[skyguy79]

On numerous occasions, (just saw it happen three time on another thread) I've seen posters give out their personal phone numbers and wonder why they would give out that kind of personal information for the world to see instead of using personal messaging (PM) it to the individual they want to have it. There are some cases where I might find it appropriate to do so, like if a pet is missing. However, I'd never do it, for instance, to have someone call me for information on an item they're selling! Is it that they just don't realize that they're virtually putting their personal information on the internet forever? Protect your personal information and just don't do it if it's not really necessary!

[JB in TV]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

On numerous occasions, (just saw it happen three time on another thread) I've seen posters give out their personal phone numbers and wonder why they would give out that kind of personal information for the world to see instead of using personal messaging (PM) it to the individual they want to have it. There are some cases where I might find it appropriate to do so, like if a pet is missing. However, I'd never do it, for instance, to have someone call me for information on an item they're selling! Is it that they just don't realize that they're virtually putting their personal information on the internet forever? Protect your personal information and just don't do it if it's not really necessary!

Good point! In fact, it is noted in the forum instructions (site guidlines) not to do it.

[gomoho]

Hate to tell you, but it's probably out there anyway. I needed to locate the folks we bought our home from a year ago. Only had their Florida # which was no longer in service. Had a name and an idea of where they were and found a phone # and address by searching the internet. Anything anyone wants to know about you, that is public record, can be found or bought on the internet.

[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

On numerous occasions, (just saw it happen three time on another thread) I've seen posters give out their personal phone numbers and wonder why they would give out that kind of personal information for the world to see instead of using personal messaging (PM) it to the individual they want to have it. There are some cases where I might find it appropriate to do so, like if a pet is missing. However, I'd never do it, for instance, to have someone call me for information on an item they're selling! Is it that they just don't realize that they're virtually putting their personal information on the internet forever? Protect your personal information and just don't do it if it's not really necessary!

I totally agree with you.

Some people may just not care, but many others may just not know how vulnerable they can be..... by putting too much info on the interwebbie.

The obvious example is of the bad guys monitoring the site, setting up a spreadsheet of user names, noting things like real names/addresses/phone numbers/etc.....and then using it for nefarious purposes.

Not to mention cross-referencing that info, when someone leaves for the summer/vacation...for the purpose of burglarizing.

Those are just some of the reasons I leave most of my personal info off of the forum and limit it to PM's.


And yes, if someone really wants to find info on someone else...they probably can.

But, why in the world...make it so easy?

.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by galeforce

That was my business phone, not my home phone and I'm not giving my address, just my phone. If we're good with it, you don't need to be concerned!

Seem's they were just trying to be helpful...........not hatefull.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by galeforce

That was my business phone, not my home phone and I'm not giving my address, just my phone. If we're good with it, you don't need to be concerned!

I was not directing my comments directly at you personally. Why, I don't even remember any of the identities of the many posters I've seen do this over time let alone you.

Also, I thought putting the message on a thread of it's own would eliminate the possibility of anyone overreacting to the message, but obviously I was wrong about that!

So, I'm sorry if my exercising my right to voice an opinion, that I thought might be helpful to some who might appreciate it and/or benefit by it bothers you, but there's not much I can do about that!

[asianthree]

the TV phone book has many names, numbers, and where you hail from that said...i hate to answer my phone as it is...so you won't see it anywhere

[DonH57]

That's really sad when it appears you try to suggest something to help someone out and they jump down your throat. Totally uncalled for as I see it.

[Joaniesmom]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

On numerous occasions, (just saw it happen three time on another thread) I've seen posters give out their personal phone numbers and wonder why they would give out that kind of personal information for the world to see instead of using personal messaging (PM) it to the individual they want to have it. There are some cases where I might find it appropriate to do so, like if a pet is missing. However, I'd never do it, for instance, to have someone call me for information on an item they're selling! Is it that they just don't realize that they're virtually putting their personal information on the internet forever? Protect your personal information and just don't do it if it's not really necessary!

Can't agree with you. Most of us have our names, addresses and phone numbers readily available to anyone who cares to look it up in the phonebook!

[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by Joaniesmom

Can't agree with you. Most of us have our names, addresses and phone numbers readily available to anyone who cares to look it up in the phonebook!

Just curious, but if you didn't already know from some source (from this forum, being the point of the discussion) at least the name, phone number or address....exactly how would you "look it up in the phone book?"

In other words....that was the OP's whole point.

.

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by Joaniesmom

Can't agree with you. Most of us have our names, addresses and phone numbers readily available to anyone who cares to look it up in the phonebook!

You're correct that the information is already out there, but at the same time I never said that it wasn't. Have you ever heard the expression "The Final Factor?" In this case that term means that although the information may already be available through different sources that are outside our control and without incident, we don't personally need to also share that information that can have the potential of being the final factor that could lead to some undesirable experiences that we would be sorry for later.

[Parker]

As an aside, just think of all the personal information our ignorant and unsuspecting young people post on Facebook and all over the place, without giving it a second thought. They are so vulnerable. At least we, on this site, pretty much know what we're risking. I think.

[jimbo2012]

I don't think a phone number or email should ever be posted, there are programs that used to crawl web sites like these.

U can get spam, viruses and even identity theft.

A user here can email or pm U thru the system, much safer...

If you look around phone numbers are sometimes encrypted sort of

three 5 2 one 3 7 9one two four instead of 352 137 9124 just so the programs can't find the phone numbers.

As for email jimbo at G mail dot com

But I wouldn't even do that type of thing.

[TOTV Team]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

I don't think a phone number or email should ever be posted, there are programs that used to crawl web sites like these.

U can get spam, viruses and even identity theft.

A user here can email or pm U thru the system, much safer...

If you look around phone numbers are sometimes encrypted sort of

three 5 2 one 3 7 9one two four instead of 352 137 9124 just so the programs can't find the phone numbers.

As for email jimbo at G mail dot com

But I wouldn't even do that type of thing.

Jimbo is totally correct here. The difference with the internet vs. a phone book is that the information can get picked up by a 'spider' and then you end up the target of spam or solicitation. It is easy for this to be done if someone tries to do it and we do not recommend having a user name with personal information/email or posting the same on the internet anywhere if you want to take an extra measure to protect your privacy.