How wary are you on the Internet?
I saw this current affairs show last night where this elderly woman was conned out of a huge amount of money by Internet fraudsters. Even the police were amazed at how smooth these criminals were. Of course according to news reports, the same thing is happening in chat rooms, discussion forums and social networking sites every day. The Internet is a breeding ground for pathological people.
It got me thinking.
About the blogging community.
I tend to let my guard down when it comes to blogging believing it is fairly safe given we share so much of ourselves anyway. I've never had so much as a nasty comment or email (no, don't go giving me my first one) other than your obvious Nigerian scam emails which end up in junk mail anyway.
There's a lot of shared trust and I've seen many examples of that in recent times. However, once we post, our words and images are floating forever more around the universe somewhere and can be read by anyone on the internet.
Have you ever had your fingers burnt when it comes to blogging? Do you have any experiences or thoughts you want to share? Good or bad.
Just wondering....
Have a great weekend everyone! Oh and I'm really an Aussie sheepdog....
I'm sure that caution and sensibility are important in the blog world just like the real world, but so far I've had nothing but the best of experiences with blogging.
ReplyDeleteAn Arkies Musings
I have been wondering this too. I saw a blog today that posted her mailing address for all to see. It scared me. I am pretty open in my blog as well and sometimes I wonder if it´s too much... So far, I´ve been spared!
ReplyDeleteI have pondered the same thing. I feel there is more of an honesty out here for some reason. I tend to take people for their word..or in this case what they have written. "It feels safe...but I wouldn't just run off with just any of ya...maybe a couple of dozen of ya'll" but I think it the writing more of the REAL us appears. I would honestly love to meet a lot of the wonderful blogger friends I have come to know and care about! In life in general always go for the positive and use common sense.
ReplyDeleteHi Lilly :) I've only been blogging a few months and so far, it's been a very positive experience. It is very true that you don't know who you are really speaking to so you still have to be careful. I had one man leave me 2 rude poems on a posting. He just wasn't very nice...for whatever reason I guess I pushed his buttons. I left his comment up because I figure it's free speech, but I secretly hoped he'd never come back. I think we get so close to our readers we forget that there are people out there that have bad intentions so it's good you posted this. Reminds us! Once again, Lilly, you are right on the money!
ReplyDeleteHave a Great Weekend!
ssssshhhhh!!!! the freaks will find us....
ReplyDeleteThe only horrible thing I have ever heard of, in the blogging community, is when someone steals other peoples work and posts it as their own. HORRIBLE!
ReplyDeleteOther than that, a troll here and there to shake things up a bit in my blog is all I have ever had to deal with.
I am so trusting. I tell it all on my blog. My families names, the dogs, the kids, the address in just about every picture in the front of the house. I may be naive, but I am the same person that has agreed to be on a reality TV show! Clearly I lack good judgement.
I have only been blogging a few months. But I have met lots of people (perhaps 2 dozen or so) from the internet, from various groups I have been in, such a music group and everyone was exactly as they presented online. SO lovely. I've just had a man on holidays in Australia from Canada come for a bbq and we had met online 10 years ago...he was just as I imagined and a very nice friend for my family. As with all things caution is a good thing but I also believe in trust as well.
ReplyDeleteNo bad experiences to date, but I am a bit careful about what I say. I've met heaps of lovely people. I know there are others out there, but I really don't think they'd be interested enough to stalk me. The only thing is that my spam load has increased since I started blogging. I wonder if there is a connection.
ReplyDeleteI never put actual photos and actual names in any of my blogs. Some of the bloggers who I communicate with outside of the blog, do know the real name etc. And I have made wonderful friends while blogging.
ReplyDeleteBut yes, once in a while you get some person uncontrollably telling you off on a blog, as it happened when I wrote one about cigarettes, history and smoking (and how terrible it all was), and got a huge comment post twice, telling me off in no uncertain terms. I have still kept those comments to remind me that its a free world.
I think social networking sites are really where people are messing around under false identities. Us blogging types , I suppose , are OK.
my friend kevin got scammed (not just him..a huge group of people) by someone he had befriended on the internet..it really crushed him..as this person had totally misrepresented him/her self..
ReplyDeleteI should be more careful I guess, but figure it's too late now...everyone knows my first and last name, where i live, what my kids names are, what kind of truck i drive and the name of all my best friends..ha..im screwed..
So far, so good. But I have wondered.
ReplyDeleteSo far my experience has been a positive one, though I know there are wolves prowling around on the web. But I have been blogging only recently. And I am a bit careful too.
ReplyDeleteBesides; I think we do things here with an open mind - we make our judgements and make great friends. The same thing happens in real life, you make good friends but there are always bad elements who we have to take precautions with. It's a good thing to be careful.
On a lighter side, I wish at least some emails from Nigeria or western union had turned out to be genuine - I would be a trillionaire by now .(Billionnaire's are passe' after the big meltdown)
I haven't had any problems so far. Mind you, I haven't been blogging that long. I have been scammed in the offline world though through a property group.
ReplyDeleteAll you can really do is have a healthy dose of skepticism and do your homework if possible. Sometimes even that's not enough but the world would be a pretty sad place if we didn't also have a healthy level of trust. I love that the blogging world is so open.
I'm pretty open too. Posting pictures of family, naming places, handing out my address to every blog that deems me a winner. lol I don't always get a prize in the mail, so sometimes it makes me wonder WTF?? Why did they want my address if NOT to send me some life changing gift?
ReplyDeleteWeird.
lol
I've just gotten a few spam mail. I then do the letter verification thing and it stops and I take the verification away again. So far, I've met such nice people and I've let it just hang out, pretty much. Still, I don't show photos of my granddaughter full face... just to be cautious.
ReplyDeleteI've been blogging for three years and I've only had positive experiences. I'm quite careful not to name names (including my own) but I'm sure a crazed stalker could find me if they really wanted to put in the effort. Happily, no one has considered me worth the effort so far! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm careful in that I wouldn't post my address or phone number - but that's true for the whole internet, not just blogs. On the other hand I currently have a 'blogging friend' staying at my house for a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteI have comments moderated so that I can remove any spam without requiring my readers to use the word verification thingamyjigs, but I haven't had a problem with spam comments anyway (so far, at least!).
The best method is cautious optimism.
ReplyDeleteI think everything is ok but I really question anyone who has a Paypal donation badge on their blog. I know bad thing shappen to people but unless you know the person personally then do not give money to anyone.
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm... apart from my recent spam scam saga with my yahoo & hotmail accounts... it's been all good as with regards with my blog space... but thanks for the post - as it's a stark reminder of the predators out there ready to pounce!
ReplyDeleteHello Lilly! Stopping by from SITS! I too have never had a bad experience with blogging or anything on the internet so far. But you did raise some good points! Nice to meet you and hope to see you again around the blogosphere!
ReplyDeleteI put my stuff out there in cyberspace but rarely in real life. Either way, my book is open only when I unlock it. So whatever you read or hear from me is no problem.
ReplyDeleteHi Lilly, have also just recently started blogging like a few others, and have so far had no negative experiences. I find there are more good than bad people in the world, and agree that caution is the best cue.
ReplyDeleteits amazing ( and quite disconcerting) what can be found on the internet, no matter how careful you are. I found my mums whole name, address, ph, and credit card details on a numer of sites that 'sell" credit card details etc - it was quite a shock. Lucky the CC company noticed unusual activity and had it cancelled, but her details are still there .... she believes all from buying something online....
ReplyDeleteMyself, i am carefull to not use names or references to my home town (its small) and I delete any odd emails..
Other than a few random comments and emails, it's been very cool here.
ReplyDelete"Only give out as much information as you would like plastered on a billboard".
I think the funniest/strangest thing, for me, about this whole blogging experience is when one of my friends or family come up to me, very shyly, and tell me that they read my blog. Almost like they are admitting to reading my diary.
It's OK, I tell them,my blog is always open. :)
Peace - Rene
Lilly,
ReplyDeleteThose Nigerian letters are scams ??? ooops :)
((rolls eyes, incredulous that anyone falls for it. Nobody GIVES money away like that, people !!!))
I haven't been scammed by a blogger. But I'm pretty savvy because of my financial background and very unlikely to give up info that shouldn't be given up - or conned.
I think sometimes lots of lonely people who may be a bit naiive blog and have the heartbreak of finding people they thought were friends are not friends at all.
It's like real life - you have to use good judgement.
Happy Saturday! I'm here trying to get caught up on my blog reading....
ReplyDeleteI haven't gotten burnt yet, but I am wary of it. So far I feel very lucky to have met the friends that I have. Let's hope that continues!!!
other than my birth family once harassing me and a few spammers, all has been well. I do think we need to be cautious though because if the weirdos havent thought of it--they will. Sicko's always seem to find the nice places to intrude upon.
ReplyDeleteThere are times when I'm posting family photos (with permission) I get the nagging feeling that 'someone/anyone' out there could be looking with an ulterior motive ... I have my email address on my profile and I've wondered at times if that's wise ... but I've had nothing negative happen to date. I would never want to put anyone I love in danger of any kind.
ReplyDeleteI know there are jerks out there that will try to use/manipulate -- whatever, but so far I haven't had any problems. I'm pretty open on my blog. I don't mind posting photos of my kids, but they're grown -- I'd probably be less free with those if they were young.
ReplyDeleteNow, since I'm really a Siamese cat it's obvious I'm going to have to be very careful with you -- Aussie sheepdog!
Lilly you must come white water rafting with me today ;-)
ReplyDeleteI went through a bad patch some time back, with someone that I used to know, and one of his/her friends.
ReplyDeleteAt the time, I was also going through a really bad time personally, and it was another stress that I just did not need. Thanks to an old college buddy who is now a lawyer, I got some good advice (keep all emails, etc., and keep your mouth shut).
The friend of this person threatened to find out where I work and call my boss. Luckily, I have a great boss, and when I told him what was happening, he shrugged his shoulders and said that we would decide what to do if the person called. The person never called my boss, thank goodness.
And I also contacted the internet provider of the person who threatened me. Luckily, this person backed off, so I did not have to pay for any legal advice :)
The mere idea that a blogger friend of mine might not be what s/he is presenting is sort of heartbreaking to me. I know this is sort of naive and...well...pathetic, but it's true. Whay can't we all just be who we say we are?
ReplyDeleteGraet post which raises some excellent questions. Thanks!
Love the superb picture and love the captions on it too. Perfect! hehe.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, which highlights the fact that things are NOT always what they seem - in cyberspace OR in the real world!
Like your picture, a very nice post, makes you think. I don't know why certain people do the things they do and don't leave people alone.
ReplyDeleteAussie Sheepdog? all this time I was sure you were a baby eating dingo.
ReplyDeleteJudging from the above comments my experience matches them. I noticed some bloggers on BC that want to trade ad clicks. That's dumb. Sometimes I ask them if they are a google spy.
I do many transactions online (bank, stocks, ebay) and so far no problem but now that I said that - who knows.
As the others said, you need to question things that don't seem right. Looks too good? It's probably a scam.
I am like Gran. I have had one person that clearly was a few sandwiches short of a picnic basket and was harassing me. You just have to be careful who you befriend off line. You do not get to see the body language so its easier to deceive people with the written word. Jus tlook at dating webistes. The majority of people are wonderful and everywhere we go there's always a few rotten apples that spoil things. Be alert not alarmed is my motto.
ReplyDeleteI've had only pleasant experiences with blogging. But I'm rather new.
ReplyDeleteThe first time you get scammed online is a huge eye-opener though and something that certainly changes the way you use and view the internet.
Dropping by from SITS!
Hi LILLY
ReplyDeleteA very timely warning for all of us, I think. I'v recently seen some blogging activity which worried me ... I just hope that people will think before they act, and remember the old adage - if something looks too good to be true, it probably is!
June also in Oz
Like Annie said..it's like real life. I've done tons of internet dating. I've had great experiences both in blogland and on the internet in general because I go slowly, am careful. My motto is:
ReplyDeleteTrust in God and tether my camel.
Never a problem. Only nice people. I'm careful, but so far blogging has been a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI've been concerned about this too, because I've been fairly open. It's good to read most of the comments her have had positive experiences.
ReplyDeleteNo, only the best. Our community is going through a difficult time. Aussie's had to deal with fire and we are dealing with a flood. I've been evacuated from my home and every where I turn is compassion,support and prayers. Its other bloggers stepping in to offer me shelter and comfort.
ReplyDeleteLilly so far everything has been cool for me. I met Jenna (my wellness coach) and Julie in an online community years ago. So far so good!!
ReplyDeleteI like to think I am pretty savy when it comes to the Internet but I did get scammed and it cost me $350.00 It was an "e-bay" scam, I really thought it was on the up and up. I never did get my money back and the bad guys were never punished!
ReplyDeleteNot so far in blogging. I have actually ventured on sensitive topics and got nothing but sensitive responses in return! I'm good!
ReplyDeleteYou are right... you cannot just give away everything about yourself in the blogging world.. you never know who is out there.. that being said, I have found blogging to be a tremendously satisfying venture... it is like I feel something.. and I float it out in the cosmic world, and people from diverse backgrounds and cultures read it, leave behind comments, some funny, some insightful, and some very helpful! And I myself have been able to discover some great blogs in the process... yours for one ! :)
ReplyDeleteDitto to the above -I've found it to be a positive experience.
ReplyDeleteSo far it's been okay, but I expect that sooner or later it will blow up in my face. However, I'm so trusting and naive in real life I'm used to it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't had much other than the references to my blog title, but never anything too bad. I have considered changing the name of my blog, but then I thought, "Hey, I did this for me...not for anybody else!" I think if my numbers actually climbed and if I promoted my blog, it might make me more susceptible, but I have a limited amount of followers and it seems to have leveled off so I'm not to worried. It's a small world, but if you don't give out your actually address you're probably OK! Maybe? Hmmmmm...
ReplyDeleteOne of the reasons I took my photograph off my blog and other sites was due to a television program I saw where it showed someone copying these to forge driving permits. I have become increasingly cautious on the internet. You just don't know who you are really talking to.
ReplyDeleteThe internet merely reflects life - some of it is good, some not so. And, as in life, you need to have your wits about you.
ReplyDeletethis is a good topic and such useful comments to go with it. I've had a positive experience to date. It sounds like we have to trust and show good judgement at the same time!
ReplyDeleteI have also found blogging to be a most enjoyable adventure. I thought about being less forthcoming when I started blogging but I have had such a warm receptiong from all of you, that i let it rip. I sometimes read back a post and go, maybe not, maybe I tell too much. I haven't edited myself much though and so far so good!
ReplyDeleteSo far it's been all good for me (knocking on wood), but I'm new at this. One thing I won't do is put my pic or my families out there, nor address, I guess someone could find us, but we're really not worth the effort haha
ReplyDeleteWell you are an adorable sheep dog;)
ReplyDeleteNo I have also thought about all of that, and yes have only luckily came across wonderful people thus far. But I have had those thoughts that, Do I really want to post something that I am not sure about, if that is the case I will put it aside for a day and then see if I should, And yes there are creeps everywhere that is for sure, if someone is freaking me out and trying to scam me, the good news is I have all of you to help verify If I become to trusting:)
I don't see a problem with blogging coz you know whatever you are writing is open for everyone to read, so you are cautious about what you write. But I do see a problem with Gmail's saved chats sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI'm a naked cat - worship at my altar!
ReplyDeleteI'm very very wary on the Internet and will never post pictures of my kids, for example.
I love that photo, Lilly! Makes me think of e-harmony where some people apparently put on ten year old photos.
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any bad experiences to date. But I have a "little" blog with a nice handful of faithful readers who I also read. I email quite a few of them and they know my address and some my phone number and this summer I'm hoping to get together with a few of them.
I worry more about someone I actually know well who I don't want to know about the blog to find it! Like my ex husband, my e-harmony guy, and perhaps any old friends from the past except one who I talk to. I feel freer to be point blank when I know who isn't out there.
Thanks for your comments and interesting posts everyone. Least it seems there are few horror stories!
ReplyDeleteHi Lily,
ReplyDeleteHubby has warned me about these things, but I still couldn't resist posting some of my family's pictures. I'd like to post a lot more, but I don't know now. Perhaps I'll take down the ones I have out there.
I haven't yet have any bad experiences with blogging. With the exception of my blog name, I am who I say I am in my blog.
This is a thought-provoking poster.
Tasha
For me the experiences over the last two plus years of blogging have been wonderful. I have met some great people and to this point I have not been burnt or hurt in any way.
ReplyDeleteI've only had a few bad experiences. I had someone leave a link for me to check out and it was a slam on what I believe. I was mad not because we disagreed but in the way the person did it. It felt like a sucker punch. I went off on my next post and safe to say it hasn't happened again.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get to see some thriller flick on cable (where the killer stalks his prey), the internet and blogging always comes to my mind. I personally am very wary about putting out very specific details about me. Im just not comfortable with it.
ReplyDeletebtw,
i wonder why im suddenly swamped with nigerian scam emails and lottery win emails since the last 2 weeks. i never received them before. I don't open them but some of them manage end up in my inbox rather than the bulk folder so they are a nuisance.
Ahhh...well then...
ReplyDeleteWOOF WOOF. Woof, wooof, woof woof-woof-woorf, woof adn woof! WOOF? Wooh woof. Woof woof woof woof!!! Woof! Grrrr. WOOFFFF!!! Woof woof woof. :)
No ~ Like you Lily, I have never had a destructive or in some way hurtful comment on any of my blogs.
ReplyDelete(I obviously must be a very boring writer)
:)
henry