Antisocial Wireless Networks
November 18, 2005 6:47 AM
How can I find the clueless person who has created a wireless access point in my neighborhood named "Motherfucker."
I assume that this person doesn't realize that the name is visible outside his/her own home. Is there any way to track down the source of the access point short of physically flyering every home in the neighborhood?
(What I'd really like to do is just send a reverse verteron pulse back through the wireless connection to blow up their wireless hub.)
I assume that this person doesn't realize that the name is visible outside his/her own home. Is there any way to track down the source of the access point short of physically flyering every home in the neighborhood?
(What I'd really like to do is just send a reverse verteron pulse back through the wireless connection to blow up their wireless hub.)
why not hack the security (assuming it's secured) and downloading kiddie porn to your heart's content? cracking wep is supposed to be fairly easy if you have long term access to the signal, they will end up publicly shamed, their lives ruined, and you get the added bonus of oodles of free, nekkid prepubescents.
posted by andrew cooke at 6:55 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by andrew cooke at 6:55 AM on November 18, 2005
You could walk around with your laptop, monitoring the signal strength.
Or you could make your own wireless network network, and call it "Hey, watch the language, retard."
posted by chrismear at 6:56 AM on November 18, 2005
Or you could make your own wireless network network, and call it "Hey, watch the language, retard."
posted by chrismear at 6:56 AM on November 18, 2005
I assume that this person doesn't realize that the name is visible outside his/her own home.
That is a rather counterintuitive assumption. I've seen less delicately named SSIDs than that, including "fuckoff". The idea is to send a message to anyone trying to connect to your wireless access point without authorization. They would be smarter to turn off the SSID so that their access point would be invisible.
Now if you fire up netstumbler (or macstumbler) and see that they don't have the access point locked down by MAC address or at least using WEP encryption, then you can probably assume they are a moron. Unless they are also running a packet sniffer and simply attempting to learn a lot about anyone who surfs through their wireless access point. I mean a lot about any information you send or sites you visit via a non-https connection.
But to answer your question, walking around the neighborhood and area apartment buildings and watching the power strength of the signal should give you an idea of the house or apartment that the access point is coming from. That doesn't tell you which occupant owns the "offending" SSID and I really don't know what you are going to do about it. If you talked to them about it they would probably change the SSID to something worse, like your phone number or sumpin'.
posted by spock at 7:01 AM on November 18, 2005
That is a rather counterintuitive assumption. I've seen less delicately named SSIDs than that, including "fuckoff". The idea is to send a message to anyone trying to connect to your wireless access point without authorization. They would be smarter to turn off the SSID so that their access point would be invisible.
Now if you fire up netstumbler (or macstumbler) and see that they don't have the access point locked down by MAC address or at least using WEP encryption, then you can probably assume they are a moron. Unless they are also running a packet sniffer and simply attempting to learn a lot about anyone who surfs through their wireless access point. I mean a lot about any information you send or sites you visit via a non-https connection.
But to answer your question, walking around the neighborhood and area apartment buildings and watching the power strength of the signal should give you an idea of the house or apartment that the access point is coming from. That doesn't tell you which occupant owns the "offending" SSID and I really don't know what you are going to do about it. If you talked to them about it they would probably change the SSID to something worse, like your phone number or sumpin'.
posted by spock at 7:01 AM on November 18, 2005
and what would you do, when you found him, if you were to discover that he is, in fact, a motherfucker? ...
*big 6' 8' guy in harley jacket looks annoyed at alms*
i'd let it go
posted by pyramid termite at 7:03 AM on November 18, 2005
*big 6' 8' guy in harley jacket looks annoyed at alms*
i'd let it go
posted by pyramid termite at 7:03 AM on November 18, 2005
Or you could make your own wireless network network, and call it "Hey, watch the language, retard."
I would actually try this. A lot of the people who don't understand why anyone would be bothered by this must not have kids.
posted by xammerboy at 7:09 AM on November 18, 2005
I would actually try this. A lot of the people who don't understand why anyone would be bothered by this must not have kids.
posted by xammerboy at 7:09 AM on November 18, 2005
For those people who wonder why I care:
-- Have you ever help your grandmother or grandfather set up their computer?
-- Do you have children who use your computer at home?
Believe me, I'm not a prude. But I still think that there's such a thing as being polite, and that effectively shouting "Motherfucker" at several hundred of your neighbors 24/7 does not qualify as polite.
posted by alms at 7:09 AM on November 18, 2005
-- Have you ever help your grandmother or grandfather set up their computer?
-- Do you have children who use your computer at home?
Believe me, I'm not a prude. But I still think that there's such a thing as being polite, and that effectively shouting "Motherfucker" at several hundred of your neighbors 24/7 does not qualify as polite.
posted by alms at 7:09 AM on November 18, 2005
You could knock door to door and ask "Excuse me, are you 'Motherfucker'"?
Seriously, get over it. Even if some little kid does see it (and the only time they would is if they're smart enough to be trying to tinker with wireless settings and pry into parts of windows most young kids don't know exist) - it won't be anywhere near the first (or last) time they see/hear such things.
It's just a word.
Hmm, I think I'm going home and changing my SSID to "eatshitanddie" now.
posted by twiggy at 7:10 AM on November 18, 2005
Seriously, get over it. Even if some little kid does see it (and the only time they would is if they're smart enough to be trying to tinker with wireless settings and pry into parts of windows most young kids don't know exist) - it won't be anywhere near the first (or last) time they see/hear such things.
It's just a word.
Hmm, I think I'm going home and changing my SSID to "eatshitanddie" now.
posted by twiggy at 7:10 AM on November 18, 2005
By the way, I find these responses all very interesting. I would have thought that most people would see this as clearly antisocial behavior, but I guess not.
posted by alms at 7:13 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by alms at 7:13 AM on November 18, 2005
Netstumbler (and macstumbler) will also give you the MAC address of the offending access point. With that info there should be a way to block that access point from even showing up on your computer, but I can't give you any instructions on exactly how to do that.
Maybe a real network geek will come along and confirm if that is possible (and if so, how).
posted by spock at 7:22 AM on November 18, 2005
Maybe a real network geek will come along and confirm if that is possible (and if so, how).
posted by spock at 7:22 AM on November 18, 2005
It is antisocial alms, but that doesn't necessarily make it something you need to take action against.
In any case, if you are setting up your grandparents systems how exactly would they get enough of a clue to see that network address? It's not like it's broadcast in big letters on their desktop.
As for the kids, just lock the system down so that they can't get to the network connections. Problem solved.
posted by oddman at 7:25 AM on November 18, 2005
In any case, if you are setting up your grandparents systems how exactly would they get enough of a clue to see that network address? It's not like it's broadcast in big letters on their desktop.
As for the kids, just lock the system down so that they can't get to the network connections. Problem solved.
posted by oddman at 7:25 AM on November 18, 2005
I wouldn't get all worked up about this, but something like this would kind of sadden me as well. I don't think there should be, for example, a law about this, but that doesn't mean there shouldn't be a response between 'ignore it' and 'kill him.'
Allow me to paraphrase
That's the whole trouble. You can't ever find an SSID that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you're not looking, somebody'll sneak up and change it to "Motherfucker" right under your nose. I think, even, if I ever die, and they stick me in a cemetery, and I have a tombstone and all, it'll say "Alms" on it, and then what year I was born and what year I died, and then right under that it'll say "Motherfucker." I'm positive.
posted by miniape at 7:26 AM on November 18, 2005
Allow me to paraphrase
That's the whole trouble. You can't ever find an SSID that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you're not looking, somebody'll sneak up and change it to "Motherfucker" right under your nose. I think, even, if I ever die, and they stick me in a cemetery, and I have a tombstone and all, it'll say "Alms" on it, and then what year I was born and what year I died, and then right under that it'll say "Motherfucker." I'm positive.
posted by miniape at 7:26 AM on November 18, 2005
I'd see this as anti-social if it were a racial slur, or a personal attack on one of the neighbours, but it isn't. It's just a swear word, one that many of us use from time to time, if not regularly. Hell, the person who set it up probably doesn't even realize how far the signal can travel.
Still, the best way to figure out where the AP is located would be to walk around with a small wireless device and see where the signal strength is, like spock said. But if two houses next door to each other have wireless access points, it might be difficult to figure out which goes where, and really, how confrontational do you want to be about this?
cmonkey renames his AP "fuckfuckfuckingshitfuck"
posted by cmonkey at 7:30 AM on November 18, 2005
Still, the best way to figure out where the AP is located would be to walk around with a small wireless device and see where the signal strength is, like spock said. But if two houses next door to each other have wireless access points, it might be difficult to figure out which goes where, and really, how confrontational do you want to be about this?
cmonkey renames his AP "fuckfuckfuckingshitfuck"
posted by cmonkey at 7:30 AM on November 18, 2005
What happened to "I disagree with what you have to say but will fight to the death to protect your right to say it."? (May or may not be Voltaire.)
I think your grandmother is familiar enough with sex and motherhood that this shouldn't be her first exposure. I wouldn't be too worried about it.
posted by esch at 7:30 AM on November 18, 2005
I think your grandmother is familiar enough with sex and motherhood that this shouldn't be her first exposure. I wouldn't be too worried about it.
posted by esch at 7:30 AM on November 18, 2005
There is nothing wrong with attempting to maintain G-rated pockets for your kids. Saying dog crap in the yard is a reality does not mean I want to let my kids play with it, or that one didn't recognize that it was there.
You have a weird definition of "terrible things", 31d1.
posted by spock at 7:33 AM on November 18, 2005
You have a weird definition of "terrible things", 31d1.
posted by spock at 7:33 AM on November 18, 2005
i know you're against flyering, but i think a few hundred "ARE YOU THE MOTHERFUCKER?" 8x11's would show that filthmonger who's boss and clean up society once and for all.
posted by soma lkzx at 7:34 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by soma lkzx at 7:34 AM on November 18, 2005
You know, I can easily understand someone being surprised and upset about this. What I can't understand is someone who spends time on MetaFilter being surprised and upset about this. Seriously, after my first week here I had learned enough about the behavior and thought patterns of your basic internet geek to be able to predict this. Just be grateful they can't name their access point with an image, because that image would be goatse.
posted by languagehat at 7:34 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by languagehat at 7:34 AM on November 18, 2005
Can you connect to the network? If you can, the owner probably hasn't secured the login to his AP. This means you can surf to the IP address of the gateway (frequently just 192.168.0.1) with a web browser, login to the administration interface and change the SSID to whatever you like, if you really care that much.
To check the ip address of his AP, open a terminal (or 'command prompt') and type 'ipconfig' (windows) or 'ifconfig' (linux/mac). You will see the address close to 'default gateway'. You can also check the properties of your wireless adapter to see which IP you've received.
Disclaimer: don't try this at home. some judges may think this is 'hacking'..
posted by lodev at 7:38 AM on November 18, 2005
To check the ip address of his AP, open a terminal (or 'command prompt') and type 'ipconfig' (windows) or 'ifconfig' (linux/mac). You will see the address close to 'default gateway'. You can also check the properties of your wireless adapter to see which IP you've received.
Disclaimer: don't try this at home. some judges may think this is 'hacking'..
posted by lodev at 7:38 AM on November 18, 2005
Um, honestly, why is it any of your business? Your grandma has heard the word "motherfucker," and any kid who makes it to age eight is gonna hear it, and I have no idea what you're going to say to this person when you "catch" him or her.
Also once one of my neighbors' wireless networks was called "penis" and the password was also "penis" and instead of flipping out and calling the police I just used their network.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 7:39 AM on November 18, 2005
Also once one of my neighbors' wireless networks was called "penis" and the password was also "penis" and instead of flipping out and calling the police I just used their network.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 7:39 AM on November 18, 2005
You know, people who want to sanitize the world really drive me bananas.
So in alms' world, this guy should name his AP for the benefit of other people, otherwise it would be impolite and antisocial? I suppose that anyone who uses the offending expression (or any offending expression, for that matter) online or in their urls should also switch to more "polite" language, just in case your kids or grandparents should stumble upon their sites?
Get over it, alms. If this guys behavior doesn't match your view of politeness or social behavior, simply don't emulate it and then go about your life.
posted by necessitas at 7:45 AM on November 18, 2005
So in alms' world, this guy should name his AP for the benefit of other people, otherwise it would be impolite and antisocial? I suppose that anyone who uses the offending expression (or any offending expression, for that matter) online or in their urls should also switch to more "polite" language, just in case your kids or grandparents should stumble upon their sites?
Get over it, alms. If this guys behavior doesn't match your view of politeness or social behavior, simply don't emulate it and then go about your life.
posted by necessitas at 7:45 AM on November 18, 2005
I would have thought that most people would see this as clearly antisocial behavior, but I guess not.
No, labelling a WAP "motherfucker" is just funny behavior. Antisocial behavior would be being so scared of words that you want to hunt down and destroy someone else's property...
I suggest getting a little more creative. Give him a taste of his own medicine. Use FakeAP to create a blanket of false access points with obscenity-laced SSIDs to befuddle your neighbor. Now, you might be thinking, "But wait! That just exacerbates the problem! Now innocent children and elderly will be subjected to even more degrading filth!" in which case you need to open your eyes, look around at the world in which we live, and chill out.
posted by jbrjake at 7:46 AM on November 18, 2005
No, labelling a WAP "motherfucker" is just funny behavior. Antisocial behavior would be being so scared of words that you want to hunt down and destroy someone else's property...
I suggest getting a little more creative. Give him a taste of his own medicine. Use FakeAP to create a blanket of false access points with obscenity-laced SSIDs to befuddle your neighbor. Now, you might be thinking, "But wait! That just exacerbates the problem! Now innocent children and elderly will be subjected to even more degrading filth!" in which case you need to open your eyes, look around at the world in which we live, and chill out.
posted by jbrjake at 7:46 AM on November 18, 2005
Protect the children! Think of the children! The poor little children!
You realize, of course, that anyone who would name their network "Motherfucker" is probably eleven years old to begin with.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:50 AM on November 18, 2005
You realize, of course, that anyone who would name their network "Motherfucker" is probably eleven years old to begin with.
posted by Faint of Butt at 7:50 AM on November 18, 2005
Hey, what if I was looking at AskMe and a child walked by and saw the word "Motherfucker" on the front page, just sitting there, menacingly.
One of my neighbors has a network called "frodoisgay"
posted by pg at 7:52 AM on November 18, 2005
One of my neighbors has a network called "frodoisgay"
posted by pg at 7:52 AM on November 18, 2005
If it's a motherfucking dlink AP like I have, the motherfucking owner was probably so frustrated using the motherfucking broken configuration tool that "motherfucker" is, in fact, a germane motherfucking appellation.
posted by nearlife at 8:05 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by nearlife at 8:05 AM on November 18, 2005
"...some judges may think this is 'hacking'.."
Because it is. Doesn't matter if the door is open or closed, if it aint your house, you don't belong in it.
And I doubt they'd not have it password protected. Then again, if you can connect, maybe not.
Lots of wifi adapters, and XP, have little apps that pop up and show you the available networks. Seeing "motherfucker" is not within some obscure networking configuration menu. Calling your network "motherfucker" is not unlike putting a sign in your yard that says "motherfucker". And that is antisocial whether you think "motherfucker" is cool or not because our society still finds "motherfucker" to be extremely rude to say in completely public spaces.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 8:07 AM on November 18, 2005
Because it is. Doesn't matter if the door is open or closed, if it aint your house, you don't belong in it.
And I doubt they'd not have it password protected. Then again, if you can connect, maybe not.
Lots of wifi adapters, and XP, have little apps that pop up and show you the available networks. Seeing "motherfucker" is not within some obscure networking configuration menu. Calling your network "motherfucker" is not unlike putting a sign in your yard that says "motherfucker". And that is antisocial whether you think "motherfucker" is cool or not because our society still finds "motherfucker" to be extremely rude to say in completely public spaces.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 8:07 AM on November 18, 2005
I would love to see a network called "motherfucker." Because I would supply the narrative:
My neighbor who is not particularly computer savvy bought a wireless router. He struggled all afternoon setting up his wireless network, swearing, being irritable and just generally wishing it would be over. One expression of his fristration was naming his network "motherfucker."
Half of the wireless networks in my village are named "Red Sox" and another quarter are named after Red Sox players. Mine is named after New Dealer Pa Watkins. I would welcome MOTHERFUCKER to my neighborhood.
posted by Mayor Curley at 8:10 AM on November 18, 2005
My neighbor who is not particularly computer savvy bought a wireless router. He struggled all afternoon setting up his wireless network, swearing, being irritable and just generally wishing it would be over. One expression of his fristration was naming his network "motherfucker."
Half of the wireless networks in my village are named "Red Sox" and another quarter are named after Red Sox players. Mine is named after New Dealer Pa Watkins. I would welcome MOTHERFUCKER to my neighborhood.
posted by Mayor Curley at 8:10 AM on November 18, 2005
My network is named *Fluffyontheporch*
I would go to different places on my property and test for signal strength. It should be pretty easy to figure out what networks are where. . .IF you have a laptop with a wireless card.
posted by Danf at 8:16 AM on November 18, 2005
I would go to different places on my property and test for signal strength. It should be pretty easy to figure out what networks are where. . .IF you have a laptop with a wireless card.
posted by Danf at 8:16 AM on November 18, 2005
"note: Ask MetaFilter is as useful as you make it. Please limit comments to answers or help in finding an answer. Wisecracks don't help people find answers. Thanks."
It seems most of you thought alms was asking whether labeling an access point "motherfucker" is inappropriate.
posted by pardonyou? at 8:18 AM on November 18, 2005
It seems most of you thought alms was asking whether labeling an access point "motherfucker" is inappropriate.
posted by pardonyou? at 8:18 AM on November 18, 2005
Oh, fine then:
Is there any way to track down the source of the access point short of physically flyering every home in the neighborhood?
Not really, no.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 8:21 AM on November 18, 2005
Is there any way to track down the source of the access point short of physically flyering every home in the neighborhood?
Not really, no.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 8:21 AM on November 18, 2005
[a few comments removed. bring the cussing match to metatalk if you need to, keep the answers to the questions on topic]
posted by jessamyn at 8:29 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by jessamyn at 8:29 AM on November 18, 2005
So, several people above have suggested walking around with a laptop (if one is available to you) to see if the signal is much stronger near a particular home, and based on my own experiences, that might work well.
Now, on to the rest of the comments rather than your question:
Most people in this thread seem to assume that the owner will be horribly offended and entirely unwilling to change it, but it seems to me like this might be one of those cases where asking nicely might work. If you insult the person and say his/her behavior is horrible, inappropriate, and antisocial, you'll probably get a poor reaction. At the same time, it might be prudent to avoid mentioning your desire to blow up their wireless hub.
Why are so many people afraid to request that someone to change their behavior you find offensive? If you ask nicely, the worst thing likely to happen is he/she will decline.
posted by JMOZ at 8:35 AM on November 18, 2005
Now, on to the rest of the comments rather than your question:
Most people in this thread seem to assume that the owner will be horribly offended and entirely unwilling to change it, but it seems to me like this might be one of those cases where asking nicely might work. If you insult the person and say his/her behavior is horrible, inappropriate, and antisocial, you'll probably get a poor reaction. At the same time, it might be prudent to avoid mentioning your desire to blow up their wireless hub.
Why are so many people afraid to request that someone to change their behavior you find offensive? If you ask nicely, the worst thing likely to happen is he/she will decline.
posted by JMOZ at 8:35 AM on November 18, 2005
You could always just fire up FakeAP with thousands of false APs named "naughty" and "i-never".
posted by mrbill at 8:49 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by mrbill at 8:49 AM on November 18, 2005
JMOZ: please explain why I should change my behavior when you're the one going out of your way to be subjected to it. Other than sheer conflict avoiding politness, of course.
posted by esch at 8:53 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by esch at 8:53 AM on November 18, 2005
Since you mention the terms neighborhood and home(s), I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you're in something akin to suburbia. I can see how you might be concerned, particularly if there are children in the area because as Ethereal Bligh said, the SSID does pop up in the task bar on Windows. Do your neighbors see the network or have an issue with it (that could also help you narrow down the offender)? Perhaps just asking around will help since someone might mention to the SSIDer that someone else found it offensive. Do you have a neighborhood association that you can bring this to? I could totally see a neighborhood association jumping on this issue for you.
posted by ml98tu at 9:19 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by ml98tu at 9:19 AM on November 18, 2005
I love how since everyone thinks it would be totally awesome to have a vulgar SSID, why should alms be upset? What are you, trying to suppress awesomeness, alms?
Some people place value in having things a certain way, especially where they live. That's why they invented Home Owners' Associations. Granted, some people think they're the devil, and that's why they invented moving.
If you have an HOA, complain to it. If you don't have one, try to start one. If neither works, move to somewhere more compatible.
If you think that's too much trouble, put a note/sign where you think all your neighbors will see it encouraging them to Think of the Children.
But you people thinking alms is trying to take away your porno, calm the fuck down.
posted by deadfather at 9:38 AM on November 18, 2005
Some people place value in having things a certain way, especially where they live. That's why they invented Home Owners' Associations. Granted, some people think they're the devil, and that's why they invented moving.
If you have an HOA, complain to it. If you don't have one, try to start one. If neither works, move to somewhere more compatible.
If you think that's too much trouble, put a note/sign where you think all your neighbors will see it encouraging them to Think of the Children.
But you people thinking alms is trying to take away your porno, calm the fuck down.
posted by deadfather at 9:38 AM on November 18, 2005
esch: Well, one might argue that being considerate of others' wishes is essential to the operation of a society. This is especially true if it doesn't really affect you much.
Of course, if you're very adamant about calling your WAP "Motherfucker" then that's your right. But, it's my right to ask you to consider something else.
Oh, and I don't know that I agree with you about how much alms is going out of his way to be offended by the behavior. He MIGHT be overreacting a bit, but it's not as though he walked by someone's house, looked in their window, and was offended to see porn on their TV; it's something that his neighbor (unintentionally) beamed into his house. Would you object to my asking my neighbors to keep down the noise from their parties at midnight on Tuesday night?
posted by JMOZ at 9:43 AM on November 18, 2005
Of course, if you're very adamant about calling your WAP "Motherfucker" then that's your right. But, it's my right to ask you to consider something else.
Oh, and I don't know that I agree with you about how much alms is going out of his way to be offended by the behavior. He MIGHT be overreacting a bit, but it's not as though he walked by someone's house, looked in their window, and was offended to see porn on their TV; it's something that his neighbor (unintentionally) beamed into his house. Would you object to my asking my neighbors to keep down the noise from their parties at midnight on Tuesday night?
posted by JMOZ at 9:43 AM on November 18, 2005
Geez, people. Lay off alms. There *is* the possibility whoever set up the motherfuckin' WAP doesn't have a clue he/she's effectively flipping the bird to the whole neighbourhood. Could be it's some wanker thinking he's being quite clever and sharing this with a few select friends, without thinking through the next step (that others he might *not* want to share his joke with might also see it).
Like the introverted exhibitionist who likes walking around their house nude, without realizing they forgot to close one set of curtains in a little-used room upstairs, this person might actually be surprised that others can see them.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 9:46 AM on November 18, 2005
Like the introverted exhibitionist who likes walking around their house nude, without realizing they forgot to close one set of curtains in a little-used room upstairs, this person might actually be surprised that others can see them.
posted by GhostintheMachine at 9:46 AM on November 18, 2005
necessitas: The point is that alms does not have the right to ask someone to change their choice of AP name.
Really? He doesn't have the right to ask? I'm not trying to be snarky, but I would say that would fall solidly within his freedom of speech. I agree he doesn't have the right to require the neighbor to change it, but is a request really so unreasonable?
Above, esch quoted Voltaire ("I may diagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.") Is making your disagreement with what someone says known really the same thing as infringing on the right to say it?
posted by JMOZ at 9:54 AM on November 18, 2005
Really? He doesn't have the right to ask? I'm not trying to be snarky, but I would say that would fall solidly within his freedom of speech. I agree he doesn't have the right to require the neighbor to change it, but is a request really so unreasonable?
Above, esch quoted Voltaire ("I may diagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.") Is making your disagreement with what someone says known really the same thing as infringing on the right to say it?
posted by JMOZ at 9:54 AM on November 18, 2005
Just be grateful they can't name their access point with an image, because that image would be goatse.
languagehat, this made me laugh out loud. I'm suddenly grateful that portable image projection devices aren't built into cell phones yet
If I was obsessed by "motherfucker", I'd rig my laptop to get the worst possible reception, perhaps by detaching the antenna, or buying one of those crazy highly directional antennas. Then I'd wander around and see where I got signal.
posted by I Love Tacos at 9:56 AM on November 18, 2005
languagehat, this made me laugh out loud. I'm suddenly grateful that portable image projection devices aren't built into cell phones yet
If I was obsessed by "motherfucker", I'd rig my laptop to get the worst possible reception, perhaps by detaching the antenna, or buying one of those crazy highly directional antennas. Then I'd wander around and see where I got signal.
posted by I Love Tacos at 9:56 AM on November 18, 2005
It's tasteless, yes, and you probably could zero in on them with a signal strength meter. You could improve things by using a directional antenna (such as can be made with a Pringles can or a commercial version). If they do not respond to a polite request I would drop it. Feuding with the neighbors can lead to all sorts of bad things.
posted by caddis at 10:24 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by caddis at 10:24 AM on November 18, 2005
A lot of seriously lame responses, but the lamest has to be luriete. I guess a lot of people see nothing wrong with degrading the shared space of others in society. And when someone dares to complain, they want to gang up and ratchet up the asshattery.
Don't try to log in to his AP, if he has logging turned on he'll see a failed login attempt and become quite irate with you (assuming he connects the dots).
The guy is basically beaming an obscenity onto everyone's computer that picks up his signal. This is acceptable behavior? If you're stuck at an emotional age of 14, Beavis, uhhh-huh-huh.
I suggest you try the tack suggested by xammerboy, and change your AP's SSID to try and communicate with the person (I don't suggest being insulting, so drop the "retard"). If you can connect to their network without authentication, and they have a shared iTunes library, you could try to communicate that way as well.
posted by evariste at 10:30 AM on November 18, 2005
Don't try to log in to his AP, if he has logging turned on he'll see a failed login attempt and become quite irate with you (assuming he connects the dots).
The guy is basically beaming an obscenity onto everyone's computer that picks up his signal. This is acceptable behavior? If you're stuck at an emotional age of 14, Beavis, uhhh-huh-huh.
I suggest you try the tack suggested by xammerboy, and change your AP's SSID to try and communicate with the person (I don't suggest being insulting, so drop the "retard"). If you can connect to their network without authentication, and they have a shared iTunes library, you could try to communicate that way as well.
posted by evariste at 10:30 AM on November 18, 2005
I agree he doesn't have the right to require the neighbor to change it, but is a request really so unreasonable?Yes, it's unreasonable. We're not talking about a loud party or a blocked driveway. Whatever someone chooses to name his private network is something that, most people would say, is none of your damn business -- in which case it's unreasonable to ask that it be changed.
(I suppose he has the "right" to ask, but I'm not sure why that's relevant. No one suggested he couldn't ask without being arrested.)
I'm amazed that so many people (a) object to profanity, yet (b) think an appropriate solution is to access someone's wireless connection without permission. It's worth noting there have been a handful of publicized cases lately where people were prosecuted for unlawful wireless access. It's also perfectly appropriate to the helpful spirit of AskMe to reply that those responses reflect some seriously whack priorities.
The bottom line is that you can't easily and/or legally discover whose network you're viewing; and even if you could, someone who would label his network "motherfucker" probably isn't the type who would be receptive to your polite, nosy request. So it would be best to direct your attention elsewhere.
posted by cribcage at 10:54 AM on November 18, 2005
If you are able to connect to his AP, you can likely determine which IP address his PC has been assigned and use the command line Net-Send command to cause a short text message to pop up on his screen explaining your position.
If that does not persuade him to change it, then you'll have to live with it.
posted by BigLankyBastard at 11:03 AM on November 18, 2005
If that does not persuade him to change it, then you'll have to live with it.
posted by BigLankyBastard at 11:03 AM on November 18, 2005
Yes, it's unreasonable. We're not talking about a loud party or a blocked driveway. Whatever someone chooses to name his private network is something that, most people would say, is none of your damn business -- in which case it's unreasonable to ask that it be changed.
People get arrested for swearing in public. Usually the charge is some form of disorderly conduct. Broadcasters can't say this on the public airwaves either. In addition to being rude, this sort of behavior may even be illegal. Even if it's not technically illegal that won't stop a rogue DA from charging you just to make a political point. So, yes, the behavior is unreasonable, IMHO. However, how you respond is part of the issue. Do you really want to start a feud with your neighbor? Someone who would do this sounds to me like the type of person who might be a real jerk about any complaints. These are all things to consider assuming you are able to track down the location of the WAP.
posted by caddis at 11:14 AM on November 18, 2005
People get arrested for swearing in public. Usually the charge is some form of disorderly conduct. Broadcasters can't say this on the public airwaves either. In addition to being rude, this sort of behavior may even be illegal. Even if it's not technically illegal that won't stop a rogue DA from charging you just to make a political point. So, yes, the behavior is unreasonable, IMHO. However, how you respond is part of the issue. Do you really want to start a feud with your neighbor? Someone who would do this sounds to me like the type of person who might be a real jerk about any complaints. These are all things to consider assuming you are able to track down the location of the WAP.
posted by caddis at 11:14 AM on November 18, 2005
If I had a neighbor that named his dog "Motherfucker", and kept yelling for him at the top of his lungs, I would ask him to change the dogs name.
So I guess what I'm saying is, I'd find out who the person is, and ask them to change the name of their WAP.
posted by socialbutterfly at 11:27 AM on November 18, 2005
So I guess what I'm saying is, I'd find out who the person is, and ask them to change the name of their WAP.
posted by socialbutterfly at 11:27 AM on November 18, 2005
"Whatever someone chooses to name his private network is something that, most people would say, is none of your damn business -- in which case it's unreasonable to ask that it be changed."
Well, you can choose whether or not to broadcast your SSID. This person chose an SSID that they probably knew would offend some people, and they chose to broadcast it to every wifi device in their transmission range, appearing fairly prominently in certain computer interfaces.
I don't think there's a clear-cut "right" or "wrong" here, but I do think that there's a good argument that this is (intentionally or not) a public action rather than a private one.
It's like swearing during a private conversation in a public space (like a bus stop or restaurant). Personally I will do this, and think that I should be free to do so, but I also recognize that it makes some people uncomfortable. If I'm aware that it is making someone uncomfortable, then I will usually choose to stop. I don't really understand the discomfort, and I don't feel obligated to change my behavior, but I'll do so voluntarily because it helps someone else and is not a burden to be. Someone else might choose differently, though.
posted by mbrubeck at 11:43 AM on November 18, 2005
Well, you can choose whether or not to broadcast your SSID. This person chose an SSID that they probably knew would offend some people, and they chose to broadcast it to every wifi device in their transmission range, appearing fairly prominently in certain computer interfaces.
I don't think there's a clear-cut "right" or "wrong" here, but I do think that there's a good argument that this is (intentionally or not) a public action rather than a private one.
It's like swearing during a private conversation in a public space (like a bus stop or restaurant). Personally I will do this, and think that I should be free to do so, but I also recognize that it makes some people uncomfortable. If I'm aware that it is making someone uncomfortable, then I will usually choose to stop. I don't really understand the discomfort, and I don't feel obligated to change my behavior, but I'll do so voluntarily because it helps someone else and is not a burden to be. Someone else might choose differently, though.
posted by mbrubeck at 11:43 AM on November 18, 2005
What some are missing is that the SSID of a wifi network isn't private by its very nature. It exists so that you can connect to the network you want to connect to and not to a network you don't want to connect to. More often than not these days, that decision will be made entirely in the public sphere. The SSID is a public sign, like, say, your street number painted on your house. If you wrote "motherfucker" on the front of your house, people will object and rightly so. Naming the wifo network "motherfucker" is not the same thing as naming a computer on that network "motherfucker", unless the network itself is public.
On preview: "...but I do think that there's a good argument that this is (intentionally or not) a public action rather than a private one"
I think that without a doubt this is a public action.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 11:47 AM on November 18, 2005
On preview: "...but I do think that there's a good argument that this is (intentionally or not) a public action rather than a private one"
I think that without a doubt this is a public action.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 11:47 AM on November 18, 2005
someone who would label his network "motherfucker" probably isn't the type who would be receptive to your polite, nosy request.
Do you know that though? Do you know alms' neighborhood? What if the neighbor is receptive? What if it's just a kid and the parents are receptive? What do you know besides that you might take it a little personally if alms made this request of you?
blue_beetle and BigLankyBastard have given some good advice to the OP, and others (including myself) have tried to give some alternative tacks. I don't see how any of the rest of it is helpful.
posted by deadfather at 11:49 AM on November 18, 2005
Do you know that though? Do you know alms' neighborhood? What if the neighbor is receptive? What if it's just a kid and the parents are receptive? What do you know besides that you might take it a little personally if alms made this request of you?
blue_beetle and BigLankyBastard have given some good advice to the OP, and others (including myself) have tried to give some alternative tacks. I don't see how any of the rest of it is helpful.
posted by deadfather at 11:49 AM on November 18, 2005
I named my network "I fucked your wife" some years back, and I absolutely meant it as a public action. Did I know that kids could probably see it? Maybe. I didn't think that far ahead. But I think kids could probably handle it.
posted by astruc at 12:33 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by astruc at 12:33 PM on November 18, 2005
To clarify a couple of things.
I would not have beamed a reverse verteron pulse into my neighbor's house, even if I knew who he was and even if reverse verteron pulse's existed. That was a joke. I was also not going to gather a gang of friends with baseball bats and pitchforks and do bodily harm to anyone.
As far as public vs private, I agree with Ethereal Bligh and Social Butterfly. They're projecting into the public space in a way that is highly visible on many computer interfaces.
That said, I probably wouldn't complain to someone who painted "Motherfucker" on their house or named their dog "Motherfucker" because (a) it would be clear to me that they were intentionally making a public statement, which I respect, and (b) I'm something of a wimp about confronting people, especially strangers.
In this case, though, my assumption is that the person in question is not a metafiltrarian-level geek who realizes that their SSID is their own personal billboard and that they can therefore use it to advertize the fact that George W. Bush engages in sodomy with Astruc every third tuesday. My assumption was closer to Mayor Curley's or Ghostinthemachine's, that this poor dweeb got his wireless router set up and figured he'd be cute with himself maybe his roommates. I was going to tap him on the shoulder and let him know his fly was unzipped. If he wanted to leave it that way, fine by me.
With that said, thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I'm now going to stand by my window with the shade pulled up and masterbate.
posted by alms at 1:58 PM on November 18, 2005
I would not have beamed a reverse verteron pulse into my neighbor's house, even if I knew who he was and even if reverse verteron pulse's existed. That was a joke. I was also not going to gather a gang of friends with baseball bats and pitchforks and do bodily harm to anyone.
As far as public vs private, I agree with Ethereal Bligh and Social Butterfly. They're projecting into the public space in a way that is highly visible on many computer interfaces.
That said, I probably wouldn't complain to someone who painted "Motherfucker" on their house or named their dog "Motherfucker" because (a) it would be clear to me that they were intentionally making a public statement, which I respect, and (b) I'm something of a wimp about confronting people, especially strangers.
In this case, though, my assumption is that the person in question is not a metafiltrarian-level geek who realizes that their SSID is their own personal billboard and that they can therefore use it to advertize the fact that George W. Bush engages in sodomy with Astruc every third tuesday. My assumption was closer to Mayor Curley's or Ghostinthemachine's, that this poor dweeb got his wireless router set up and figured he'd be cute with himself maybe his roommates. I was going to tap him on the shoulder and let him know his fly was unzipped. If he wanted to leave it that way, fine by me.
With that said, thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I'm now going to stand by my window with the shade pulled up and masterbate.
posted by alms at 1:58 PM on November 18, 2005
*[whereupon alms shows himself to be more reasonable than most in this thread]
posted by caddis at 2:09 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by caddis at 2:09 PM on November 18, 2005
While clearly not as publicly visible, it's like putting a big sign in front of her/his house with the same word scrawled on it. If it were in my neighborhood, I'd ask him to take it down. If not, I'd call the police and file a complaint. Or complain to a homeowner association, or whatever.
In this case, see if you can figure out who it is, then politely ask them to change it (if there's a concern for safety, drop an anonymous note in the mail).
It might in fact be set up by a kid, and their parents have no idea.
I doubt the police would care, but maybe there's an off chance. Does anyone know if the FCC cares about this kind of thing?
posted by mumeishi at 2:16 PM on November 18, 2005
In this case, see if you can figure out who it is, then politely ask them to change it (if there's a concern for safety, drop an anonymous note in the mail).
It might in fact be set up by a kid, and their parents have no idea.
I doubt the police would care, but maybe there's an off chance. Does anyone know if the FCC cares about this kind of thing?
posted by mumeishi at 2:16 PM on November 18, 2005
If you find out who it is, why not get him a wallet for Christmas?
posted by kindall at 3:55 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by kindall at 3:55 PM on November 18, 2005
Whether you (referring to people who think he should back off) think it is offensive or not, it is to him (and me). Despite whether you think kids could handle it, it's his offense that is in question, not yours. Your inoffense doesn't overrule his offense, you still have one offended person.
My questions: At what point would you be setting up a computer for your grandfather, or would a kid find while playing on it, the offending message? I'm running on wireless net, but I had no I idea I had a name or how I would go about changing it. If I have encountered it, I didn't know what it was. How can I tell? Win2kpro..
posted by vanoakenfold at 4:38 AM on November 19, 2005
My questions: At what point would you be setting up a computer for your grandfather, or would a kid find while playing on it, the offending message? I'm running on wireless net, but I had no I idea I had a name or how I would go about changing it. If I have encountered it, I didn't know what it was. How can I tell? Win2kpro..
posted by vanoakenfold at 4:38 AM on November 19, 2005
...they can therefore use it to advertize the fact that George W. Bush engages in sodomy with Astruc every third tuesday.
?
posted by astruc at 9:42 AM on November 19, 2005
?
posted by astruc at 9:42 AM on November 19, 2005
In this case, though, my assumption is that the person in question is not a metafiltrarian-level geek who realizes ... My assumption was closer to Mayor Curley's or Ghostinthemachine's, that this poor dweeb got his wireless router set up and figured he'd be cute with himself maybe his roommates
If he set up a wireless network, presumably he will sign onto it. In so doing, presumably he will see the other local networks, and, presumably, infer that his is also visible to them. Your assumptions seem unfounded to me.
But if you really think he's a "clueless" "poor dweeb", then I think xammerboy's solution is the best - respond to him by renaming your network 'hey mofo, I've got kids', or whatever.
posted by mdn at 7:25 AM on November 20, 2005
If he set up a wireless network, presumably he will sign onto it. In so doing, presumably he will see the other local networks, and, presumably, infer that his is also visible to them. Your assumptions seem unfounded to me.
But if you really think he's a "clueless" "poor dweeb", then I think xammerboy's solution is the best - respond to him by renaming your network 'hey mofo, I've got kids', or whatever.
posted by mdn at 7:25 AM on November 20, 2005
Astruc, the fact that you're not aware of it makes it that much more sinister.
posted by alms at 5:11 PM on November 20, 2005
posted by alms at 5:11 PM on November 20, 2005
cribcage writes "Yes, it's unreasonable. We're not talking about a loud party or a blocked driveway. Whatever someone chooses to name his private network is something that, most people would say, is none of your damn business -- in which case it's unreasonable to ask that it be changed."
The network may be private but the radio space it is broadcasting in isn't.
mumeishi writes "Does anyone know if the FCC cares about this kind of thing?"
Depends on the office. Just because the WiFi space is unlicensed doesn't mean it is unregulated and similar spaces like citizen's band have prohibitions on vulgar language.
posted by Mitheral at 9:25 AM on September 17, 2006
The network may be private but the radio space it is broadcasting in isn't.
mumeishi writes "Does anyone know if the FCC cares about this kind of thing?"
Depends on the office. Just because the WiFi space is unlicensed doesn't mean it is unregulated and similar spaces like citizen's band have prohibitions on vulgar language.
posted by Mitheral at 9:25 AM on September 17, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:48 AM on November 18, 2005