Working on the Internet can be dangerous: if you are not careful you can pick up a virus or a Trojan; opening an email might unleash a dangerous worm; you can get diverted, hijacked and spied upon. As long as you are aware of the dangers, you can take sensible precautions and enjoy the Internet in safety. Sometimes, however, the danger comes from an entirely unexpected direction. The following is a true story but some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Once, not so long ago, Internet chicken farming was a popular occupation. After all, most people use eggs in one form or another. The biggest profits were earned by the farmers who could afford to invest the most in their businesses. However, with a little work and careful reinvestment, the poorer farmers were able to build up their stock and improve their situation. Although not everyone was able to see the benefits of chicken farming it was, overall, a good life and even people with no previous experience and little capital to invest were able start their own business.

Sour Grapes said: "You're safer working for a boss".

John Farmer said: "I must try, I'll never get rich working for a boss".

Experience said: "Diversify".

As more and more chicken farmers became successful, word spread and increasing numbers of people took an interest in the business. Many people took up chicken farming in a small way to supplement their wages from everyday jobs. People liked chicken farming, it did not take up too much of their spare time and they appreciated the extra income it brought them.

Sour Grapes said: "It isn't a proper job".

John Farmer said: "If this works out as planned, I can quit my job".

Experience said: "Diversify".

One day a new breed of bird was introduced to the chicken farming community. A few intrepid farmers added the new bird to their stock and found that it was just as easy to rear as everyday hens. The big difference was the new bird laid golden eggs regularly every 12 days. The new bird was called 12 Daily Egg Provider, I'll call it 12 Daily Pro for short.

Sour Grapes said: "No such thing as golden eggs".

John Farmer said: "I heard it's true. I intend to try it out."

Experience said: "Diversify".

Word quickly spread throughout the community that 12 Daily Pro did, indeed, lay golden eggs. Each egg produced by 12 Daily Pro was worth many times the value of an ordinary hen's egg. More and more farmers started to rear some12 Daily Pro alongside the common hen. People who had never even considered chicken farming previously set themselves up as 12 Daily Pro farmers.

Sour Grapes said: "It won't last a month".

John Farmer said: "Even just a few golden eggs, will give me more money than I ever dreamed of".

Experience said: "Diversify".

Everybody turned on Experience and asked: "Can't you say anything else apart from "diversify"?"

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