* Public means anyone can read your messages *

Dear Friends,

This is just a friendly reminder to be careful of what you write here, especially if you are angry and making comments about other people.

Those other people may find your messages here and recognize you, and that could be uncomfortable, to say the least.

Just remember, this is a public message board, which means anyone in the world has access to what you write.

Love and peace,
Karyl, mother of Arlyn

Karyl, I did see two "bots" crawling the forums the other day. They take snapshots of profiles, messages posted to the board - etc. It is possible to google hit on message posts or names and bring up a snapshot of them. Thank you for the reminder though, I'm sure many would not have realized that there was a possibility of non-members reading their posts.

(((hugs)))

The bots are always there it seems. Is there a way to restrict access or make the forum unsearchable?

[admin]

There are two ways you can think about 'bot's accessing the forums. One is that you don't want them. But, perhaps the search-bots can be helpful -- if someone searching the 'webs for help with suicide issues finds the forum via the search-bot's links, that can be a good thing.

It is important to remember that all messages are public. One should be careful about what they post -- watch out for too much personally-indentifiable information (email addresses, phone numbers, etc). If there is a need to share that type of information, then use Private Messages.

...Rick....the web guy

I would just like to freshen this topic ad I hope each will consider the footprint they leave here.

As much as we want to see and say the names of our loved one- using care with how fully that or other easily searchable information- can keep you anonymous should your post be found by a search engine.

If you signature or profile contains explicit informatio; full names, name w/nickname inserted, etc. that others might plug into a search engine- that can lead unwanted attention to you and expose you and your sensitive posts to examination and possible confrontation here or outside this forum. If you edit your signature- the change will be reflected retroactively-and in every post going forward.

The links posted could also be searched if they are already available to interested parties.

ANYTHING that 'follows' you here - like profiles and signatures often contain things that can expose you. Simply using care in placing identifiable information in those2 places can help you greatly.

Posts live on long after they are inactive. Use diligence in guarding yourself by disguising or abbreviating sensitive information in your posts should keep your anonymity.

We do our best to keep the forum safe but we need your help by safeguarding your identifiable information.

V--