Too much available information on forumites on MBY/Google

[mjkinch1]

I noticed a few people have changed their IDs on the Forum. I did the same some months ago when I Googled myself (No I don't make a habit of it, just curious though) and found my MBY profile come up in the listing, with of course my details, boat information and then the links to my posts.

It came from an old friend of mine who commented on my boat, and I had never mentioned it to him.

So anyway changed my profile and name, and I think the pages have pretty much dropped out the system.

Has anyone else found their MBY details available on Google? Is that why a couple of Forumites have changed their details?

 

[Whitelighter]

yep, see the new ID.

Taken the more useful stuff out of my bio as well.

 

[l'escargot]

Pretty much anything you put anywhere on the internet is available to just about everyone, and not just Google either - that is why they are called "Search Engines". People are counseled time and time again to be careful what they put in their bios.

If you don't want other people to see it, don't put it on the internet - it is a public place!

 

[[2068]]

I fluctuate wildly on this.

At first I filled out everything.

Then, I had a paranoia attack, triggered by someone else at work signing up, and stripped my profile right back.

Now, I'm thinking - Do I care? It's a public forum, several forumites know who I actually am, my full name isn't in the profile, but the boat is. I might put my first name back in. Especially as "dave" isn't exactly a unique name in the UK.

So, I just need to remain un-controversial enough such that when I step off the boat I don't get a punch on the nose from someone I have mortally offended in forum-land.

dv.

 

[kcrane]

I changed mine, but only as we sold the boat. It was always a cheek for a newcomer to have a nickname "Captain", but without a boat it is a step too far /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[DAKA]

I was recently annoyed that my email apparently had been used in a spam operation by David Anthony sailrooms or something which had been taken from this forum.
I removed my email.
I note he has now changed his forum name and deleted his email address.
By the sounds of it I need to delete more.

 

[l'escargot]

I just Googled for some admirable qualities and look what I got:

*url - edited for the sake of anonymity* - but you know who you are /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[DAKA]

What are the dangers ?

I am well known at home with a personalised no. plate so most people in the area have no problem in tracking me down, what is the difference on a forum ?

I have thought for a long time that some of the regular contributors must be inmates of HM prison service as they spend so long here and go off in some real paddy but what harm can be done ?

Is the worst thing an email from someone begging for cash or a sailor trying to groom me ?

Its not like I post my bank details.

 

[[2068]]

The danger is that someone gets hold of your actual snail-mail or email address and subjects you to a continuous series of offers for Viagra, Pharma stock tips, timeshare, and advice on how to become "One Inch Longer".

dv.

 

[mjkinch1]

I guess with the power of the search engines everything is indexed sooner or later, but I think it was the private details of the MBY forum that caught me out. Its not so much that I want to hide my details, but more personal details about what boat I have, and then from the posts, where I go and what I do - well that came as more of a surprise.

I like to keep some parts of my private life out of the limelight, am I alone in that? In the end now I know, I have adjusted any private bio's so that the connection with the ID and my details are not so obvious.

Dunno really - its spooky to be able to find out so much information about not only yourself but your hobbies as well.

 

[Nick_H]

I've just changed mine, and taken some info off my bio, for the reasons you say. Besides, if I want all my personal details to be made public I can rely on any number of government departments for that ..

 

[[2068]]

I think that boat model, and approximate location is enough to put most users posts in context without giving too much away. Providing boat name & first name helps create a friendly atmosphere.

The only additional info that would be handy sometimes would be make/model of engines and drives for some of the technical queries.

But, it's ultimately up to the individual!
If you want to be anonymous, then so be it.

dv.

 

[Miss_DANKA]

[ QUOTE ]
I just Googled for some admirable qualities and look what I got:

*url - edited for the sake of anonymity* - but you know who you are /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[/ QUOTE ]


Alright, you got me Sherlock /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Point taken, I 've changed a few other things too /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif


XX
Petra

 

[l'escargot]

Petra, where have you been? So nice to see you back. I look forward to catching up and hearing of your tumbles. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[mjf]

This whole issue came up in here about 5 yrs ago.

I too was a bit surprised how the link was made, and how very easy it was to uncover personal details - obvious really but educated me to be careful on what info is placed in the 'open'.

 

[Richard Shead]

Your email address did not come from this forum unless you had it in your bio or you placed it in a post which I doubt you did.

I dont know how many times I have said this but all forum members email addresses are only used for forum purposes they are never sold...

 

[DAKA]

My email was in my bio.

It has been misused and sent out to other emails including full names of forum members, past and present.

Since that I have received a lot of emails from dubious sources including one Scottish git who wanted to inject £5 m into the uk economy via my bank account.

I do not blame YBW, I blame other forum members for being careless with my details and other forum members details.

I recommend all to be more guarded with information they give out, I received some odd PMs last year from a well known forum member, I thought he was joking to begin with but then I realised he was serious, I decided to move Marinas and post less as a result.

At this time of year the forum takes on a nasty side as Boaters become depressed at missing their weekend adrenalin rush.
I dont want to be part of it this year and DAKA is going into hiding.

 

[bendyone]

We know where you are, but its OK Dan is removing the links a quickly as possible /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[Richard Shead]

This time of year? I think its been most of the year!

 

[l'escargot]

[ QUOTE ]
...I dont want to be part of it this year and DAKA is going into hiding.

[/ QUOTE ]
And tonight Matthew I'm going to be.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif