Dr. Joseph Turow graciously accepted to be my second reader, and provided me with wonderful access to his research on families and the Internet. Dr. Hugh Donahue provided great moral support and help rating web sites. I would also like to thank Dr. Carolyn Marvin for helping to shape my thinking about the history of pornography and free speech. Several Annenberg students were also very helpful, particularly in testing web sites and helping with data analysis. Kirkland Ahern's statistical prowess was absolutely essential in analyzing my content analysis data.
Few people are so willing to give such time for free and with such a bright spirit.
Finally, I would like to dedicate this thesis to my loving mother and father. Throughout the arduous process of researching and writing, I drew inspiration from my father and his hard working, never quit, always stay positive attitude. I thank my mother for her wonderful inquisitiveness, and willingness to hear my long winded explanations about filters and public policy. Without their tremendous love and constant support this thesis could never have been completed. This thesis examines the intersection between public policy, free speech, and the use of Internet content filters and Internet rating systems.