Greetings. Usually when one gets a call to participate in a news-oriented television program, subterfuge isn't a worry. But in the brave new world of "newsertainment" -- a blurring of news and entertainment -- you really need to watch your back.

Herein is the sordid tale (posted last night to Dave Farber's "IP" list) of what recently happened to me -- and my narrow escape -- when Viacom/MTV Networks came calling, asking for my help to educate the world's youth about important topics (in this case, the scourge of spam).

Be warned. It could happen to you!

--Lauren--