I was never any good at coming up with April Fools jokes – I usually leave that to other people. I do, however, like reading about various jokes around the web, and discovering them on websites myself. I’ve already been rickrolled a few times (ugh!).
Anyway, while I was reading Wired’s article (linked above), I noticed another article on Wired that caught my attention right away: “Hackers Assault Epilepsy Patients via Computer“. Hackers attacked a forum at the Epilepsy Foundation and displayed flashing images – a definite trigger for photosensitive and pattern-sensitive epileptics.
The incident, possibly the first computer attack to inflict physical harm on the victims, began Saturday, March 22, when attackers used a script to post hundreds of messages embedded with flashing animated gifs.
Definitely no April Fools joke here. This was a planned attack on patients already suffering from a disorder that – in many cases – has turned their lives upside down. How evil do you have to be to plan something like this? I am sure that if just one of the “people” (hard to even call them that) who planned this attack had anyone close to them who suffered from epilepsy, this attack would not have happened.
I haven’t visited the Epilepsy Foundation forums before but after taking a quick look I can tell that it is an amazing resource for epileptics. I will definitely be joining the forum not only to seek support from fellow epileptics, but also to offer support to those struggling with coming to terms with their illness. It’s a really tough thing to do and cannot be done alone.
More info and responses to the story here:
http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2008/03/29/hackers-attack-epileptic-forum-and-make-sufferers-convulse/
I’m really lucky in that my epilepsy is not photosensitive or pattern sensitive. My seizures are completely controlled by medication – thanks to this I’m able to enjoy video games (I love my Wii!) and spend time on the computer without worrying about being affected. This month (April!) will be my one-year seizure-free month 
I have had some seizures in funny/awkward places. They make for some great stories! I’ll share them this month 
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You’re kidding right? That is some sick, twisted individual(s) that would do that. They must have a really sad pathetic life that they have nothing better to do than to think up a way to inflict pain on someone else.
Saph -Walk with Me’s last blog post..Why Should I Get My Own Domain Name?
I was really wishing that it was an April Fools joke (although a joke in very bad taste), but it isn’t
People out there are sick hackers and others are insensitive cruel human beings. What can we do?
Anyways.. I am glad you are free of seizures and maybe in future posts you can tell us more and help those who are suffering from it. I know a few, and personal stories are always encouraging.
Not a nice APril Fools Joke Miss B. Now I do remember a good one where a certain mother ran upstairs to where her gadabouts were sleeping in and stated “the christmas light police are coming down the road to arrest anyone who still has their christmas lights up” Boy did you all take them down in a hurry – Iam still laughing!
Mommy’s last blog post..Tag, I’m it, and – wait for it- a sewing update!
yeah, yeah…
BTW the BLOG police are going to be coming after you soon if you don’t UPDATE! I mean that – I hold the keys!
Erica’s last blog post..A cruel internet attack.
I really wonder about people sometimes… I don’t understand what wire goes loose in the brain that they think that would be funny or fun or even remotely acceptable to do to fellow human being! I can’t wait for your funny stories… not that I want to laugh at you… but ah crap… how do I say that without sounding like a meanie??
fragileheart’s last blog post..Happy Blog-iversary Canucklehead!
Thanks for the link love girls
Hope you’ll be sticking around as permanent readers!
K. [GAS]
Geeks are Sexy’s last blog post..1983 : Year of the Geek
Why would anyone do that. That is extremely sick and twisted. How horrible.
Drew’s last blog post..Entropy… PAD #1089
That really ticks me off. Jokes are funny this is not. I love playing jokes on folks but I know how this can be for those with epilepsy My brother has it and he suffers. Patsy
Patsy’s last blog post..Taking a Dare!
I know! I couldn’t believe this when my husband read it to me! What stupid stupid people. I can almost hear their empty headed inane laughter as they read the headlines about it. The sickos.
nancypants’s last blog post..Like my new header?
That’s an awful joke to pull. It’s like taking a blind person’s walking cane, you just don’t do it.
Ugh, people make me so unhappy sometimes.
Lauren’s last blog post..Return to Childhood
That’s the worst thing I’ve heard since the story of how the guy starved that dog and called it “art”. It wasn’t a joke, it was just cruel. Didn’t these people have parents?!?
mikey777’s last blog post..Wanted: Non-Politician for President
“I am sure that if just one of the “people” (hard to even call them that) who planned this attack had anyone close to them who suffered from epilepsy, this attack would not have happened.”
Well, the problem is that the attack isn’t “planned” so much as announced/instigated and there isn’t a set group of people doing it – a bunch of hooligans join the fray regardless of any sane voices of disapproval. I’ve got copies of the 7chan threads where the EFA attack (and a similar attack on my own forum back in November) were instigated. Maturity is not a strong suit amongst the outliers of society.
ugh. what a crappy thing to do. :\