I know this is a bit of a stretch, and more likely a train of delusional thinking, but I’m doing research for a story I plan on writing in the future…most of this research involves learning about various kinds of weapons one might be able to use during an apocalypse. (In the story a character has access to a storage shed of illegal weapons that he sold on the street). I’m getting more and more paranoid that the government is watching my browsing history and is going to start monitoring what sites I visit and don’t visit.
I have no intention on buying weapons. No intentions on talking with real people who sell weapons, no intentions on using weapons. I just need research for my story. But could the government be monitoring what I’m looking at? What would happen if they did? Would they believe my intentions considering I am schizo-affective?
Think about it like this, why watch you out of everyone else in the world? Also think of all the school shootings and random killings that happen, many of which they find evidence recorded prior to the act. I doubt they would just let those things happen.
The way law enforcement operations work is you actually have to attempt to buy the illegal weapon to get charged. So some sellers out there may be undercover agents.
It is always possible to track web browsing history. Not likely that they’re interested in you. But nothing on the Internet should be considered truly private.
BTW there’s nothing illegal about looking up weapon specs online.
Okay thanks, making me feel a little more comfortable.
Yeah, I think that’s what has me paranoid though…I guess the best thing to do is not commit a crime that the government would want to search my computer. I think I’m just over thinking things.
HM, I think I’ve done enough research for the night anyway. I’m getting tired and have to take my medicine. Whenever I tend to get stuck during the outlining phase I tend to look up information regarding the topic. I’ve gotten myself stuck mid-way through the fourth chapter and don’t know where to go from here…so I think I’m going to step away from from the outline for the night and just ponder the next course of action my characters take.
I have made headway in the story outline though, I’m up to chapter 4 and I think I’ve committed to a title for the book. I’m going to let it play around in my head for a few days before I’m absolutely sure I like it or not.
I agree with everyone else that it is incredibly unlikely that you are being watched. On another note; that’s great that you are writing a book! I want to write a fiction book but I don’t know where to start. I have looked up some tips online. I just need to carve out time to learn.
Also be careful looking at dodgy porn sites. The ip address is always saved so if your mom’s got a computer in the same house she might see weird things on her pc
I have reason to believe everything we do online is recorded and kept in a database but that doesn’t mean someone is looking at that information. I believe you are only monitored if you are a person of interest to the government.
Yes, if you have history that would cause them to be suspicious. Though I don’t have a violent or criminal history I was paranoid because my illness they might read too much into my interest in the topic… meaning I have none outside of my story parameter.
Well I frequently delete browser information to prevent corrupt data files. With my knowledge of computers it’s something I’ve picked up on over the years. Also I get tired of seeing old search terms that are irrelevant to me whenever I type in a single word or phrase and the information comes up.
I’ve started the actual writing process of one story, and this is my second outline of a story…it’s taken several years of independent learning. I have hundreds of how-to writing books from grammar/editing to character development, to plot thickening. I’ve also watched many You-Tube Videos on the topic and read a lot of blog posts. Everything I’ve learned in writing so far has been self-taught. It’s kind of why my first story is taking so long as I sift through all the information and figure out what’s actually important to me and my story and what information I need to just forget about. Its all very personalized. What works for one writer might not work for the next.
I can give you some tips, writer vlogs form You-tube and books I’ve found most helpful if you’re interested.
Then you’ll know your history is never truly deleted. It just takes a bit more effort to dig into your computer to recover those files.
Nothing you do is going to make anyone want to do that much work on your computer.
Like I said, all they have to do is read your blog to understand.
cough google cough nsa…Microsoft cough cough…apple… they all keep records of some sort…aol serach history was leaked or released in some way and search history was kept along side ip address… so deleting the browser history is a slightly worthless act as far as security goes,… but I doubt they are concerned over your set of searches… you can legally buy sell and trade guns online… and the specs for many can be found on Walmart so I doubt gun specs are even an offensive search…
oh also for you book gun modding is very popular and could add some unique twist to your weapons list…
There is one video on this channel about creating an outline that I found very helpful, its what I used to outline my first novel…not using the second time because I don’t want all my books to be organized the same way. She mostly does book reviews.
BOOKS:
I split these in two groups, one plotting and structuring your novel as a whole story. Favorites listed first. I do have more books but these are my top favorites I use over and over.
How to use the snowflake Method Randy Ingermanson
Strcturing your Novel Workbook - KM Weiland
Outlining your Novel Workbook - KM Weiland
These books are mostly lists, you don’t have to read the whole book if they aren’t relevant to your story.
Dialogue Thesaurus by Dahlia Evans
The Negative Trait Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Pugish.
the Positive trait Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Pugish.
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Pugish.
The Rural Setting Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Pugish.
Urban Setting Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Pugish.
Adverbs & Cliches in a Nut Shell Jessica Bell
Show & Tell in a Nut Shell Jessica Bell
The Six Senses in a Nut Shell Jessica Bell
Writing in a Nut Shell Jessica Bell
Strong Verbs Strong Voice Ann Everett
Create a plot Clinic Holly Lislse
Page-Turning Scenes Holly Lislse
Emotion Amplifiers by Angela Ackerman and Becca Pugish.