Numbness of skull

That's the only reason I can fathom for the KCMO Public Library closing its network.  Well, they'll probably weigh in with something like "Gee, we haven't really closed it-just ask and we'll give you the password."  Sorry, but to this blog-and more importantly, to the law-that qualifies as closed.

And why?  Why, after a decade of running free and open with no problems, do this?  And did anyone down there even stop to consider what this means for people who may still be stuck with running older hardware that can't handle WPA?  You know, like my old backup laptop?  Can't have unfortunate souls coming from that far over on the wrong side of the digital divide to the Plaza or downtown, can we?  Heck, no-if we don't stop 'em in their tracks, they just might start getting ideas and finding access to means to better themselves!  I mean, what do they think we are-a public library system or something?

Security, you say?  Please don't go there-you'll only embarrass yourselves.  How secure is giving the same password to everyone, huh?  About as secure as keeping it for a month between changes, that's how much.  Anyone who wants to break in is going to under those circumstances-while chuckling at you under his or her breath while doing it.

I'd save everyone a trip down here and reveal the password, but honor and this blog's longstanding tradition won't let me.  As with other closed networks, we respect the operators' right to run locked down if that's their choice.  So if you want to know, ask them.

Guide page duly updated (sigh...).