Anonymity: What are you afraid of?

[muhsin]

I used to be very much astounded over what people are doing on so many sites I use to visit like Lit. Network Forum. That is talking about hiding their identity such as name, sex, age, location etc.
My fellow good people how or I should why is that so? Or you are afraid of something- abduction, blackmailing, or what my people. I, as I use to say as an individual with unique acceptance and comprehension, I see nothing wrong in exposing this out.
What do you think?

[Goodfella]

That is you as you said.Remember we are different, thus every humanbeing has a reason of doing what he does.
Wait..for a while..you'll get answer(s) I know

[Koa]

We had a similar question not long ago and abundantly discussed it...I'm going to look for it and link it for you.
As for me, I don't like to put all of my full datas not only for safety reasons (I don't mind sharing with the forum fellows but anyone could be reading this...) and also to keep a separation between my real life and my online one - most people I know in real life would find my forums activity totally weird and I wouldn't like them to find out accidentally, just to say one thing...

[Koa]

I can't seem to find that thread I was talking about. I'm pretty sure it was in the Introductions forum but it seems that you can't go back more than two pages of thread, and that was surely from before I left, therefore before May. Maybe quite long before that, let's say between December 2005 and March 2006. I don't remember the title but it ended up having some 3-4 pages...

[Shannanigan]

I remember the thread you are talking about,

I think, basically, yeah, some people are worried that others that know them will see them online and learn more about them than would be wanted. For example, when I become a teacher, I still plan to be fairly personal on the forums I am on, but I don't think I would want my students reading all of my personal opinions and responses and such online...

And yes, lots of people can be scared of abduction or even attack...I have been in forums where someone was physically threatened by others for their opnions, and it was a very scary situation because the person being threatened had their real name and location on the site. The person making the threat was taking some things a little too personally, in my opinion, and was overreacting, also in my opinion. The person being threatened was also an author, and became very afraid of book signings because of this person online...

So, yeah, to protect ourselves from others who may be offended by our opinions and overreact, we may hide our locations. I feel rather safe, so I let my location be seen, and I find no use in hiding my name because if you do bother to come to St. Thomas, the island is so small and so many people know me that it would be easy to find me even if I used a fake name everywhere...

[Jay]

Koa, is this (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16590) the thread you meant?

It only shows you two pages because, if you look at the bottom of the page, there you can chose how much threads (time-wise) will it display, it's one of the drop-down menus on the left in the box called "Display options". :)

[mono]

Interesting question, and I must agree with most people who posted prior to me.
I do not necessarily fear attack or abduction from anyone; I may display where I live, but not precisely my address, social security number, bank card number, and mother's maiden name. :lol:
Generally, I have my good friends on the forum, and have shared some details with them in varying degrees of myself, but, even though everyone who posts here has a membership, the public may still view the forum posts. I have confidence in most of my fellow forum members, but not the general public who may view these posts.

[kathycf]

Hello, muhsin.

Well, my first name and location are given both under my avatar and in my profile. I will not be more specific than that, because it would be foolish (in my opinion) to expose myself to unnecessary risks. Anyone with an internet connection can read this forum, not just members.

[AimusSage]

Yes, and some members of this lovely forum might be under the influence of a wonderful root vegetable, and therefor not entirely trustworthy. :eek:

But not me, no, I'm completely sane, I sure am, but I would never in my right mind even think of sharing my more personal details, like number of toes, fingers, eyes, mouths, noses and so on. But it's up for everyone to decide to share what you want, and if you want to share the number of limbs you have, by all means go ahead. :)

[RobinHood3000]

I'm with kathy -- I try to avoid posting as much personal information as possible, down to the details many would consider trivial. Paranoia, if nothing else, makes for a lovely conversational topic.

[kathycf]

I'm with kathy -- I try to avoid posting as much personal information as possible, down to the details many would consider trivial. Paranoia, if nothing else, makes for a lovely conversational topic.

Well, I am a little more forthcoming than you...Kathy is actually my real name. (short for Kathleen) ;)


Yes, and some members of this lovely forum might be under the influence of a wonderful root vegetable, and therefor not entirely trustworthy. :eek:

But not me, no, I'm completely sane, I sure am, but I would never in my right mind even think of sharing my more personal details, like number of toes, fingers, eyes, mouths, noses and so on. But it's up for everyone to decide to share what you want, and if you want to share the number of limbs you have, by all means go ahead. :)

Do you mean you have more than the usual number of noses? :eek:
Completely sane, Aimus? Suuuuurrre you are. ;) :brow: :p

[RobinHood3000]

Well, I am a little more forthcoming than you...Kathy is actually my real name. (short for Kathleen) And who's to say Robin is or isn't MY real name? :cool:

[kathycf]

And who's to say Robin is or isn't MY real name? :cool:

Perhaps, but I would wager that Hood3000 is more than likely not your last name. :p

Seriously, I think sharing a little bit of information is fine, but people should be cautious.

[kilted exile]

Its got nothing to do with being afraid.......it'll just make it easier for me to kill you all if dont know too much about me ;)

[Logos]

I used to be very much astounded over what people are doing on so many sites I use to visit like Lit. Network Forum. That is talking about hiding their identity such as name, sex, age, location etc.
My fellow good people how or I should why is that so? Or you are afraid of something- abduction, blackmailing, or what my people. I, as I use to say as an individual with unique acceptance and comprehension, I see nothing wrong in exposing this out.
What do you think?


I don't think it is a matter of deliberately being `sneaky' or `misleading' to not disclose a lot of personal info, I think the fact of the matter is that a lot of people who use the web know that it is not necessary in most _contexts_. Like say this site for instance, people want to talk about literature or goof around in General Chat, it's not necessary to the setting to post one’s address of where one lives or works etc. and I would find it odd if someone did start making posts like that and probably warn them that it is not a good idea.

Sure there are lots of sites say where it is more appropriate to the setting that you post pics of your family, kids and the dog with your full name and address phone numbers, email address etc. that you share with other family members and friends, or, post daily journals of your private life, or post your phd dissertation, or maybe you're a professional who works at a university, or a public figure like a journalist and you have a wordpress blog to post your articles. Unfortunately there are people who might happen to use this information `against’ you, but it is a risk one takes because with the web it is so much easier to `spy’ on someone without you knowing they are doing it.

It is your prerogative to share whatever you wish about yourself within the rules here of course :) But you have to realise that *anything* you post on the world wide web is potentially not "private" including emails, chats, video and or voice chats, blogs, images, sound files, videos, forum posts, posts to mailing lists, member profiles created on such sites as say MSN or Yahoo! and dating ones etc. etc. even if they are posted to `private' areas or on sites where you pay for exclusivity or privacy.

People far too often get lulled into a false sense of security or total privacy when they use the web, but as many have already stated here, they are wary of the possibility that what they put forth could be used for various purposes that they did not give consent to.

Speaking as a moderator here and from my personal experience from using the internet almost from it's inception in 1990 by Tim Berners-Lee (http://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/) I *discourage* people to post any personally identifying information such as full name, details about where you work, and/or details about other people in your life who do not give consent to you to share their info or images. Not trying to be alarmist or anything ;) but really, the status quo says don’t do it.

[subterranean]

I used to be very much astounded over what people are doing on so many sites I use to visit like Lit. Network Forum. That is talking about hiding their identity such as name, sex, age, location etc.
My fellow good people how or I should why is that so? Or you are afraid of something- abduction, blackmailing, or what my people. I, as I use to say as an individual with unique acceptance and comprehension, I see nothing wrong in exposing this out.
What do you think?


Wow, kid is that really you in the profile? Nice picture :thumbs_up

[muhsin]

That is humanbeing; same in nature, but different in opinion.
To me this is nothing, I mean it my people. But, what'm asking is not totally about given a full information about yourself, but why not even a bit?
We have been sharing views, opinions, insight etc in this forum. That is why I think we have to atleast know each others' sex/name; that is to know who are you together with m/f?
Know from where is that you are together with will certainly help a lot; that is to know what kind of people are there in so-so country.
etc...

[muhsin]

Wow, kid is that really you in the profile? Nice picture :thumbs_up
So I really am, even in reality. What does it matter?LOL :lol:
By the way, is this your real picture we are seeing as your avarta?

[kathycf]

:) Hi, my name is Kathy, I am a female who lives in Massachusetts. There are many women named Kathy who live around here, but I am the only me. :brow:

[Koa]

Koa, is this (http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16590) the thread you meant?

It only shows you two pages because, if you look at the bottom of the page, there you can chose how much threads (time-wise) will it display, it's one of the drop-down menus on the left in the box called "Display options". :)


Yeah, that one precisely! Thanks Jay!
And as for the option, thanks about that too, it baffled me because I'm quite sure it did display everything before I left...or it usually does, well I don't know, whatever anyway.

[Koa]

But, what'm asking is not totally about given a full information about yourself, but why not even a bit?


:rolleyes: well if you're around a bit and pay attention you will find out a lot...there are info that are not in my profile but everybody knows, there are threads about where you are from and how old you are (look in the Introduction forum), and most people do reveal it... so I only think you need to get to know us better with time and by sticking around...

[subterranean]

So I really am, even in reality. What does it matter?LOL :lol:
By the way, is this your real picture we are seeing as your avarta?


Nope, the real me got some hair in my head ;)

[subterranean]

That is humanbeing; same in nature, but different in opinion.
To me this is nothing, I mean it my people. But, what'm asking is not totally about given a full information about yourself, but why not even a bit?
We have been sharing views, opinions, insight etc in this forum. That is why I think we have to atleast know each others' sex/name; that is to know who are you together with m/f?
Know from where is that you are together with will certainly help a lot; that is to know what kind of people are there in so-so country.
etc...



well if you're around a bit and pay attention you will find out a lot...there are info that are not in my profile but everybody knows, there are threads about where you are from and how old you are (look in the Introduction forum), and most people do reveal it... so I only think you need to get to know us better with time and by sticking around..


I agree with Koa aka E :D.

This is just to let you (muhsin) know that I know what Koa real name is, but I don't want to expose it as I don't think Koa would be happy with it. See, when you stick around bit longer, you'll learn little by little bout other member's likes and dislikes, more personal information, and even perhaps a more more personal information :). Just be patient..., and hang out a lot :nod:

[subterranean]

:) .... There are many women named Kathy who live around here, but I am the only me. :brow:


That is so well said :thumbs_up

[muhsin]

:) Hi, my name is Kathy, I am a female who lives in Massachusetts. There are many women named Kathy who live around here, but I am the only me. :brow:

LOL :banana:
You did a great job there kathy!

[muhsin]

Yeah, that one precisely! Thanks Jay!
And as for the option, thanks about that too, it baffled me because I'm quite sure it did display everything before I left...or it usually does, well I don't know, whatever anyway.

I never come across this thread :confused:

[Koa]

I agree with Koa aka E :D.

This is just to let you (muhsin) know that I know what Koa real name is, but I don't want to expose it as I don't think Koa would be happy with it. See, when you stick around bit longer, you'll learn little by little bout other member's likes and dislikes, more personal information, and even perhaps a more more personal information :). Just be patient..., and hang out a lot :nod:


Well said sub aka B :D Well I've put out my first name around here on a couple of occasions, so again it's not that we're all against showing anything, but it's just that it's not the first thing I want to talk about on an online forum - otherwise I'd be hanging only in real life and be content with it ;)

Btw, I'm amazed and happy to see you around subby!!!

[subterranean]

Btw, I'm amazed and happy to see you around subby!!!


Same here, buddy :D

[Stanislaw]

Well, I will tell you my real name, and location...but then I would have to kill you ...(heh, I think some one used this already.)

oh well, I think most people know my name and place of residence...

but for those who missed it:

My name is Adam
I live in the capital of Alberta
And I have amazing rogish good looks! :D
Oh and I'm modest! :D

[muhsin]

Same here, buddy :D

Wow, what kind of picture is this new one? Yours(real)?
I hope this is you.lol :banana:

[subterranean]

My name is Adam: Is that really your REAL name?

I live in the capital of Alberta: The last time you said you're proud of being the citizen of Hollywood

And I have amazing rogish good looks! :D: That's not your picture, I'm sure of it!

Oh and I'm modest! :D: Yeah..right..After what you've said bout your LOOKS

Sorry Stan, but someone's gotta tell the truth here
:D

[subterranean]

Wow, what kind of picture is this new one? Yours(real)?
I hope this is you.lol :banana:

Cute, huh?

But unfortunetly, that's not me. That's Mr. Weller (when he was young)

[muhsin]

Cute, huh?

But unfortunetly, that's not me. That's Mr. Weller (when he was young)
You are an amazing guy.hahaha!
I like your mocks!

[Koa]

well no one seems to think so at first (me included ;)), but sub's a girl...

[ShoutGrace]

well no one seems to think so at first (me included ;)), but sub's a girl...


Thank God! (I only knew it because I did my research before she returned). ;)



I like your mocks!

I'll agree with that.

[subterranean]

I like your mocks!





I'll agree with that.

What are you guys saying? That was the nicest thing I've ever said about a person.

[ShoutGrace]

What are you guys saying? That was the nicest thing I've ever said about a person.

I don't know about that particular statement (Weller would be proud) . . . I was just saying I like your mocks, in general. :D

[Stanislaw]

Sorry Stan, but someone's gotta tell the truth here
:D

heh..well Adam is my real name (though I have been known to go by yoda the most dread pirate...:D)
as fer the good looks...well, I just can't lie!:D
as for the modesty...why not???:D :D

[Pendragon]

Hey, the photos in the photoalbum are real, OK? So I like to play games with my atvars and with my location and things. There is a crazy little thing called "Loosening up and having fun". Try it. ;)

[Nightshade]

Well Ive said alot about me here and there and the truth is if you knew how to look or where bothred to I am almost positive that you could pretty much end up at my doorstep. Ive said enough for anyone who knows the realme to recognise me ( which is not nesseraly a good thing) But I wont put my picture in the photoalbum because like it or not people are affected on some level by appearance and I prefer to at least have one place where people dont jump to a conclusion the minute they see me.




( err how do I make the spell check work??:confused: )

[AimusSage]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I'm affected by your avatar, the three smilies frighten me. :bawling:

That means you must be scary too! ;):p

[Nightshade]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I'm affected by your avatar, the three smilies frighten me. :bawling:

That means you must be scary too! ;):p

I saw that coming . you know what I mean though :p

[AimusSage]

Maybe, so how does my appearance affect you? Does it make you run screaming, or do I need to practice more ;)

[Stanislaw]

I was going to use my pic as an avatar...but I was worried people might damage there monitors by kissing them too much...:D :D :D

heh, sorry, I was watching strongbad for a good chunk o today.:D

[Nightshade]

Maybe, so how does my appearance affect you? Does it make you run screaming, or do I need to practice more ;)
sefinetly more practice needed :goof:


I was going to use my pic as an avatar...but I was worried people might damage there monitors by kissing them too much...:D :D :D


did you say you were modest??
:lol:

[Stanislaw]

sefinetly more practice needed :goof:



did you say you were modest??
:lol:

well...perhaps that was a slite bending o er truth...:D

[AimusSage]

sefinetly more practice needed :goof:


Rats! Can you give me some pointers?

[Nightshade]

welll dont brush your hair or your teeth. shave your eyebrows and cover your face with dirt, would be a start but youll never send people running with those eye lashes they are too much like a babies to be scary.

[AimusSage]

Might I remind you that babies are very scary! :eek2:

[Nightshade]

only if you dont know how to avoid there death glare:D

[AimusSage]

You must teach me how to do that someday, I really don't like being caught in one of those death glares.

And their mommies can be scary too!

[muhsin]

You are beyond me guys! What's going on? I'm missed!

[subterranean]

You are beyond me guys! What's going on? I'm missed!

Something to do with putting lovely self picture as an avatar ;)

[muhsin]

Something to do with putting lovely self picture as an avatar ;)

But the two guys expressions epitomize something a bit harsh. Why is that so?

[kathycf]

They are just teasing and joking with each other, muhsin.:)

[subterranean]

They are just teasing and joking with each other, muhsin.:)

NO, they were abusing each other..and they did that funly :D

[aeroport]

Well, all I have to say is that you are all wusses. If you were cool like me (and had, in addition, neither shame nor modesty), you would use your own image as an avatar. I, at least, show enough consideration for you guys that if you saw me out on the street someplace you'd immediately be like, "Whoa, hey, that's Jamesian's avatar, I oughta go shake hands with him!" And you'd have another friend in your life because of it. :lol:

[subterranean]

Well, all I have to say is that you are all wusses. If you were cool like me (and had, in addition, neither shame nor modesty), you would use your own image as an avatar. I, at least, show enough consideration for you guys that if you saw me out on the street someplace you'd immediately be like, "Whoa, hey, that's Jamesian's avatar, I oughta go shake hands with him!" And you'd have another friend in your life because of it. :lol:

Don't tell me that's your head in your head>>>>>>> avy? :brow:

[aeroport]

Don't tell me that's your head in your head? :brow:

Hmm? ......................

[subterranean]

Nevermind about that..I was completely occupied with my modules at that time :crash:

[muhsin]

Thanks Kathyp and Subtrannean for your clarifications.

[mtpspur]

Relatively new to the world of forums--my wife has her own myspace.com sections but I tend to rebel against joining the status quo. I have nothing particular to hide though there are (as in most people's lives events of which I'm not particularly proud of and for the record had a chance a time or two to do it differently). I hang out here partially to relieve boredom, do some literature stuff and see what other people think/talk about. I do not anticipate making 'friends'--(definition if I call at 3 am in the morning and ask a stupid question they will forgive me and answer the question--if not necessarily loan money) on the internet--my wife is having a small problem with a lady over Bible doctrine and I'm trying to stay out of it cause it's getting nasty and no glory to God is coming out of it --which is why I try(?) to behave on the religious topics.

Generally I'm not above revealing info if it's harmless or to clarify a point. For instance--21 years in the Air Force cured me of interest in the game of politics. Religion -- believe in the Lord Christ--so-so follower--Baptist doctrines with LIBERAL Calvinistic beliefs and I try to keep the faith simple.

Personal life--the profile provided by me answers that I suppose. The kids have the decency to try to live their own lifes and I'm always startled when they remember something I said that was important.

I try not to lie on the net but occasionally the drama queen in me puts some exaggeration in it. One of the very few things I'm proud of was one day of deep sea fishing from a boat off the island of Guam and the one that got away I have never pretended to be bigger then 2 feet long maybe. (Guam was my only overseas tour--I homesteaded almost 12 years at Grand Forks AFB ND and still have nightmares about some aspects of dorm life pre marriage there.

[muhsin]

Mnnnhh!!!
It's quiet contradicted. I mean so it sounds to me, but I don't actually know or the problem is mine. Well, thanks for this brother/sister.

[mtpspur]

I apologize for lack of clarity. You're right--my post seems contradictory.

To try again--when I post to the net my privacy level is low because I believe myself to lead a fairly normal routine life of interest more to me then others. I do not intentionally lie to decieve because I can't see the point. After all even if someone decided to visit Fairborn OH how would they find me?? (But if you do go visit the Air Force Museum nearby--open 364 days a year at Wright-Patterson AFB.

The drama queen remark is to show contrast. Often to show my wife how absurd something seems to be (or else way to much television over the years let alone reading Spider-Man comics.)

The friends remarks comes across as cold to me now. I just don't want anyone to feel obligated to respond to my postings. Input is nice but my world won't end for lack of it. I know I was really thinking about my church relationships at that point and my wife's so-called prayer partner.

I have to remind myself--this is the literature network not the mtpspur soap opera network.

[muhsin]

My friend warned me to remove some of the information I provided in my profile. When I asked why? He said I should ask in the forum the happening in the globe. What's happening my people?
He later added, 'such blog-'
'Its not a blog' I replied, cutting him midsentence.
'OK' he said, bemused.
Pls, what's happening to the bloggers. Though, I consider this not a blog, or rather anything alike but a mere discussion forum. Whats....???

[kathycf]

Seems confusing, muhsin. I looked at your profile and don't see anything that could be dangerous to you. You give your location, but just the name of your country. I don't think anybody could find you based on that. Your other information seems general to me, so I don't understand your friend's concerns.

This is a message board that happens to have blogs as well, but I haven't heard of anything happening to bloggers....there have been instances of stalking, (not here, just internet stalking in general) but as I mention, I don't think your profile provides anything that would lead to that.

[muhsin]

Seems confusing, muhsin. I looked at your profile and don't see anything that could be dangerous to you. You give your location, but just the name of your country. I don't think anybody could find you based on that. Your other information seems general to me, so I don't understand your friend's concerns.

This is a message board that happens to have blogs as well, but I haven't heard of anything happening to bloggers....there have been instances of stalking, (not here, just internet stalking in general) but as I mention, I don't think your profile provides anything that would lead to that.

Thanks KathycfThat was my belief then but I later felt it unsure and decided to ask.
And to the bloggers, I some days ago, I myself heard in the BBC World Have Your Say that bloggers are being stalked and some even apprehended in their countries. Sorry, such affairs I suspect aren't allow to be discussed here. Isn't it?
May God continue to protect us. (Ameen)

[kathycf]

You can discuss things in the news, as long as it doesn't concern politics in any way.