Sorry for the digression guys -- if you're looking for voice recording software, skip my note:
Well, it wouldn't be the first time i've been accused of making an a$$ of myself
out of curiosity (and now we are getting off topic), were you saying you use packet sniffers regularly in your job or assumptions? from the structure of the sentences i couldn't be sure
Whew, I'm glad this didn't turn into a flame contest. Sorry for sounding like a jerk in my earlier posts.
I should be more clear: To pay the bills, I work as a network technician for a computer research lab. Packet sniffing is used to monitor for torrent traffic and porn surfing. But it's also used to figure out where traffic is running into problems when it's routed through all the firewalls, switches and what not. But, it can easily be used to spy on people, which is what makes folks tense. It's a fine line to walk.
For my continuing education, I'm in school to learn more about new media, specifically interactive online journalism. For that, doing voice recordings is a must to get the quotes right, and keep the interview conversational rather than a stagnant Q&A. For an iPhone, it's especially helpful because it means that I don't have to sit next to my computer to wait for a call back, I can walk around town, do what I need to do in my everyday life, and not worry about making sure I have a notepad and pen ... and holding my phone between my ear and shoulder while I misquote someone talking really fast. Additionally, with new media, I can take the recordings and use them for interactive stories.
Insofar as the law goes, I think everyone has been right with their assertions as they appear consistent with what was taught in my journalism law classes. It does vary state by state, requiring consent to be actually recorded in some cases. But I'm always a bit wary of legal pontifications because, well ... I've been burned in court before from bad advice (not related to recording).
Long story short -- with your question -- I was referring to working on networks. But, I think it's really funny that you thought I meant journalism! haha -- cause it does apply! Too many journalist make horribly bad assumptions and posit it as fact. It's one reason I stopped working as a producer and went to school for online (huge cultural differences between broadcast, print and online).
Cheers, and I'll stop ranting.