Hi Guys;

Just wondering how others feel on the topic. I often will review a poster's profile to see *if* they have registered an e-mail address. Since Patrick put the 'Member's access only' restriction in place - the last major legitimate reason for someone to NOT post an e-mail address has evaporated (I *think*) - that is, the spammers can no longer easily harvest e-mail addresses from this site.

To me, the inclusion of an e-mail address - even if it is a free address such as Hotmail or Yahoo (as mine is --smile--) - speaks to the credibility of the poster and when it is absent, I often question the motives and credibility of the person behind the post.

Further, the number of people that have contacted me off-board with sensitive topics or requesting confidentiality is pretty amazing. It would not have been possible if I hadn't posted a means for them to get to me.

I have to confess that the recent post by John LV is one that prompted this long-standing question (of mine) to surface again. While I am not accusing him of anything - I do find my thoughts gravitating towards, "If I were a troll and had an interest is stirring up some FUD (Fear - Uncertainty - Doubt), it would be my first post and it would not contain any identifying information (such as an e-mail address)."

The other reason that comes to mind for someone intentionally leaving the e-mail blank - and this doesn't apply necessarily to trolls - is they are paranoid about their identity and/or wish to use the board for their own warped agenda.

Ya Know - this whole business of MOB that we're all engaged with is mighty sensitive to some. So much so that reputations and social standing can be impacted - deleteriously so. We've seen stories and reports of it time and time again. Further, the inherent risks of the process contribute to social stigma that we often face. I don't know - it just seems to me that it is important to know that people are mentally-balanced, well-intended and willing to be (or become) a part of the virtual 'community' that has formed-up here. And the simple inclusion of an e-mail is only one small piece of evidence that helps me (at least) feel a bit more comfortable.

What do y'all think? Particularly those who have chosen to withhold an e-mail contact?

- Dan

... in response to Open ? To the Board re:Registering WITH ..., posted by Dan on Nov 23, 2002

Dan,

In my case, the answer to your question comes from my previous RWL experience.  Several of the emails I received were unpleasant beratings and tirades about things that I had said--things that were not argumentative, or even controversial.

They included arguments about how to do the visa process from people who hadn't completed it and advice about how to deal with my Russian wife from people who were never married.

By not posting an email, anyone who thinks what I have said is a crock can still say so publically, and others are free to agree or disagree.  But I don't have to get a stream of stuff from someone who is free from the Board's constraints on behavior.

Steve M.

... in response to Just who are you calling mentally balanc..., posted by Griffin on Nov 24, 2002

.

... in response to for the record, posted by KenC on Nov 23, 2002

We get this same thing every few months.  First time poster nobody has heard of giving us a horror story with no details.  Usually upon cross examination they just leave.  I don't see him answering any questions back.  I know these things happen but I would rather hear it from long time poster for once.  Most of our long time posters seem to be happily married.  

One of my friends has a friend married to a russian woman and they did not get along for almost a year.  He says she is finally coming around and starting to become a good wife.  I hope his next year gets much better.

... in response to Pain in the arse to re-register, posted by Bobby Orr on Nov 23, 2002

Click on "dit Profile" at the top right of the board, fill-in the email, then click on the submit button.

... in response to "dit Profile" , posted by robobond on Nov 23, 2002

Apart from Patrick's missing the "E" - that is.

I looked at the profile and it seems the e-mail address is a tad screwy. [No Bob - I mean the *system* bolluxed things up a bit --smile--]. Right now it says "robobond" in the E-mail field and it *should* say "Available (members only)".

Maybe Patrick'll be able to set things straight.

- Dan

... in response to Open ? To the Board re:Registering WITH ..., posted by Dan on Nov 23, 2002

Hi Dan...

While you make valid points as to the reasons why someone might or might not post an email address in their profile, there are some holes in your theories... When I first joined PL, I had a public email address posted to my profile... I welcomed unsolicited email from members of this board... As time progressed and certain personalities surfaced on all three forums that took diametrically apposed views to the norm, I started receiving odd-ball email from out of the blue... Usually after a flame battle...  Many of these email messages I received were laced with viruses... Coincidence, no... Intentional, YES... Not to mention an increase in unsolicited email pertaining to everything from HGH to porn... Once I removed the email address from my profile, there was a significant reduction in the SPAM / viruses I receive...

Yes, this MOB business is a pretty touchy subject and yes, there may be some people who want to stir things up here to place doubt in our minds... But, I fail to understand what these people's motives may be... Yeah, some people just like to stir things up, but I think John LV has probably been a lurker here for awhile and as his situation developed, joined the forum to get advice... Trolls are usually pretty easy to spot... I think John LV is on the up-and-up...

When someone wants to contact me from the board, I will post my email addy briefly, then remove it again... No harm, no foul...

Just my opinion...

wizard