Privacy concerns!!!

[Learguy]

WOOOO BOY!!! This is getting interesting. From a non-IT/IS point of view, it "appears" (in MY OPINION) that the guys that are really computer savvy or have access or knowledge of databases that can do a lot of stuff us rank ignorant amateurs do not, see no harm in last names being accessed. I agree with that there is no additional harm in that. I'm more concerned/ worried/ paranoid about the amateurs that stumble upon stuff. It is easier now than it was 5 years ago. Why make it easier? I also do not agree with the statement that the last names are keeping the hostilities and personal attacks down. I was a member of a free Hemi site the was a lot less hostile in replies. Everyone who responded in a hostile manner or with a personal attack was called out by the membership and the moderator would delete that post within 24 hrs. We policed ourselves much better than I have see on this site. This is a good site IF you filter out the personal attacks and name calling. Yes that is a small percentage of the membership, but they do post alot. Maybe someday they will read all of the question, then reply... ... Oops, off topic. Bottom line, I do not agree with posting last names and do not see the benefit. Will I cancel my membership and demand a refund, NO. I agreed to the terms. Will I renew? At this point, unlikely. Do the majority of you care? I don't care if you do. It's my choice and my opinion.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

We have taken the time to carefully consider everyone's input on this subject. While we do not see where the publishing of last names only to the membership is of any concern, we recognize that some of you do. At the same time we recognize the value of this information in helping to keep this place civil. With everything taken into account, we have come up with a solution that meets both sets of needs. We will allow you to opt out of having your last name displayed on your profile. Instead it will read, "Name withheld by user request". If you choose to be an anonymous user, you WILL be held to a higher standard regarding the website guidelines than those that do not. Things that are borderline on the guidelines that we may let slide with other users, we will not with anonymous users. The following will apply:



1. Users who withhold the publishing of their last names cannot change your username under ANY situation (NO exceptions).



2. Users who withhold the publishing of their last names will be held to a "zero tolerance" policy relative to our website guidelines - no warnings, strike 1 2 3, etc.



3. Commercial users (those we know are affiliated with a related Commercial enterprise) cannot exercise this option under any circumstance.



If you wish to utilize this option please email Robin at rpatton@ix.netcom.com with your request.



-Steve St. Laurent

Webmaster

 

[Learguy]

Thanx Steve! That sounds very reasonable and fair. Thank you again.

 

[Alphacowboy]

Blah, whatever, glad you could come up with somthing to quite the banter... but really, I have no idea why ya'll got your undies in a bunch. If I wanted to find somthing about who you are... . its really not that hard my friend! IPs and other things tell more about you than your last name does! :-laf But seriously, ID theft is an issue, but I think here its a non-issue. My wife is worried sick about ID theft, and in many ways irritates the hell out of me. She freaks if I throw an envelope away that has our address on it... who freakin cares, you can find my addy in a phone book for goodness sakes.





I guess my point is this, I would say that most people that are REALLY worried about this crap have all the added padding of insurance on thier credit cards, and pay a premium for all the added security to protect them from ID theives... . but yet they STILL worry! Hello, why would you STILL worry?



closing... . Relax! enjoy this MEMBER only site... remember people, thieves dont spend money to make money, there is a reason they are thieves, they want stuff for free, I highly doubt they are going to spend 35 bucks to find out your last name... just my $. 02

 

[nps]

So why is your name withheld by request Alpha?



Ooops - guess all of our names show withheld by request. Whats up Steve? I don't want to look like I have my panties in a twist. :-laf

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Ooops - because I screwed up the code. It's fixed now