Nick Mediati and Anne B. McDonald have compiled a fun, if idiosyncratic, list of "Eight Crazy E-Mail Hoaxes Millions Have Fallen For" for the current edition of PC World. Most of the items will be familiar to Urban Legends readers, including the ubiquitous Bill Gates Is Sharing His Fortune chain letter and those annoying Confidential Business Proposal (aka "Nigerian scam") emails.
Cell Phone Popcorn is on the list representing viral videos, and ye olde Bonsai Kitten petition reminds us all that you can't trust everything you read on the Web (and never could).
A couple of amusing parodies are included: the Ban DHMO email, warning of the life-threatening hazards of (gasp!) water, and the WORK Virus warning ("Send this message to everyone in your address book. If you do not have anyone in your address book, then I'm afraid the 'work' virus has already corrupted your life"). They aren't hoaxes, strictly speaking, but God knows they've fooled enough speed readers to deserve their spots on the list.
You can read the rest on PCWorld.com. It's not unlike visiting some old, annoying acquaintances. Have fun!
Keep up with Urban Legends on Facebook!
Cell Phone Popcorn is on the list representing viral videos, and ye olde Bonsai Kitten petition reminds us all that you can't trust everything you read on the Web (and never could).
A couple of amusing parodies are included: the Ban DHMO email, warning of the life-threatening hazards of (gasp!) water, and the WORK Virus warning ("Send this message to everyone in your address book. If you do not have anyone in your address book, then I'm afraid the 'work' virus has already corrupted your life"). They aren't hoaxes, strictly speaking, but God knows they've fooled enough speed readers to deserve their spots on the list.
You can read the rest on PCWorld.com. It's not unlike visiting some old, annoying acquaintances. Have fun!
Keep up with Urban Legends on Facebook!
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