Privacy concerns!!!

[BigGunZ]

I recently noticed that this site is listing last names under our usernames in our profiles. While some folks may not care about this, it concerns me greatly in an era of identity theft and it should concern the rest of you as well. We post a lot of information about ourselves on this site and freely giving up our last names is not something I'd ever want to do on a car or truck forum. It's not too tough for an identity thief to put together an accurate picture of someone and I'd prefer to NOT make it too easy for them. I belong to several forums and this is the only one that does this. Sorry guys but I never gave anyone permission to post my last name and would like it removed immediately. I fail to see what purpose it serves.

 

[BigGunZ]

Heck, it's right in your privacy policy that you do this. I'm sorry guys... I really like this site but my personal privacy policy is to never post my last name or other identity related information on the internet. If this policy cannot be changed I must very reluctantly resign my membership. We ALL have too much to lose by this practice. Please contact me immediately about this.

 

[DaveK98]

I second this one! Please remove our last names!

 

[RustyJC]

Steve et al,



This is NOT good policy - to make public enough information (with our locations) to allow someone to Google us up and get a phone number, address and map to our homes. If, for instance, I post that I'm going to be out RVing next weekend, with this information, I've just given someone an engraved invitation to come clean out my house. :{



Rusty

 

[BigGunZ]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that sees the danger here. I'd have no problem with my first name but never my last. Opening us up to a possible robbery should be reason enough. I went on a road trip for Christmas and didn't post it for those very concerns.

 

[Learguy]

I agree. TAKE MY LAST NAME OFF!!!!!!! That or cancel me and take me completely off this forum. That would include former posts... ...

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

We do put this in the site guidelines which you agree to when you sign up: "1. Username and Access (please read this guideline carefully). Subscribers may select a username of choice (all usernames will be screened for appropriateness - no profanity or vulgarity, etc. ) Each subscriber's last name (as it appears on his/her TDR subscription) will be included in his/her profile. "



Keep in mind that your profile information is not viewable to the world - the only people that can view profile information are TDR members. It is not available to search engines or the general public. Noone could google that information, etc. We do not put first names on there - last name only (we used to put first initial and last name and if you have that and want it changed let us know). The reason we have that information there is because we've found that when people have complete anonymity they will post things they wouldn't otherwise. I have seen this as far back as the early 80's when I first ran BBS's. A long time ago the TDR had considered removing handles completely and using real name only but did not do so because of privacy concerns. They had at one point put your first initial and last name under your username on all posts where it was visible to everyone and was moved to the profile page for the same reason. Keep in mind also that we do not enter location information nor require it. You can remove your location information from your user profile if you wish. We are very aware of privacy concerns and for that reason we put nothing on this server other than your last name (and any vendor affiliation). Any information other than that is posted by yourself and can be removed by yourself.



Now, if you still do not wish to continue to subscribe because of this issue you can request a subscription refund by emailing Robin at rpatton@ix.netcom.com and let her know that it is over your last name on your profile and we will remove that information after your refund is processed.



-Steve St. Laurent

Webmaster/Lead Moderator

 

[RT66DOC]

I agree. TAKE MY LAST NAME OFF!!!!!!! That or cancel me and take me completely off this forum. That would include former posts... ...

DOUBLE DITTO here! And I won't even ask for a pro-rata rebate on my 35 bucks.



How long has this been going on? A major violation of trust as far as I'm concerned. If "management" is trying to figure out the most efficient way to cause this site to crash and burn, they've hit on a real winner.



No more posts from yours truly unless/until this changes. Hard to believe; makes me sad.

 

[RustyJC]

Steve,



With all respect, this shouldn't be a "Take it or leave it... . here's your money back. " It's a BAD policy that needs to be reviewed. I wish all 20,000 (or whatever it is) TDR forum members were totally trustworthy, but I don't think any of us are that naive.



By the way, no other forum of which I am a member or moderator makes last names public to the general membership to my knowledge.



Rusty

 

[TORQUE THIS]

I agree also, "no last names"...

 

[Bob Wagner]

this policy has been in effect for years.

 

[RustyJC]

Doesn't make it right.

 

[rweis]

"Nothing that is HAS to be BECAUSE it was"



Bob Weis

 

[BigGunZ]

I rather surprised that the potential for unsavory posts under the umbrella of anonymity would outweigh the personal safety of your members. I've spent thousands of dollars with forum vendors here and so have countless others. I cannot and will not bend on this issue.

 

[BigGunZ]

I e-mailed my cancellation which is sad but I can't take that chance with my home or family. This is likely my last post. See you all over at DTR.

 

[msperos]

I like the fact that if I'm dealing with a member of this board, I know that they are a person that has said "This is who I am" no hiding behind a made up profile name. If privacy is the concern then watch what you post. I do not post day's that I'm gone or other things of that nature. I have sold thing in the classified to members without waiting for a check because of their word. I hate to see anybody leave the board over this but when I signed up I knew the policy and agreed to it.

 

[RustyJC]

I'm assuming you're the Mark G. Speros in Westminster, CO with an unlisted phone number. Despite that fact, for $49. 95 I can have your criminal background check, credit report, address, phone number, SS#, etc. , etc. Which I submit merely to make my point that, with access to a last name and location, any of us are fair game.



By the way, I've sold a number of items to TDR members with no problem, as I have to members of other forums where last names are not posted. I'm not sure why having the last name visible in the User Profile makes one any more or less trustworthy.



Rusty

 

[msperos]

You bet Rusty Thats little ol' me I could pull the same info on you with the last name Creekside, Born in 47' . Do you shred every piece of mail,. I'm just saying there are bigger risks out there. So thanks for googling me if you're in Colorado stop by I'll smoke ya a brisket



ps on the selling issue I fell more comfortable knowing that the party is willing to say to other "members" "My name is Mark how do ya do" not "Hi there I"m the Turbonator my trucks better than yours... ... ..... "



to each there own

 

[TORQUE THIS]

Despite that fact, for $49. 95 I can have your criminal background check, credit report, address, phone number, SS#, etc. , etc.

And if you work for a financial institution, you don't have to pay a dime! It's all right there at your finger tips!

 

[SRadke]

I am who I am, no secrets here. Putting you name out there is part of posting on these boards and I accepted that when I signed on. I for one choose not to live my life paranoid.



-Scott