Blocked sites
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DeadMoneyDrew
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I assume that you were using either free WiFi or some other Internet service from within the room. It's not uncommon for firearm websites to be blocked by some sort of web filtering tool. Barracuda, Bluecoat, and other common web filtering applications typically block firearms related sites. I can't get to this site or any firearm manufacturer site from work. It's probably safe to assume that the web traffic from your room was routed through the company's headquarters, and that the company uses one of these web filtering applications. I bet a dollar to a donut that you would not have been able to access gambling, tasteless humor, or sex sites either.
I wouldn't read too far into it because most web filtering applications block access to firearms sites by default.
I wouldn't read too far into it because most web filtering applications block access to firearms sites by default.
100% accurate.
If you do a lot of traveling check out Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile and Sprint, all of who offer personal WiFi hubs or modems. These are USB based and independent of whatever "free" Internet service the motel is offering.
They come with a pre-paid plan that costs between 10 to 55 dollars per day, week or month, so you fund them as necessary. I have yet to find any site blocked, and they are much more secure then most public providers.
They come with a pre-paid plan that costs between 10 to 55 dollars per day, week or month, so you fund them as necessary. I have yet to find any site blocked, and they are much more secure then most public providers.
barnbwt
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Seeing as this phenomenon of firearms censorship is so baffling to so many, and seeing how I imagine many companies could care less, are any RKBA orgs attempting to lobby companies like Barracuda to remove gun terms from their filters? There's nothing offensive about firearms, and so long as the intent isn't to keep employees from wasting time on gun forums 
evil there seems no logical reason for their blockage.
They're a private company with freedom to buy what they will and whatever, but I also don't see why customers should be comfortable with stuff like this; it's like censoring news sites with a certain political bent; unacceptable in this country*.
*A filter at work blocked DrudgeReport but not Huffpoo for the longest time, but has recently done the right thing and barred both from viewership
TCB
evil there seems no logical reason for their blockage.They're a private company with freedom to buy what they will and whatever, but I also don't see why customers should be comfortable with stuff like this; it's like censoring news sites with a certain political bent; unacceptable in this country*.
*A filter at work blocked DrudgeReport but not Huffpoo for the longest time, but has recently done the right thing and barred both from viewership
TCB
Thats a good question. I do not know how prevalent it is. I travel probably 30 times a year and I think I have run into it maybe twice. It does not happen at Marriott or Hilton properties or Starbucks or any free airport Wifi that I can remember.Seeing as this phenomenon of firearms censorship is so baffling to so many, and seeing how I imagine many companies could care less, are any RKBA orgs attempting to lobby companies like Barracuda to remove gun terms from their filters? There's nothing offensive about firearms, and so long as the intent isn't to keep employees from wasting time on gun forums
They're a private company with freedom to buy what they will and whatever, but I also don't see why customers should be comfortable with stuff like this; it's like censoring news sites with a certain political bent; unacceptable in this country*.
*A filter at work blocked DrudgeReport but not Huffpoo for the longest time, but has recently done the right thing and barred both from viewership
TCB
You say they are not offensive sights. I and I agree. But keep in mind a lot of these providers are California driven.
DeadMoneyDrew said:
I don't doubt that the facts of your post are correct, but I don't share your conclusion. Somebody makes these decisions (to block perfectly legal and legitimate sites by default), which amount to a (poor) value judgment. Worth a complaint to the manager, at the least.
Yes. But the person making this decision is so far removed from the manager it would not do any good. If you want to be heard send a formal letter to two different places at Corporate headquarters.
Those guys at corporate probably do not even realize it. IT infrastructure for multi unit organizations are so complicated today that a detailed list of what is blocked by a third party provider is probably not reviewed. My guess is the conversation went like this.
IT provider-So this is our deal at our best price
Company Man-Does it block sites that can get us sued.
IT provider-Yes. Anything anyone could find inappropriate
Company Man-Great. Where do I sign.
Agalaska said:
I'm not familiar with the Andrew Johnson Inn, but a quick internet search (not Google!) does not indicate a chain. The person making decisions about default behavior of software may be far removed, but the decision to choose different software based on its default behavior may happen closer to home.
Personally, I don't have a problem with the sites putting up the option to block firearms. It's their right if they want to put it in there. Besides, some of the other things that you can block are social media, video streaming, sports, etc. This is good in a business setting to prevent employees from using company resources and time on personal ambitions. It's up to the network admin to set up the proper filters.
You can always tell the hotel that you work in the industry and won't be staying with them again unless they turn off the filter. I've seen these filters on Sonic Wall products and they really seem geared more towards blocking content in work environments.
savanahsdad
Member
I was at a Hardee's "Free WiFi " and could not get on the THR site ?? so I tried Cabela's no go there either , did a check and found out they had anything "weapon's related " blocked . even tried Cabela's camp gear , no go there either , I asked for the manager , he said it was there policy , I told him the only reason I came in was because I saw there Free WiFi sign , and that would not happen again ! and that Burger King don't block Weapon related sites , and there burger are better, 
as posted above , I can see blocking sites to keep the workers for wasting time on the company dime , but this was at a burger joint ! That has a big sign that says "Free WiFi" yet you could not even go on line to order a gun lock :banghead: ,, can you say "UN-AMERICAN" so no more Hardee's for me ,
and as a truck driver hop on free WiFi's all the time and that Hardee's in Osseo WI is the only time I have run across that ,
as posted above , I can see blocking sites to keep the workers for wasting time on the company dime , but this was at a burger joint ! That has a big sign that says "Free WiFi" yet you could not even go on line to order a gun lock :banghead: ,, can you say "UN-AMERICAN" so no more Hardee's for me ,
and as a truck driver hop on free WiFi's all the time and that Hardee's in Osseo WI is the only time I have run across that ,
Lex Luthier
Member
That has happened to me a couple of times. Just another opportunity to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Or, you could always always ALWAYS put your money where your heart is. There are certain businesses who will never get another dime from me, and I make sure to mention why, in a high road fashion, when that type of critical response is appropriate.
Or, you could always always ALWAYS put your money where your heart is. There are certain businesses who will never get another dime from me, and I make sure to mention why, in a high road fashion, when that type of critical response is appropriate.
Reloadron
Contributing Member
I have run into that at Hospitals and other places. When I travel with my laptop I just shove my Verizon 3G card into it. Next laptop about due and I'll use a new 4G card.
If I run into that at a hotel or motel I make it a point to send a letter to their corporate offices expressing my displeasure.
Ron
If I run into that at a hotel or motel I make it a point to send a letter to their corporate offices expressing my displeasure.
Ron
funklord12
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Either signup for a cheap or free VPN or proxy service. Cocoon is free and I use it to get around blocked websites at free wifi sites.
I do dialysis 3 times a week and pass much of the time on my IPad reading the various guns/hunting sites. I use the WiFi provided by Fresenius and most of the gun sites including this one are blocked. And Fresenius doesnt much care what I think about it.
More than likely the web filter policy in place on the wi-fi that customers use is only for the customers. They will have a separate internet connection with its own policy in place for the employees. No business in their right mind would allow random customers onto the same network as the business and employees. I think it would do good to complain and do it often.
PJSprog
Member
I've never encountered that at a hotel. Our Barracuda here at work blocks pretty much any firearm-related site, but for some reason not THR.
Even if, as noted above, the decision maker is several people removed from the on-site manager, it's still a good idea to let them know how you feel about it. Politely, of course. If enough people complain, they may edit their blocked list.
Even if, as noted above, the decision maker is several people removed from the on-site manager, it's still a good idea to let them know how you feel about it. Politely, of course. If enough people complain, they may edit their blocked list.
SilverCat
Member
If youve got acces to an apple device, download puffin web browser. It bypasses filters.
I only stay at Hilton properties unless they are all sold out in an area and then I will stay at Marriott or maybe a Choice Property(shudder). I've never had the problem at any Hilton property.
Most smart phones can be used as a wi-fi device and I do that regularly when on the road.
Most smart phones can be used as a wi-fi device and I do that regularly when on the road.
Deanimator
Member
I had that problem when I worked at the Cleveland Clinic.
I set up my own Linux server at home, installed SSH and VNC and just VNCed into my own machine, which was of course not blocked.
It didn't violate their policy, since the filtering software didn't block my system... or any of the firearms entries on Wikipedia for that matter.
I set up my own Linux server at home, installed SSH and VNC and just VNCed into my own machine, which was of course not blocked.
It didn't violate their policy, since the filtering software didn't block my system... or any of the firearms entries on Wikipedia for that matter.
Deanimator
Member
THERE'S your problem.
Hardees is BAR NONE the worst fast "food" I've ever had on earth, worse even than the worst AAAFEES snackbar in Korea.
If you gave prisoners at Guantanamo Hardees, you'd be charged with a war crime.
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