Posted by stjames on January 23, 2001, at 19:20:39
In reply to Re: Guinea pigs and their words--no copyright, posted by Neal on January 22, 2001, at 15:44:36
> I object to the term *guinea pigs*! I prefer to be thought of as a lab rat :-)
>
> Seriously though. I don't understand the reasoning of this privacy issue. Anyone concerned with privacy should pick a screen name unique to this board, and certainly not their real name. Also, all the posts are < already on the internet! >, where they can be read by anybody in the whole world. I'm sure thousands have visited this site, whereas how many people are going to read an obscure scholarly journal.
>
> Having said this, I do think that a lot of people think of this site as a sort of wood-panelled room with a fireplace, where a group of friends share ideas and feelings. I think of it that way too, many times. I think Dr Bob should keep this aspect in mind. But it sometimes comes as a jolt when you realize all the posts are on the Internet, to be read by anybody, mostly good people, but also troublemakers, the drug companies, the DEA, you name it.
>James here.....
Good points. People "seem" to be conserned about
security but give out their real names often. Security starts with the user, some of the most
effective methods to be safe and secure are a users responsibility. All the encryption in the world is of no good if, like this board, everyone can view it and real names are used. To me this is basic common sence but in truth it seems many do not get this.Perhaps a short statement, when one first signs up, and gets a user/passwd, about this board being a "public place" and therefor the need to not use your real name if you don't want others to be able to assoc. posts with real people.
James
poster:stjames
thread:232
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20001124/msgs/290.html