access to the object of their harmful intent (â€Å"TSA Unveils Enhanced Security Screening Procedures and Changes to the Prohibited Items List†, 2005). Before, aviation security measures include only passing through metal detectors and the screening of baggage. The new security measure now includes additional screenings such as screening of shoes and clothes for explosives, more extensive inspections of baggage and the passenger himself. All these additional measures are done randomly in accordance with the layered screening approach (â€Å"TSA Unveils Enhanced Security Screening Procedures and Changes to the Prohibited Items List†, 2005). Secure Flight is a program specially designed for the enhancement of aviation security, specifically targeted to the prevention of terrorist attacks. This program involves the screening of passengers against a terrorist watch list provided by the FBI: an enhanced screening process, identity authentication process, checking of a passenger name against a database and an appeals process for misidentified passengers (Elias, 2005). It is developed to displace the Computer Assisted Prescreening System. The reliability of the program has been questioned because of possible damage to civil liberties, as names are not always unique (Singel, 2004). Although the detection of terrorist-passengers is essential in ensuring safety, the program’s imperviousness to hackers is questionable. Just recently, the Associated Press reported the suspension of the program because of this issue. Still, Hawley recognizes that the program is essential to aviation security (â€Å"Secure Flight†, 2006). In any case, the main problems associated with security checks involve damages to civil liberties and privacy. Programs like Secure Flight, CAPPS and Clear, operated by a private company, Verified Identity Pass, Inc. are continually being suspended due to issues concerning privacy. In a report done by the Department of Homeland Security, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), EPIC impels the TSA to suspend all private programs including Clear until the concerns over the implications of the programs on privacy are resolved, especially with the use of databases and watch lists. Also, EPIC impels the suspension of the programs until regulations are polished to comply with laws on Privacy (â€Å"Comments on the Electronic Privacy Information Center†, 2005). PDD 39 or the US Counterterrorism Policy formally states the US’ position regarding terrorism. It outlines the country’s purposes and procedures in implementing counterterrorism strategies. It treats all aspects of terrorism whether it is direct or indirect participation both as a crime and a threat to the national security. In this regard, the US Policy on counterterrorism vows to apply all means to fight terrorism (Clinton, 1995). Specifically, the US counterterrorism policy aims to reduce the state’s vulnerabilities against possible threats, deter terrorism, enhance facilities, prevent entrance of weapons of mass destruction and further lead agency responsibilities. The implementation of such tasks is delegated to specific departments. In the case of aviation, it is the TSA, part of the Department of Homeland Security that is tasked in ensuring the safety of flight passengers as well as the transportation of cargo. In the event of increased threats of terrorism, the TSA’s security measures as outlined in the previous paragraphs, have been satisfactory in providing the citizens security (â€Å"Aviation Security: Efforts to measure†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , 2003). For instance, the more intensive screening done to passengers is consistent to the US counterterrorism policies. One, it prevents the entrance of terrorists and thus their inducing terror to the citizens inside national boundaries. Also, the intensive screening and enhanced detection capacities prevent the entrance of weapons of mass destruction, reducing the risks such weapons afford the citizens and other assets of the nation. Specifically, the TSA policy involved in the prevention of weapons of mass destruction is the stricter monitoring of freight, as well as the passengers’ baggage (â€Å"Airport Passenger Screening:†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , 2003). Other TSA policies that are consistent with the US counterterrorism policy is its enhanced list of prohibited items. Now that pocketknives, teargas and even lighters are prohibited at checkpoint, the probability of hijacking is reduced. Efforts like training screeners also deter terrorism by decreasing the likelihood of small detection errors that could have caused heavy damage to the nation. Proposals like the implementation of CAPP and Secure flight, although plagued by criticisms (Singel, 2004), are also aimed to comply with the US Counterterrorism policies. Both of which could be placed under the â€Å"enhancing counterterrorism capabilities† aspect of the US counterterrorism policies. Counterterrorism measures, aside from its mission being to combat terrorism, are done to give the citizens a perception of safety with its heightened efforts to ensure their security. This is very evident in the security measures implemented in airports where passengers are doubly screened, to the dismay of those with terrorist purposes and those shouting for their civil liberties. Given the extra efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to grant the citizens their right to safety, the citizens were supposed to feel extra safe. This is not the case. Extra efforts to provide the citizens the safety they deserve only confirms the degree of danger they perceive to be in to. To add to this, the media overly emphasize the risk posed by terrorism fueling with publicity-derived strength. If the government’s efforts are directed towards giving the citizens security or at least a perception of it, the terrorists, being what they are, aim to instill fear and terror, if not physically with bombs, at least psychologically. It appears that the media and the perpetrators of terror are living symbiotically: the media are giving the terrorists its required publicity to instill terror in the minds of the people and the terrorists provide the media with good stories to tell. In addition, it is the media which gives so much coverage to the extra counterterrorist efforts given by the government which reflects not only the strengths but also its weaknesses. The very idea that the efforts of the government to provide the citizens with security are with loopholes has much more effect in the people’s minds even if its strengths outweighs the weaknesses. The result is the realization of terrorist goals which is to instill fear and terror in every possible way as well as influence the media audience with distrust in the government’s security efforts (Bowdish, 2006). The internet seems to provide the terrorists with one of the best means to disseminate fear, taking advantage of the anonymity and its fast-paced nature. Lots of websites in the internet are now being maintained, unbeknownst to the civilians, by terrorists (Glass, 2001). This medium is especially useful in speedy dissemination of visuals and ideas that instill fear. Other methods include: manipulating reports by promoting contrived neutrality, indirectly aimed at making civilians question any actions done by the state, its policies, security measures and its legitimacy. Some civilians, with their good intention of fighting for freedom are unknowingly influenced by propaganda tactically planned by terrorists (Bowdish, 2006). They are unknowing victims of terrorist machinations. With the government’s passing of new policies aimed at securing the people, specifically, the layered screening done in airports, and the new and unpredictable methods strategically imposed to prevent easy entrance of terrorists in the US, the government has satisfactorily defended the state and most importantly its citizens from terrorism. Unfortunately, the government could only do so with the physical aspect of terrorism. Information can easily be manipulated and with very minimal censorship through the media and from this terrorist weapon, the government can do very little to protect the citizens. The government is not in control of the information disseminated in the media, nor do they have the power to choose which information to be withheld and which information to be broadcasted. In addition, it would not be unwise to control the media as this would only add to the psychological effect that the terrorists, with the help of the media, are producing (Bowdish, 2006). Counterterrorism methods employed today are very much similar to the methods employed in the 1980’s during the Drug War when in 1984; President Ronald Reagan militarized the drug war starting from urine testing and forfeiture of properties towards a decreased threshold of arrest with only hearsay evidence and the use of surveillance systems (â€Å"Drug War†, 2004). Similar to the counterterrorism methods expounded in the revised US Patriot Act, the government officials have expanded powers over gathering information which involves, like that in the Drug War, lower threshold of evidence needed for the arrest of suspected individuals, and forfeiture of properties of those suspected to be working for terrorists. Like in the Drug War, the efforts and procedures employed in combating terrorism are not fully supported by the citizens. Both in the 1980s drug war and today’s counterterrorism involve the citizens’ derision over the loss of their civil liberty and their petition for human rights (â€Å"Drug War†, 2004). In both events, there is an increase in government spending, in 1980’s, to contain drug use and at present, to combat terrorism and increase national security. During the drug war, campaigns for and against the legalization of marijuana had spread in all mediums of communication: radio, newspaper and television. In today’s war against terrorism, the internet has been added to the list of mediums used in campaigns. Like today’s war against terrorism, the efforts in reducing drug use in the 1980s seemed to be futile. Despite the government’s efforts in preventing increase in drug use through the passage of laws and implementation of stricter penalties, the rate of drug abuse had not changed significantly. Today’s war on terrorism involves the same seemingly futile efforts. Terrorists, being as they are, would not be easily deterred by any law or security measure (Bowdish, 2006). They would always try to find means to gain access to whatever vulnerability the nation may have and actuate their terrorist plans. But still, even with this seeming futility, the government is supposed to act towards the betterment of the society and that betterment does not include any hazard and that includes both drugs and terrorism. 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