Viral videos have come to make a statement about our culture – they come up in casual conversation, are the subject of our emails and text messages, and have been reposted through many social media outlets. However, not everyone has a knack for creating these viral videos. Even though YouTube makes it easy for virtually any video to become a hit, there are large amounts of flops and lame imitations. So, before you set out on a mission to make a viral video, be weary of these eight signs your video is incredibly lame. Ready? Set. Action!

1. Staged Situations

   Obviously, contrived or staged situations are just not funny. If you caught something funny on video by mere chance or accident, that’s another story. But we’ve seen videos with reactions that have been clearly scripted, and that pretty much guarantees that you’ll get some negative feedback for producing such a painfully contrived situation. Don’t do it!

2. Annoying Descriptions

   You know all those annoying description insertions that pop up when you’re trying to watch a dang video? Yeah! Those descriptions that imply certain reactions like “WTF,” “NO WAY,” and “Yes I Just said, Stellar!” are so so lame. Please go ahead and type annoying thought bubbles in your video if you want an instant flop.

3. Shaking the Camera

   Unless it’s a totally spur-of-the-moment type of video, incessantly shaking the camera when you’re filming is a big no-no. You know, when you’re trying to record yourself singing a cover, or capturing one of those moments in which you're directly talking to the camera. The most annoying thing is having poor quality that makes your voice sound like something that could be spoken by Darth Vader.

4. Cheesy Sound Effects

   Cheesy sound effects that are supposed to dramatize your video or highlight/foreshadow some moments to come should be avoided. I mean, you are essentially ruining the element of surprise by doing that. And if you have the few basic sound effects like the sound of a beating heart, drumming, and some generic laughter, it’s just overly cheesy and cheap. Get to the point!

5. Zooming In and Out

   Incessantly zooming in and out on whatever “clue” you want to highlight is also another cheesy tactic and will not get you more clicks on your video. Quite frankly, it messes up the fluency and blurs your video.

6. Annoying Video Titles

   Please refrain from using blatantly annoying video titles. No one likes being tricked into clicking on your video, so unless it’s actually an “official” video, don’t use "official," "reveal" or anything in all caps in the title. Videos labeled like "THE MOST EPIC MADONNA COVER" or "DANCING BABY ON A STOOL" just seem desperate and not something most people want to click to watch. Build reputation on the quality of your video, not the video title's shock value.

7. Unoriginal Content

   There’s nothing people hate more than unoriginal content. Chances are, your video, no matter how great it is, if it’s based on an idea that's already been done, it won’t go viral. People want to see something new and exciting, not something that already had its time in the limelight.

8. Trying Too Hard

   Viral videos usually come from those funny, unexpected moments that we don’t set out to capture but were lucky enough to because we were ready and were in the right place at the right time. If it doesn’t come naturally, and if you have to spend too much time setting up a viral winning idea, chances are it won’t be much of a success.

1. Franny and Zooey Glass in Franny and Zooey (1961) by J.D. Salinger

   Book One features Franny on the verge of a nervous breakdown. In Book Two, Franny has had the breakdown, and her brother Zooey, whose bedside manner leaves much to be desired, tries to bring her back from the abyss. He resorts to phoning Franny and pretending to be their kinder, gentler brother Buddy, which (predictably) doesn't work for long. In the end, the memory of a telling incident with a third brother, Seymour (dead by suicide), provides Franny with the lifeline she needs.

2. Cinderella and her evil stepsisters in Cinderella by Charles Perrault (1729)

   Cinderella's evil stepsisters may be the most realistically portrayed in literature when it comes to unchecked and cruel behavior toward gentler, and kinder members of a family. Although the Brothers Grimm retold "Cinderella" in their 1812 collection, the original tale may date back as far back as Ancient Greece. Does this mean women, disregarding for argument's sake men and Air Jordans, have always had an inexplicable obsession with shoes?

3. Lucy and Freddy Honeychurch in A Room With A View (1908) by E.M. Forster

   Lucy seems to let her hair down only when dear brother Freddy is around. Freddy, who never warms up to Lucy's fiancé, the stuffy, stick-up-his-ass Cecil, unknowingly befriends George, a free spirit who smooched Lucy earlier in the book during a somewhat traumatic trip to Italy, and set the wheels in motion for Lucy to find true love and remain an independent spirit. Now that's being a good brother!

4. Sisters Celie and Nettie in The Color Purple (1982) by Alice Walker

   Walker's novel is filled with iconic characters, two of the most memorable being Celie and her sister Nettie. Celie is finally able to emerge as a strong, self-determined woman, in spite of the years of unimaginable abuse she's endured, in part through her bond with and love for her sister.

5. Third cousins Charlie and Paulie Moran in The Pope of Greenwich Village (1979) by Vincent Patrick

   To paraphrase one of the book's characters, third cousins to Italians are like twin brothers to the Irish. Not even Italian mobsters and corrupt Irish cops can sever the sense of loyalty that Charlie and Paulie share with each other. Paulie's almost sociopathic disregard for holding down a job and settling down pushes their relationship to the brink, and yet somehow, things never go completely over the edge.

6. Twins Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee in Through the Looking-Glass, and what Alice found there (1871) by Lewis Carroll

   For his sequel to Alice in Wonderland, Carroll sampled this duo from an old nursery rhyme. The characters appeared in the beautiful, Disney animated film Alice in Wonderland and director Tim Burton's twisted take on Alice and Through the Looking Glass. An example of how these two are a part of our popular vernacular, Ralph Nader famously referred to George W. Bush and Al Gore as "tweedle dum and tweedle dee" with regard to each man's policies regarding corporations.

7. Caleb and Aaron in East of Eden by John Steinbeck (1952)

   Brothers Caleb and Aaron mirror Cain and Abel from the Book of Genesis, which Steinbeck repeatedly alludes to throughout his novel. The level of cruelty that family members are capable of exacting upon one another is a major theme in what Steinbeck considered his greatest novel.

8. Hansel and Gretel retold by the Brothers Grimm (1812)

   "Hard by a great forest dwelt a poor wood-cutter with his wife and his two children." How can you not love two kids who, abandoned in the woods by their wimpy father and psychotic (step?) mother are nearly eaten by a cannibalistic witch living in a house made of candy? Even 21st century kids identify immediately with these two little ones and how they stick together even in the scariest of circumstances.

9. Charlotte, Emily, and Anne: The Brontë sisters

   Okay, they're not fictional, but their accomplishments for their time (early to mid 1800's) were so unusual, they each wouldn't be out of place as a character in a novel that any of them might have written. Interestingly, considering that the Brontë sisters grew up mutually supporting each other in the shadow of an abusive father as well as sharing their earliest writing efforts each other, they are each best known for creating almost autonomous heroines, like Charlotte's orphaned Jane Eyre or Helen Lawrence Huntingdon in Anne's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.

The video game industry generates nearly $10 billion in revenue each year, and it captures at least eight hours of free time each week among adults ages 18 to 49. In this hypercompetitive world, it is crucial that developers release exciting games that are free of glitches, bug and errors. A few bad reviews from a popular blog and customers translates into thousands of wasted dollars, so game developers heavily rely on quality assurance (QA) testers to ensure that a polished product is released.

For avid gamers, becoming a beta tester may seem like the ultimate dream job. Having free access to unreleased titles, shaping the development of a game with your opinion and discovering secret passageways and codes, all while getting paid to do something you love, can become a reality if serious effort is put into becoming a professional video game tester.

The Role of a Video Game Tester

Earning a paycheck as a professional video game tester is very different from playing for fun. The role of a QA specialist is to test the game for glitches and bugs the programmers must fix before release. As the game is played, detailed notes must be taken for the QA report on crashes and freezes, as well as any inconsistencies in graphics, audio or storyline that negatively influence the gaming experience. Providing comprehensive summaries on the error, where it occurred and how often is critical.

As a result, beta testing can become tedious. Testers are typically assigned one video at a time. While most titles are in final development, testers do not choose their favorite games. Rather than playing the game from beginning to end, QA specialists are usually assigned specific levels. Their main goal is to push the boundaries of the game to identify quirks and discrepancies. Weapons should react the way they are intended, while impassable barriers should be impenetrable from various angles and speeds. Each level should load, and graphics should be displayed, correctly.

Identifying these types of errors requires repetitive play. Thoroughly combing over one game requires hundreds of hours. Testers must be observant to spot unordinary or problematic aspects of the game. Once the assignment is complete and the bugs are fixed, the game must be retested until the gaming experience is as smooth as possible.

Despite the tedious attention to details, beta testers universally agree they have the best job ever invented.

Required Skills for Video Game Testing

There are no age requirements or advanced training required to become a video game tester. While degree programs do exist for game design and IT development, there is no set curriculum or advanced training courses for quality assurance testers.

Jeff Roper, who served as the QA Project Lead for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, recently told G4, "The basic characteristics managers look for are a fundamental love and passion for video games. Other important characteristics are an eye for detail, critical thinking and the ability to stay focused."

Job posting for QA testers often require employees to have an analytical mind, a keen eye for errors and good report writing skills. They must also understand how to evaluate a product, and they must adhere to strict deadlines. Testers who freelance from home also need self-discipline to complete assignments quickly and thoroughly.

Although not required, many game developers give applicants bonus points for possessing knowledge of MMORPG, roleplaying and console games. Testers should also keep up with industry developments, the latest releases and the next generation of gaming system. Freelancers may be expected to provide their own consoles and high-definition TV, but a company game testing center will supply all needed equipment.

With persistence, the passion to turn a gaming hobby into a real career can happen. Wages vary considerably by company and assignment, but generally beginners earn $8 to $15 per hour. After two years, that income can double, while experienced testers who have gained strong references can make up to $50 per hour. Most assignments are paid at an hourly rate, which means testers increase their earning potential the faster they get at evaluating. Some developers allow testers to keep the games, while others offer a free copy upon release.

In this highly competitive field, many beta testers work from home as freelancers, although large companies prefer employees to work onsite due to confidentiality issues. Hiring managers rarely advertise open positions online or in newspaper ads. Instead, they rely on recruitment agencies that specialize in the gaming industry. Numerous testers report that they successfully approached their employer directly for a game testing position.

Since landing a job in this industry is inextricably linked to networking, it may take some time to get in the door with a game developer. When searching online, look for jobs requesting quality assurance testers, rather than video game testers. This will weed out many of the scams that offer a list of open position for a subscription fee. You should never have to pay to get a job.

While it is generally agreed that you should also not perform work for free, an unpaid internship with a gaming company will provide valuable experiences, contacts and references, and it may possibly extend into a paid position. Most companies limit freelancers to testing a single game until production is finalized, so it is important to line up projects while working on assignments.

Resources for Landing a Video Game Tester Job

G4 University recently released its Complete Guide to Landing a Video Game Job course, which introduces study programs, workshops and educational paths that lead to careers in the gaming industry. You will also find advice from working professionals, as well as a comprehensive list of where to apply for a video game tester job.

1. Groucho Marx

   The comedian with dozens of famous quotes (and many that he didn't say but are attributed to him anyway) couldn't leave this life without giving us one last zinger. In 1977, at the age of 87, he was hospitalized with pneumonia. Before his death, he said, "Die, my dear? Why, that's the last thing I'll do!" You've got to wonder how long he'd been saving that line.

2. Nathan Hale

   Hale is often more remembered for his final words than he is for the life he lived. During the American Revolution, Hale was sent to spy on the British troops on Long Island, N.Y., the only person who volunteered for the dangerous job of reporting from behind enemy lines. He ended up being captured by the British and hanged in 1776, but not before delivering the well-known patriotic phrase: "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." Hale is considered a historical American hero for his brave act and catchy one-liner.

3. John Barrymore

   Theater-goers today would probably recognize the name John Barrymore as the grandfather of actress Drew Barrymore, but he was a famous actor in his own right. Part of the celebrated Barrymore acting family, John Barrymore has been considered one of the best actors of his time, with a career that lasted from around 1913 until 1940. He died in 1942, but not before delivering this proud line: "Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him." And then it happened, whether he allowed it or not.

4. Oscar Wilde

   The famed poet and playwright must've known he had to have something great to say as his parting words. After all, his whole life had been about words (his notable works include The Importance of Being Earnest and The Picture of Dorian Gray), and he couldn't go out on a bad note. Just before his death from cerebral meningitis in 1900, he said, "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One of us has got to go." Some historians believe these weren't his final words, but may have been uttered in the weeks leading up to his death. Either way, it seems as if the wallpaper won.

5. Humphrey Bogart

   The American Film Institute named Humphrey Bogart the greatest male cinema star ever, but there's one thing even more certain than that: the man liked to drink. He had once suggested that world peace could be achieved if the world leaders all just had a few drinks together. When the Casablanca star passed away in 1957, he seemed to have just one regret: "I never should've switched from scotch to martinis."

6. Winston Churchill

   Winston Churchill had so much going on in his life that death was the least interesting thing to ever happen to him. He served as the Prime Minister of England twice, won a Nobel Prize in Literature, and became the first Honorary Citizen of the United States. It'd be hard to crack open a history book without finding a mention of Churchill and his great feats. So it's no wonder that as he faced death in 1965 at the age of 90, he told loved ones, "I'm so bored with it all."

7. Charlie Chaplin

   You might not expect a silent-film star to have anything interesting to say, but Charlie Chaplin's last words gave the actor a voice some of us didn't know he had. Well into his career, he did begin to appear in talkies and obviously said something wrong in his personal life because he was exiled to Europe during the McCarthy Era. His dying words, though, are more well remembered. When a priest pronounced "May the Lord have mercy on your soul," Chaplin said to him, "Why not? It belongs to him."

8. James French

   Condemned criminals typically have a lot of time to think about what they're going to say before they're executed. Some express remorse, reassure their families that they love them, or maintain their innocence. But others have a little more fun with the legacy they're leaving. While serving a life sentence, French murdered his cellmate and was ordered to be executed by electric chair in 1966. When he was asked if he had any last words he wanted to say, French said to the members of the press in the audience, "How's this for a headline? 'French Fries.'" Another executed criminal named George Appel told his executioners, "Well, gentlemen, you are about to see a baked Appel."

9. Voltaire

   The noted French philosopher and outspoken voice against the religious dogma of the time spent his life writing thousands of letters and pamphlets as one of the French Enlightenment leaders. A few months before his death, Voltaire believed he was dying and summed up his feelings in writing: "I die adoring God, loving my friends, not hating my enemies, and detesting superstition." He survived though, and got a do-over in May 1778. Though his critics say he repented or died in agony, his supporters say he refused his last rites with a little bit of sass. A priest told him to renounce Satan before his impending death, and Voltaire replied, "Now, now, my good man, this is not the time for making enemies."

10. Jesus Christ

    Whether you're a Christian or not, you probably are familiar with the last words of Jesus as he died on the cross, as recorded in the Bible. Before his death, he is said to have spoken with God, another criminal on the cross, and his mother, but his most well-known line was "It is finished." According to Christian teachings, he was referring to his life and his job on earth as the son of God. Even those who don't believe in him as the messiah know that these last words became important ones in the world's history.

1. Balut, Philippines

   Balut is a delicacy from the Philippines that is enough to make people's blood curl with just its description. Balut is a fertilized duck or chick embryo that is boiled and eaten in the shell. The eggs are cooked when the fetus is anywhere from 17 to 21 days old, typically before the animal begins to grow bones, claws, a beak, and feathers. Balut is served on the street and is often eaten with chili and vinegar and wash it down with a beer.

2. Casu marzu, Sardinia

   Most people prefer their cheese maggot-free, but that's not what Sardinians would say. Casu marzu is a cheese made from sheep's milk that has been deliberately infested with a cheese fly that lays its eggs inside the cheese. The result is a maggot-infested, stinky cheese. Consumption of the cheese comes with some serious health concerns, including the risk of enteric myiasis, a parasitic infection caused by the larvae that bores itself into the intestinal walls. To no surprise, casu marzu is illegal because it violates the European Union food hygiene-health regulations.

3. Bird's nest soup, China

   Bird's nest soup is a strange Chinese delicacy that has been a part of Chinese culture for more than 1,500 years. Bird's nest soup is made from a swiftlet bird's nest, minus the twigs and leaves. The main ingredient of the bird's nest is saliva, which gives the soup a gelatinous texture and, supposedly, health benefits. Harvesting the nests is no easy task. Workers have to go to great lengths to collect the nests in their native caves.

4. Puffer fish, Japan

   The puffer fish might sound like a normal culinary treat from the sea, but there is nothing normal about the toxic risk of this fish. The puffer fish, also known as fugu, is a Japanese delicacy that contains the poisonous toxin tetrodotoxin. Only trained chefs are allowed to prepare the dish because they know what parts are safe to eat. This is definitely a dish for thrill seekers.

5. Fried tarantulas, Cambodia

   Arachnophobians beware! This eight legged delicacy of Skuon, Cambodia, packs a serious bite. Fried tarantulas are a street food favorite that are fried whole and seasoned with a dash of garlic and salt. At just a few cents per spider, this crispy snack is popular among locals and tourists passing through.

6. Monkey brains, China

   This might sound bananas, but monkey brains are a real Chinese delicacy that has been regarded for its alleged health benefits. Nevermind using a bowl — this strange delicacy is typically served raw inside the monkey's skull. Regardless of its ancient medicinal benefits, you may run the risk of infection by eating raw monkey brains, or any other raw foods for that matter.

7. Live octopus, Korea

   Octopus is enjoyed by many people from around the world, but Koreans have a different way of preparing this eight armed animal. Live octopus is a delicacy in Korea that excites the taste buds and makes for an interesting dining experience. The raw octopus is cut into smaller pieces while still alive and lightly seasoned. It's as chewy and rubbery as you can imagine, and the tentacles are still capable of suctioning to your mouth.

8. Hákarl, Iceland

   Hákarl, a decomposing Greenland shark, is Iceland's odd delicacy. Hákarl is prepared by beheading and degutting the shark. Then, it is placed in a shallow hole of gravel-like sand and covered, allowing the meat to ferment for six to 12 weeks. The shark is cut into pieces and hung to dry for several months. The result is a crusty texture and pungent ammonia smell that is said to be an acquired taste, even in its homeland.

9. Kopi Luwak, Indonesia

   Kopi Luwak is a rare and very strange delicacy of Indonesia. Kopi Luwak is a gourmet coffee that comes from the droppings of a catlike animal called the civet. The animal feasts on fine coffee cherries, which are digested and deposited in their feces. Gatherers collect the droppings and clean them to be sold as coffee for the steep price of $227 per pound.

10. Snake wine, Vietnam

    Yep, you heard correctly. Snake wine is a real thing and it happens to be quite the delicacy in Vietnam. This rice wine comes with a dead, venomous snake inside. The snake soaks in the rice wine to deactivate the venom, making it safe to drink. This odd blood-colored concoction is said to have many health benefits that have yet to be proven.

1. Pit crew routines are not regulated by NASCAR

   Although each crew essentially does the same routine, making a few minor changes of their own, they're not required by NASCAR to conduct the same sequence of actions. Because they don't have time to perform major work, strategy revolves around fueling and tire changes — the latter involves determining whether all four tires should be changed, or just the outside tires, which bear the most weight and pressure.

2. Crew members use liberal amounts of duct tape

   The pros are always looking for a quick fix. During a race, a pit crew will use the strong, versatile tape to adjust body panels, hold parts together, fix hoses and hanging wires, and merely to mark where the jack post, left-front tire, and sign board will be located after the car hits the pit. It's such an important tool for the crew that it has earned its own nickname — "200 mph tape."

3. Crew members pound their cars with baseball bats and hammers

   Another seemingly primitive way pit crews adjust their cars during races is to make use of baseball bats and hammers, pounding their uber-expensive machines when the situation calls for it. A misshapen body can affect how a car performs, causing it to fail to generate a sufficient amount of down force. With little time to spare, the strongest, quickest-swinging crew members take their best shots at the problem areas, impersonating their favorite baseball sluggers.

4. Crew members love piano bars

   A heavily damaged car that's difficult to lift needs more than just the jack man. Instead, piano bars — long, sturdy bars; not the bar you visited during your last hotel stay — provide leverage for the crew to get the car off the ground so the members can do their work. Like duct tape and baseball bats, it's a simple tool with plenty of might.

5. Crew members exhibit higher heart rates on asphalt tracks than concrete tracks

   Given the demands that come with being a member of a pit crew, it shouldn't come as a surprise that dealing with stress is a part of the job. But, as with any job, levels of stress can vary depending on the setting and the problems it presents. According to a study conducted by the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, members exhibit higher heart rates on asphalt tracks than concrete tracks. This may have to do with the heat of the tracks caused by the blacktop surface.

6. Crew members can earn close to six-figure salaries

   Of course, pay varies by position and responsibility. For example, Jason Myers, the car chief for Carl Edwards until his termination in 2009, earned $140,000 in 2008 not including bonuses and other compensation. He was second-in-command to the crew chief, who boasted a salary of $500,000. Guys in lower positions but with lots of responsibility — such as those who work in the shop, travel to the races, and work on Sundays — can earn in the neighborhood of $75,000.

7. Crew members may frequently change teams

   A pit crew change for the second consecutive season enabled Kevin Harvick to take the lead in this year's Chase. Out of the running, Clint Boyer, a Richard Childress Racing teammate, lent his crew to give Harvick a boost for the stretch run. An efficient crew can make all the difference in the world, which is why of the best crew members in the biz are highly recruited by opposing teams. Essentially, they can play the field, seeking the best possible offer.

8. It's a year-round job

   Like modern athletes, pit crew members train year-round, sparing just a couple of weeks for rest in December. Beginning in January, they practice pit stops before the start of the season, and then take it up a notch during the season, practicing two times per week and working out rigorously. It's a constant battle to improve their efficiency so they can reduce pit stop times.

9. Many pit crew members are former athletes

   In recent years, NASCAR pit crews have emphasized athleticism to meet the physical demands of pit stops. As every aspect of the sport has become more competitive, shorter pit times have become essential for crews, so meticulously crafted routines have become the norm. Tony Stewart, for example, employs Mike Casto, a former wide receiver from Glenville State College. Mark Martin employs Aaron Walker, who spent five seasons in the NFL. It's a great way for ex-athletes to stay in a competitive field and utilize their physical strengths.

10. Pit crews have their own all-star event

    Held annually in Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena, the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge is a competition featuring seven pit crew members from each team. When given a signal, each team lifts the car, changes the tires, unloads 18 gallons of water substituting as fuel into a fuel tank, and upon approval from NASCAR, pushes the car 40 yards to finish the sequence. If "fuel" is spilled, too much "fuel" is left in the dump can, a jack isn't raised high enough, or lug nuts are improperly tightened, then penalties are given. Through the years, the notable pit crews of Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, and Dale Earnhardt have won multiple times.

For example, Tom's neighbor accidentally damages Tom's fence, but refuses to pay for the damages. John, another neighbor, offers to file a civil lawsuit on Tom's behalf and represent him in court. In exchange for doing this, Tom pays John $100. Unless John has a license to practice law in that state, he would be guilty of the unauthorized practice of law. Depending on the state, John may be subject to criminal charges, fines, even imprisonment if he fraudulently presented himself as a licensed lawyer.

Are We Really Protecting Consumers or Lawyers?

Attorneys argue that requiring licensure for all lawyers acts to protect consumers. Most states require an appropriate legal education, as well as admission to the American Bar Association, in order for individuals to obtain a law license. Attorneys argue that this protects consumers from inept or uneducated legal representation. Unfortunately, that also means that consumers must pay for the added expense of the lawyer's initial education, malpractice insurance and ongoing educational requirements. Since law firms cannot hire an attorney unless the attorney is licensed, this also limits competition regarding the legal fees charged to consumers. Admission to the bar does not, however, guarantee quality representation.

Consider the example of Kathleen Sullivan, once the dean of Stanford Law School and a graduate of Harvard Law School. Sullivan was once a professor of law at Harvard, publishing numerous articles on constitutional law in various American legal journals. In fact, the National Law Journal named her as one of the top 100 most influential attorneys in America. Even with her years of legal experience, knowledge of constitutional law, and status as dean of a major American law school, Sullivan failed the California bar exam in 2005, making her ineligible for a law license until she passed the test.

By their very nature, the bar exam and similar licensure requirements are meant to weed out a certain percentage of candidates. In limiting the number of candidates available from whom consumers can choose, practicing attorneys can charge more for their services. Demand remains constant, yet supply remains limited, allowing for increased prices. Unfortunately, limiting candidates does not necessarily mean that the quality of legal representation improves, as evident by Sullivan's example. It only means that competition is limited. Licensing requirements create barriers to entry, so fewer candidates make it into the legal profession. Adopting a free market approach could change that, and subsequently, how much lawyers charge.

What Would Happen if Legal Representation Became a Free Market?

Free markets allow for open competition. A car mechanic, for example, does not have to be ASE certified in order to repair someone's car. As such, the number of mechanics who can enter the marketplace equals what the market can support. Too many mechanics mean not enough business and someone will likely close up shop. Not enough mechanics creates an increase in demand, which attracts more mechanics. Competition, the cornerstone of a free market, means that each mechanic has the same opportunity to attract business, but must moderate their fees to maintain an appropriate market share. If one mechanic charges far more than others in the area, he or she will lose business to the less costly shops. Since no license or certification is required, new mechanics can more easily enter the marketplace to help maintain an appropriate level of competition.

Lifting the restriction on practicing law could have the same effect on legal fees. Fewer restrictions make entry into any industry easier. Less restrictive barriers to entry mean an increase in the number of professionals from whom consumers can choose. More choices encourage competition, whether those choices are for auto mechanics or attorneys. In a highly competitive market, the fees charged have to stay within market tolerance; otherwise, consumers will shop elsewhere to save money.

What About the Problem of Inept Representation?

Ineptitude is not necessarily prevented by requiring licensure, as evident by Kathleen Sullivan's failure of the California bar exam. Other notable legal minds have likewise failed the bar exam on more than one occasion. For example, Franklin Roosevelt and Hillary Clinton both failed the bar exam. Even Jerry Brown, Attorney General for the state of California, initially failed the bar exam. Failure to pass the bar and obtain a law license does not mean an individual is not capable of good legal representation. Alternatively, passing the bar and gaining licensure does not guarantee good representation.

Just like a bad mechanic will eventually have to improve or close up shop, bad legal representatives would eventually be weeded out of the industry. Just as legal fees and other monies paid for products or professional services would have to stay competitive, so would the quality of a lawyer's services. After all, when there is increased competition in the marketplace, price is not the only competitive advantage. If given enough choices, consumers consider not only the cost, but what they get in return for their money. By default, quality lawyers who offered good legal representation in a free market would naturally retain a higher percentage of the market share. If they failed to maintain quality standards, consumers could simply go elsewhere.

1. Keep a calm, even-toned voice in all communications. Screaming or otherwise displaying intense emotions can exacerbate the situation.
2. Remove anything the individual could potentially use as a weapon. Knives, guns and similar weapons are obvious, but consider too any furnishings or other items that could potentially cause harm to the patient or others.
3. Do not leave the individual alone if self-harm is a concern.
4. If the individual is threatening harm to others, back off or leave the premises. Remove anyone who appears to cause the individual more distress.
5. Try offering the individual options or alternatives, rather than giving the appearance of trying to take control.
6. Use short, easy to understand sentences, but without personal pronouns like “you,” “me,” or “I.” For example, rather than using a phrase such as “you need help,” use phrasing such as “help is on the way.”

1. Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy's mic mishap

   Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy got more than they bargained for at the G20 summit in Cannes. The politicians were privately discussing their distaste for Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, but their comments were picked up on an open microphone. Sarkozy voiced his opinion about the prime minister by saying, "I cannot stand him. He's a liar." Obama replied, "You're fed up with him? I have to deal with him every day."

2. George W. Bush's major league slip

   George W. Bush had an embarrassing gaffe at a 2000 presidential campaign speech in Illinois. An open microphone on the podium picked up Bush's not-so-nice remark about a New York Times reporter. He whispered to his vice presidential running mate, Dick Cheney, "There's Adam Clymer, major league a—— from The New York Times." Cheney responded, "Oh, yeah, big time." This wouldn't be the last of Bush and Cheney's infamous gaffes.

3. Prince Charles' bloody people

   Prince Charles shared his true feelings about the media during a 2005 interview, just days before he wed Camilla Parker Bowles. Prince Charles posed with his sons William and Harry during questioning from BBC Royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell. When asked about his feelings on the wedding, the prince snapped back by saying, "I am very glad you have heard of it, anyway." Then, he muttered to his sons, "These bloody people. I can't bear that man. I mean, he's so awful, he really is." But, Prince Charles was unaware that his comments were picked up by the microphone.

4. George W. Bush G8 summit slip

   As mentioned earlier, George W. Bush has had his fair share of political gaffes, but one of his most embarrassing moments was getting caught using an expletive at the G8 summit lunch in 2006. An open microphone picked up Bush's comment to former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair that Syria should get the Lebanese militants to "stop doing this s—."

5. Jesse Jackson gets nutty

   Rev. Jesse Jackson voiced his distaste for now-President Barack Obama on Fox's show Fox & Friends. Before the interview, Jackson whispered to a guest that Obama was "talking down to black people" and he wanted to "cut his nuts off." Jackson almost got away with his below-the-belt comment, but an employee who transcribed the tape found this gem of a gaffe.

6. Sarah Palin on Paul Revere's wrong ride

   Sarah Palin had one of the most unforgettable campaign trails as the vice presidential running mate to John McCain during the 2008 election. During this time, we learned everything there is to know about Alaska and its proximity to Russia, but the best lesson of all was her recount of Paul Revere's midnight ride. Historians had a heyday with Palin's story that Revere warned the British and rang the bells to alert them that Americans would be free, which many experts say is completely wrong.

7. Joe Biden tells Chuck to stand up

   Vice President Joe Biden has earned a reputation for making funny, but embarrassing gaffes on a regular occasion. One of his best political gaffes happened during the 2008 presidential campaign, when Biden asked State Senator Chuck Graham, a paraplegic, to stand up so he could recognize him. Unaware of Graham's condition, Biden shouted, "Chuck, stand up, let the people see you," before covering up his blunder by saying, "Oh, God love ya," and had the crowd stand up for him instead.

8. Howard Dean's scream

   Howard Dean may be known for being a fiery guy, but no one saw the infamous primal scream coming. The Vermont governor wanted to fire up the audience, but his excitement got the best of him and he let out an unfortunate scream that cost him the nomination.

9. Gordon Brown's rant

   Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Gordon Brown has had a bad reputation for running his mouth when he thinks no one is listening. One of Brown's worst gaffes took place when a woman confronted him on the election campaign trail and he berated her in the car ride home, forgetting that his microphone was still on. Brown called the campaigner a "bigot," and told his aide that their exchange was a "disaster."

10. John Kerry's botched joke

    John Kerry stepped on many toes, including those of then-President Bush, when he told a botched joke to a group of California students in 2006. Kerry gave a not-so-uplifting message that if they cannot navigate the country's education system, they'll "get stuck in Iraq." Kerry was accused of "troop-bashing," but the senator said his comment was actually directed at President Bush and his "broken policy."

While SMS text messaging can be convenient in the right kind of situations, it can also create problems that could lead to your information being stolen, damage to your personal property or an injury. When you understand the smart ways to use SMS texting and how to avoid scams, you can benefit from the convenience of instant communication any time you want.

Dangers of SMS Texting

The biggest challenge to using SMS texting is that it causes you to break your concentration on important things like the road in front of you or the shady character that is eyeing up your purse. Driving while texting is dangerous and can cause you to get into an accident that can hurt you, hurt someone else and cause property damage.

Texting while out in public causes you to lose track of things like your children and your belongings. Your children could wander away or get taken by someone you don’t know while you are texting. Your purse, wallet or any other valuables could be scooped up by a sneaky criminal while you are texting.

The best way to deal with these kinds of situations is to make some rules for yourself. If you need to text while you are on the road, then pull over or make the person wait until you are parked. It is okay to take the occasional text while out with your children or out shopping, but never get involved in a texting conversation when you are supposed to be focused on other, more important things. Let the other person know that you will contact them later when it is more convenient for you.

Unwanted Messages

If you use texting a lot, then you may start to get messages from people you do not know. One of the first things you should do is join the “National Do Not Call Registry” to make sure that marketing companies cannot send you messages you did not ask for. 

The next thing you need to do is understand the differences between unsolicited and solicited text messages. An unsolicited SMS text message is one that you receive from a company that you are unfamiliar with. You did not ask for information about this company’s offer and you do not want the information. Every SMS marketing text should give you the option to refuse future messages. Just follow the instructions to prevent future unwanted texts. If you still get unwanted texts from the same sender, then report it to your cell phone carrier.

Solicited text messages come from companies that have permission from you to send you marketing texts. If you do not want these texts any more, then go to the company’s website and have your phone number removed.

Protecting Your Phone and Yourself

In the UK, there is a program called immobilise that helps police track down stolen cell phones and prevent criminals from using your phone to send text messages to your friends and family. In the US, you need to keep better track of your phone to prevent criminals from stealing it or sending messages to your phone.

One of the ways to protect yourself from criminals or others that may want to send you threatening text messages is never post your cell phone number on the Internet. Even if you think that only your friends will get your number from a particular web page; that will not prevent your number from getting posted elsewhere for criminals to find.

You can also have unwanted calls blocked from your phone to prevent unwanted texts and prevent cyber bullying. Some people feel that cell phones offer anonymous platform for bullying and intimidating people. The truth is that every text can be traced, and you can protect yourself by reporting all instances of SMS bullying to your service provider.

SMS bullying can be especially prominent in high schools and other settings where bullies look for new ways to intimidate people. Use the blocking feature on your phone and report intimidating text messages to your provider to help stamp out SMS bullying.

SMS Scams

Texting scams have been around as long as texting has been available, and people need to know how to identify a scam to protect themselves from them. A SMS scam text message is a quick message that often indicates that if you do not respond to the message then you cell phone account will get charged a monthly fee for a service you do not use. It can get expensive and, unfortunately, it is legal.

The first thing you should do to protect yourself from these scams is to always read your text messages. Take the time to understand what they are saying and respond appropriately. If you get a scam SMS text that tries to add monthly charges to your phone, refuse the service and then report the number to your service provider.

Speaking the Language

SMS texting has its own language that some people may not understand. The word “are” is replaced by just the letter “r” and the word “to” is replaced by the number “2.” In some cases, words have the vowels taken out to shorten it up. For example, the word “example” in SMS would be “xmpl.” The reason for this is because SMS only allows 160 characters per message. So if you want to get your message across, you need to learn the lingo.

The fastest way to learn the SMS language is to put your messages through an SMS translator and start getting familiar with how the words and sentences look. You may want to get started soon. All the kids are doing it.

SMS texting is like anything else in the world of instant communication; you need to learn balance. You need to understand when it is time to text and when it is time to keep your eyes on the road. Texting can save you time and help you get more things done. It can also help your favorite vendors keep you up to date on the newest products and pricing specials. But if you want to avoid being a part of an SMS scam or having a bully try to intimidate you over the phone, then you need to understand how to properly use SMS texting and know how to protect yourself.