posted on August 3, 2000 10:53:36 PM new
I'm naive (read stupid) enough to think that this is just a place to hang out. I realize that anything that's possible in the real world is possible here as well. But, should I be more paranoid here than I am in real life? If so, I'd like to hear specific reasons. Yes --- I'm that much of a chat board newbie/idiot. And, if we truly put ourselves at risk from unknown cyber demons, then why are any of us here? Is a cyber-attack unlikely or highly likely?
I've shared a lot in the short time I've been here - now, I'm thinking too much. I like the multitude of personalities and ideas here. But, it seems that this is not a safe place after all? Or is it?
posted on August 3, 2000 11:14:47 PM new
Mybiddness, I have been posting here for over a year [using my timeworn id before this] and I have never recieved any devious sort of email or had any type of auction interference. I used to have my email posted and I have mentioned my ebay ID in the past. I have posted my picture in the picture threads.I tell all kinds of personal information. I have never had a problem.I have even sold items to some posters here so some people know my address ! I think you are safe.
changed UBB
[ edited by Rawbunzel on Aug 3, 2000 11:15 PM ]
posted on August 3, 2000 11:17:31 PM new
No, Mybiddness There aren't really any greater risk here than there are in other places. It's just a different type of risk. For example, if you hang around long enough you may find that you begin to talk to yourself. Given enough time and patience, you may even learn to enjoy it. It's not anything to be concerned about (really) unless you find that you are responding to yourself also. That could be an indication of something much more serious.
Be very careful as it is a subtle affliction. You may not even realize that you're doing it.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:20:15 PM new
Thanks Rawbunzel It just seems that there's a whole "other world" going on in cyberspace - I don't have the time or desire to run around checking out other boards, but was a little distressed to read on Ladyoflakes thread that there seems to be a lot more to "chat" than I ever thought.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:31:03 PM new
There are people who enjoy playing games on-line and others who don't. Decide carefully whether you want to be a game-player or not. Antiquity's Flame Warrior link gives a fair idea of what to expect as a game player e.g. periodic cyber-bloodshed. There appears to only be one rule (which occasionally gets broken) and that is not to carry over the feuds into real life (e.g. auction interference, harassing phone calls, etc.).
In general I've found that the game-players are quite good about not involving non-game-players in the games.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:33:45 PM newRawbunzelTry it! I rather enjoyed it.
No, my post was serious - no tricks, just having fun with myself - geeeeez, I'm bored when I think I'm good company!
Sometimes I think I should just go back to doing my own thing with my auctions and not post here - but I really enjoy a lot (all) of the folks here - I don't know anywhere else to go to find such a great variety of voices and opinions. I think after reading the other thread I'm just a little corn-fused.
As much as I like this place it's not worth any serious risk of harm to my family - on any level.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:40:53 PM new
Mybiddness, I really think you can post here in safety. The only people who seem to have problems that carry over into their real lives are those that are very outspoken and generally on many boards. It does not pay to become overly "out there" on the boards unless you have the stomach for controversy. I do not. I just come to have fun and get away from RL for awhile.It works.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:44:50 PM new
Someone said on another thread, forgive me I have forgotten which one, that the net allowes people to feel empowered to type things that would not come out of their mouths in real life. That is probably, to a point, true.
However,I think, the same kind of people who do "backstabbing" on the net via emails and/or PMs, are the same people who play games in their real lives. Perhaps it is done to a greater degree on the net than it would be done in, say, a real life office.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:50:41 PM newRAW???Goodness, maybe I had better switch back to timeworn! At least then I was just tired and worn out, now I am RAW!Sounds so carnivorous.
Lotsafuzz,I think your statement about backstabbing on the net is correct. I don't think people are really any different in RL than they are here,except that personalities are sometimes greatly exaggerated on the boards.Game players will play games wherever they are.
posted on August 3, 2000 11:51:03 PM new
But isn't it a little unnerving when you post a reply to something only to discover that you only "think" you know what the conversation is about. Or, later find out that it is really about something you don't know anything about - cause it happened on another board. I'm thinking of Barry who posted to Ladyoflakes original thread assuming that she was looking for good one-liners. I was in the mood to join in - then suddenly, she tells him that it has nothing to do with one liners. Well, how were we supposed to know that?
posted on August 4, 2000 12:00:19 AM new
Yes, it can be unnerving to have things carried from one board to another.However, If it is carried over and you aren't getting the "gist" then it really doesn't matter if you post something that has nothing to do with the thread originators topic. Posters really can't expect that all of us read every word at every other board. Don't let it bother you and if it bothers them then they should keep it where they know people know what they are talking about. I am not sure about Lady's thread as that one hasn't really been made clear if there is a connection here or not. Just confusion.
posted on August 4, 2000 07:02:28 AM newmybiddness - post where you want, and post whatever you choose to post. Make your friends here the same way you make them in RL. I have had "friends" in RL that have turned out to be huge mistakes, and have hurt me, or betrayed me. The same is true here. In my own board history, I have made "friends" with and trusted people I should not have trusted. And initially dismissed some who later turned out to be quite trustworthy and steadfast. It's not so different from RL in that respect. (Although I think it would be wonderful if I could have an "ignore" button for some of the folks in my RL, like I have here. Let's see...in laws would be clicked....)
Don't be paranoid. Trust your instincts, and accept that sometimes your instincts will fail you. Just like in RL. My auctions have not ever been interfered with. My contact info has not been pulled. While that has happened in the past, and at some point will happen again, it is somewhat like hearing about a plane crash. It's horrible and scary, but think of the thousands of flights that go safely every day - you don't hear so much about them, do you?
Don't give up. Just be yourself, and enjoy the fun and information this place has to offer.
posted on August 4, 2000 08:38:54 PM new
I think it may be well to remember that more goes on behind the scenes than meets the eye. Heck, one could be innocently posting to a thread allegedly about styli. Things do seem to swell beyond imaginable proportions, at times.
posted on August 4, 2000 08:46:22 PM newOneZippyOne Believe it or not, I'm just now realizing the depths of how true that is. I just never stopped to think about hidden agenda's and such. From reading the other thread it almost seems like there are people who make it their job or pleasure to target people. Very unsettling thought for one who just wants to hang out on a message board occasionally.
I don't like to think I'm so naive - but, hello - obviously I am.
posted on August 4, 2000 09:26:02 PM new
Hi mybiddness....Lots of good advice up there ^, so I will just add that you just do what you have always done. Sometimes one posts to something thinking its the correct or fun thing to do, and it isnt. All you can do is what you would do in RL if you came in on the end of a conversation...apologize for not knowing and move on. Normally, what you "see" is what you get...but some folks forget that theres another body behind those words, and the compassion or sympathy is lacking due to that. Its just folks doing their thing...you will meet all kinds.
! I think you are safe. 
