So I feel that Ive been taking advantage of myspace–in the same way that one would take advantage of the government.

First, however, I should clarify that I dont believe that I have been dishonest in my pictures or description of myself. I dont mind others posting profile pictures of ridiculous people or things that obviously dont represent a true physical likeness, but perhaps represent some other aspect of their personality. I wouldnt do it, I dont think, but its fine.

I just dont think its cool to misrepresent yourself, especially with a false likeness. For example, I wouldnt feel right by posting a profile picture of some hunk from New York (pretending like thats me). Davis calls it “authenticity of identity.” Its kind of a big topic at our house.

But thats not what I mean by taking advantage of myspace.

Ive been myspace traveling. I change my zip code so that my profile will appear in whatever city I feel like visiting (it takes a while to show up). I also browse the local scene and even make a few temporary friends.

Its a guilty pleasure, I know, and I cant help but feel a little wrong about it. I guess the fun was spoiled when this cute guy from Charleston, SC asked me to dinner. I had to come clean (and move to my next city).

I guess it is an outlet for not being able to travel as much as I had planned this summer. I seem to recall big plans for going places: Dallas, Savannah, Santa Monica, Cincinnati, Maine, and others. But the budget for some never materialized.

Ive also been put in a strange position to offer advise to an organization Im affiliated with regarding myspace advertising. I know many of you dislike being served lifestyle-specific ads–after all, they do get annoying. But for the right group, I think it could generate a lot of much needed internet traffic.

Is any of this right or wrong? I find that I am no longer in a position to judge. Short of deleting my profile, I cannot escape playing both parts.