Anonymity vs Privacy on the Net54baseball

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

If you want to treat it like a clubhouse, that's your prerogative -- just keep in mind that this forum is as open to the public as a fishbowl.

It is not at all surprising that the clubhouse members want to know who they're conversing with by full name. You've all exposed yourselves as real humans, with real emotions and feelings. I'm just a Matty Dark Cap Avatar and a real passion for T206 cards. If the price for doing that here is joining your clubhouse, well then I guess I'll just move on.

Don't really have a rebuttal for you, Paul. You are correct that our "clubhouse" is also a fishbowl and I fully appreciate the security concerns people might have. If someone ever steals my baseball card collection maybe I'll wish I had stayed anonymous. The internet is lousy with nameless bottom dwellers and their unkind and stupid commentaries. Just look at any blog. I stand against that. I was fashioned in older times, my word is who I am and I will put my name by it and take my chances.

[Mikehealer]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Don't really have a rebuttal for you, Paul. You are correct that our "clubhouse" is also a fishbowl and I fully appreciate the security concerns people might have. If someone ever steals my baseball card collection maybe I'll wish I had stayed anonymous. The internet is lousy with nameless bottom dwellers and their unkind and stupid commentaries. Just look at any blog. I stand against that. I was fashioned in older times, my word is who I am and I will put my name by it and take my chances.

I couldn't agree more. Well typed.

[JamesGallo]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Don't really have a rebuttal for you, Paul. You are correct that our "clubhouse" is also a fishbowl and I fully appreciate the security concerns people might have. If someone ever steals my baseball card collection maybe I'll wish I had stayed anonymous. The internet is lousy with nameless bottom dwellers and their unkind and stupid commentaries. Just look at any blog. I stand against that. I was fashioned in older times, my word is who I am and I will put my name by it and take my chances.

I agree with this as well. It drived me nuts that people try to sell something and just give an email. If I don't have contact with you how am I supposed to know your name. I believe currenctly the mods can see everyones name and I think that at a certain point a request for someone's name would be ok.

Lets say someone has to get to 100 or 200 posts before they can request contact infromation that might help as well and prevent a run of the mill searcher from getting any contact information.

Leon's idea seems like it is fine and I do think of this as somewhat of a community and enjoy talking cards with people in person as well.

I understand the security issue, but IMO if someone tracks you down with plans to steal your cards then it is more likely someone you know locally then someone you met on a chat board 5 states away. Just my opinion but I don't see typical crooks searching out card collections.

James G

[asphaltman]

For me it's not a matter of thinking everyone is going to come after my collection...just seems like after being around here for years you should have the right to be known by the majority of the board with your handle, or first name, or whatever....


And anyway, if some goofball wants to come after my collection they'll get to meet Mr. Smith & Wesson before they'd meet Mr. Cobb or Anson....

[Rich Klein]

Names are good --- is that believe it or not, there might be people with axes to grind, and they might even be compensated for those efforts --- to make posts about certain people, certain auction houses; certain grading companies, etc.

There was a case a couple of years back, where the CEO of Whole Foods Company went to a chat board to post negative things about not just a competitor but someone they were interested in purchasing as well.

Here is a link to one story about that situation

http://www.pcworld.com/businesscente...e_blunder.html

If I did not have to put my name out there, I could do something like this to hurt PSA/BGS/SGC or any of a number of auction houses. I might even be an employee of a competitor.

Yes I do get the privacy and security issue, but you know -- I had people over at my house to give me quotes on insulation --- and one guy showed me what he used to give me the quotes -- and EVERYTHING was a public record issue. Yes, he was/is very legit -- his quote was within 3 percent of the other quote I got.

My point is, there are more dangers to people not knowing who you are for this board then people knowing who you are. And, if you don't want people to know who you are -- stay out of the controversial threads and stay in the vast majority of threads.

Rich

[alanu]

Leon, is there anyway to earmark certain threads to require full names in order to post and then leave others where anyone can post.

That would probably require marking each user as to whether they are full name users or not.

Maybe more trouble than it's worth.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Don't really have a rebuttal for you, Paul. You are correct that our "clubhouse" is also a fishbowl and I fully appreciate the security concerns people might have. If someone ever steals my baseball card collection maybe I'll wish I had stayed anonymous. The internet is lousy with nameless bottom dwellers and their unkind and stupid commentaries. Just look at any blog. I stand against that. I was fashioned in older times, my word is who I am and I will put my name by it and take my chances.

Just a couple of responses:

Requiring names may get rid of the bottom dwellers, so I get that, though only to a degree - who is to say what my real name is. You can call me "Paul" if you like.

But I think there's a missed point among those who put their real names, and that is what your current and future employers may think about your hobby. The number of HR departments that care about employee - current and prospective - Internet activity is only growing. Now, this is a far cry from porn, obviously. But the cleaner my Internet profile, the better. My next employer might not really want to hire someone who spends working hours browsing the b/s/t listings here.

I'd rather not have to worry about these paranoid concerns, or who will find me or look for me or whatever. And by keeping a low Internet profile, I don't have to.

So, again, if you'd like to take the small risk that posting your name with your valuables is going to get you robbed, or that your boss would fire you or not hire you, go for it, dude. But to require people who want to talk about baseball cards, of all things, to take any risk whatsoever is ridiculous.

[calvindog]

How about no names are listed but if one board member has a problem with another then names are divulged privately?

[Leon]

Originally Posted by calvindog

How about no names are listed but if one board member has a problem with another then names are divulged privately?

A brilliant suggestion. I will second this motion.

[bijoem]

Originally Posted by Leon

A brilliant suggestion. I will second this motion.

+1


When I first came to N54 - I wouldn't mind posting my name, or talking about family or personal stuff and my card collection was viewable to anyone on my website.

Over time (and because of some comments or correspondence from member(s)) - I feel less comfortable with the idea of posting my name, or sharing personal tidbits, and my collection on my website is now password protected.

Add to that the point raised about googling your name.... I would rather not have all of my posts and threads here show up in a google search.


So.... I am for 'no names', with the understanding that all names can be divulged at the moderator's discretion.


I would like to point out (especially because the beginning part of my post has a negative vibe to it)..... that N54 is one of the coolest places to go on the net. This is a great, great site. And a thank you goes to Leon and the other moderators.

[bmarlowe1]

Originally Posted by calvindog

How about no names are listed but if one board member has a problem with another then names are divulged privately?

Perfect

[teetwoohsix]

Originally Posted by calvindog

How about no names are listed but if one board member has a problem with another then names are divulged privately?

I agree, this sounds like the way to go.

Recently (sort of) in the watercooler section, the board member (or ex?) Shimozukawa posted a link to a site where you put your name in and it pulls up every address that is tied to your name. I think he deleted all of his posts so it's probably gone.

I tried it and sure enough it pulled up my address(one of the few with the same name). I understand there are quite a few sites that do this, but it was a bit alarming to me how easy it is for anyone to figure out where you live just by your name, just having an unlisted phone # these days just doesn't do the trick anymore. And why would he post that on this site? Who knows, because now he is gone, and left us with a bunch of deleted posts

Anyhow- this is the best site on the net, and Jeff's idea sits just fine with me too. Thanks for taking care of the board Leon- very much appreciated.

Sincerely, Clayton

[Kawika]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

Just a couple of responses:

Requiring names may get rid of the bottom dwellers, so I get that, though only to a degree - who is to say what my real name is. You can call me "Paul" if you like.

But I think there's a missed point among those who put their real names, and that is what your current and future employers may think about your hobby. The number of HR departments that care about employee - current and prospective - Internet activity is only growing. Now, this is a far cry from porn, obviously. But the cleaner my Internet profile, the better. My next employer might not really want to hire someone who spends working hours browsing the b/s/t listings here.

I'd rather not have to worry about these paranoid concerns, or who will find me or look for me or whatever. And by keeping a low Internet profile, I don't have to.

So, again, if you'd like to take the small risk that posting your name with your valuables is going to get you robbed, or that your boss would fire you or not hire you, go for it, dude. But to require people who want to talk about baseball cards, of all things, to take any risk whatsoever is ridiculous.

Probably not a bad idea to keep a low profile. Nowadays some dirtbag can pick your pocket via the internet from the comfort of his basement suite in Pyongyang or Bucharest. I'm just an old guy with dated expectations who appreciates the congeniality and manners of the bygone millenium and who is apparently pissing in the wind in the new one.

[Collect Equity]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

But I think there's a missed point among those who put their real names, and that is what your current and future employers may think about your hobby. The number of HR departments that care about employee - current and prospective - Internet activity is only growing. Now, this is a far cry from porn, obviously. But the cleaner my Internet profile, the better. My next employer might not really want to hire someone who spends working hours browsing the b/s/t listings here.

Another reason to avoid associating your name with your card collection is in case you run for public office some day. I can just imagine a news article about how Jonathan who is running for Mayor is out-of-touch with the common man's plight because he spent $20K a year on baseball cards last year alone.

(like when John McCain was asked about how many houses he had -- he's invested in rentals and someone else takes care of them so he didn't know. Boy did that make him look out of touch)

I too like the idea that when people get in disputes their full name AND email are disclosed to each other in an email to both from Leon so they can take it offline if they'd like.

-Jonathan

[Kenny Cole]

Originally Posted by Kawika

Don't really have a rebuttal for you, Paul. You are correct that our "clubhouse" is also a fishbowl and I fully appreciate the security concerns people might have. If someone ever steals my baseball card collection maybe I'll wish I had stayed anonymous. The internet is lousy with nameless bottom dwellers and their unkind and stupid commentaries. Just look at any blog. I stand against that. I was fashioned in older times, my word is who I am and I will put my name by it and take my chances.

!00% agree

[Kenny Cole]

Understanding that you need to be substantially less involved in personal quarrels, I will say this: If I am going to be shot at by someone for something I said, IMO, they need to be a real person with a real name. On the board. Accountable on the board, not in private emails, after you tell me who it is that's shooting at me. If I'm getting shot at in public, I want to respond in public. So when I send you the email about who is shooting at me, get the answer, and post that full name on the board, is that an infraction? If so, why?

I personally am not too satisfied with being attacked by some tool who doesn't even have the guts to post his or her real name due to alleged "privacy" issues that causes them to be anonymous while they're shooting at you. Being "private" is all well and good until you enter the fray. Then, IMO, you should forfeit that right. Understanding that was the problem which caused this post in the first place, the proposed solution doesn't fix it.

[Matthew H]

One cool thing about having a common first and last name combo... I don't think that anyone can find me by searching for Matt Hall.

I'm pretty sure that it is much easier to find out who someone is by their email address. I think everyone's email address is public here too right?

Plus, there are bigger privacy concerns then net 54 on the internet.

If you haven't seen this website, type you name in search, see what they have, and opt out:

http://www.spokeo.com/name-search?g=...FQELbAod3Godqw

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Matthew H

One cool thing about having a common first and last name combo... I don't think that anyone can find me by searching for Matt Hall.

I'm pretty sure that it is much easier to find out who someone is by their email address. I think everyone's email address is public here too right?

Plus, there are bigger privacy concerns then net 54 on the internet.

If you haven't seen this website, type you name in search, see what they have, and opt out:

http://www.spokeo.com/name-search?g=...FQELbAod3Godqw

Does that actually find stuff about you? For me all it had was an address that I moved from 10+years ago. And that with an incorrect middle initial. I'll be leaving that up there. A bit of disinformation goes a long way. (Facebook thinks I'm over 100 years old )

[mr.ginter]

You may not use the Software to engage in or allow others to engage in any illegal activity where the Software is accessed and used. You may not use the Software to engage in any activity that will violate the rights of third parties, including, without limitation, through the use, public display, public performance, reproduction, distribution, or modification of communications or materials that infringe copyrights, trademarks, publicity rights, privacy rights, other proprietary rights, or rights against defamation of third parties.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by mr.ginter

You may not use the Software to engage in or allow others to engage in any illegal activity where the Software is accessed and used. You may not use the Software to engage in any activity that will violate the rights of third parties, including, without limitation, through the use, public display, public performance, reproduction, distribution, or modification of communications or materials that infringe copyrights, trademarks, publicity rights, privacy rights, other proprietary rights, or rights against defamation of third parties.

I don't care what you cut and paste you won't be bitching at companies on this board and hide behind a user id. Whatever you just posted is NOT rules for this board. They are posted for all to see. Either you can abide by them or leave. No one is forcing anyone to post or be a member here. So if you want to bitch just be assured you will be known. I suggest you consult your lawyer again.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

Understanding that you need to be substantially less involved in personal quarrels, I will say this: If I am going to be shot at by someone for something I said, IMO, they need to be a real person with a real name. On the board. Accountable on the board, not in private emails, after you tell me who it is that's shooting at me. If I'm getting shot at in public, I want to respond in public. So when I send you the email about who is shooting at me, get the answer, and post that full name on the board, is that an infraction? If so, why?

I personally am not too satisfied with being attacked by some tool who doesn't even have the guts to post his or her real name due to alleged "privacy" issues that causes them to be anonymous while they're shooting at you. Being "private" is all well and good until you enter the fray. Then, IMO, you should forfeit that right. Understanding that was the problem which caused this post in the first place, the proposed solution doesn't fix it.

Hi Kenny
And I am not comfortable with how it's been going. Give me a solution that works for everyone. Now, that being said, I think if you re-read my statement you will see that there is an "out". And by "out" I mean if someone gets too out of control then their name can be put on the board...otherwise, I am all ears.

ps...not sure about you putting the name out there. If I say yes, it will cause a sh** storm and if I say no it will cause a sh** storm...tough one...I am sure I wouldn't give you an infraction...maybe a verbal warning

[Kenny Cole]

So my question stands and remains unanswered: When I send you that email, get that name, and publicly post it, what happens?

Kenny

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Kenny Cole

So my question stands and remains unanswered: When I send you that email, get that name, and publicly post it, what happens?

Kenny

And my answer stands...did you read my PS in the post?

[Kenny Cole]

asked my question as you were editing your answer, but it's still not an answer