Privacy concerns from [split] AF Hall of Shame (Post Edition)

[Bad Writer]

It seems to me that once you concede to put your stuff on the Internet, everything is fair game. I tell this to my students when teaching about social media. They immediately run home and turn up their privacy settings.

[pineapplebunnybounce]

I agree with Jacob. What we put online is up for grabs, and I'm aware that people would always google up others they're interested in. But you're using information we provided when we sign up, information that was meant to be used to maintain the forum (not something we publish for everyone) for your own personal purposes: to stalk those you're interested in. How is that not an abuse of power?

[Rayaan]

When I signed up to AF I used my email address. From which you got my name. Then linked with what I told you about my job to find out some other stuff about me and found me on other forums.

Yeah, but that was only the first step.

To me this seems not cool.

Why, does that make you feel more insecure or something? Are you worried for some reason?

[Jacob(smooth)]

It seems to me that once you concede to put your stuff on the Internet, everything is fair game. I tell this to my students when teaching about social media. They immediately run home and turn up their privacy settings.

Good advice to be sure. However I think there is an issue of trust here. The privacy policy states

Your information is used internally only where necessary

I'm not convinced that "stalking your posts" and

"I read some of your stuff in a podiatrist forum. I know who you are. Big Grin

Skillz. "

Really fits with the principle of "only where necessary".

[Kayenneh]

Well, the privacy policy of our forums can be found here. It's no secret that we on the staff have access to the IPs of the members.

EDIT: Oh, the discussion continued while I was posting. Never mind me..

[Jacob(smooth)]

When I signed up to AF I used my email address. From which you got my name. Then linked with what I told you about my job to find out some other stuff about me and found me on other forums.

Yeah, but that was only the first step.

To me this seems not cool.

Why, does that make you feel more insecure or something? Are you worried for some reason?

I'm unamused by this rayaan. Really I am. Sorry but using mod priviledges to look me up for your own amusement, seems wrong to me.

Its not a matter of being "more insecure", its a matter of decency. You sent me, by PM, a link to a photo of my family. You said you've been watching my youtube vids. Was this for any reason other than your own amusement?

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Well, the privacy policy of our forums can be found here. It's no secret that we on the staff have access to the IPs of the members.

EDIT: Oh, the discussion continued while I was posting. Never mind me..

Indeed. I read it. And quoted from it. IP addresses is one thing. For forum functionality, to prevent sock puppets etc, no problem there.

Using the information given to look up other stuff for "lulz" is not.

Look at this way. Rayaan and I have enjoyed (or at least I have) debating on this forum many times. Now he tells me he has read what I have written on at least two other forums, watched vids on my youtube channel and even sent me by pm a link to a picture of me and my family, just so I know he has seen it. This introduces a somewhat unlevel element to any debates don't you think?

[Angrboda]

Information is the stock and trade of a moderator. It's how the smooth operation of the forum is kept smooth and secure. (Would you complain about them finding a sock account or troll this way.) Generally, I keep such info on a need to know basis though, and don't broadcast the fact, as it can be unsettling to some. I keep no secrets, but I know that there is information "out there" that an internet sleuth could find that I'm not altogether comfortable with them finding. (ETA: Not to mention that divulging that you have such information tends to cause the source to dry up, as they are now alerted to your snooping. Sharing the info for no other reason than social intercourse is sloppy and immature.)

[Jacob(smooth)]

Information is the stock and trade of a moderator. It's how the smooth operation of the forum is kept smooth and secure. (Would you complain about them finding a sock account or troll this way.) Generally, I keep such info on a need to know basis though, and don't broadcast the fact, as it can be unsettling to some. I keep no secrets, but I know that there is information "out there" that an internet sleuth could find that I'm not altogether comfortable with them finding.

This was not for the purposes of finding a sock or a troll was it. I'd love to know if there is a legitimate reason beyond rayaans own amusement. Cos I aint fucking amused.

[Tonus]

Kay should stalk me.

[pocaracas]

Now I'm curious about what rayaan can dig up on me...