The pages at the links below have some practical, realistic advice on how to use the web in safety and, just as importantly, without excessive fear. Please read.
You might still choose to take certain risks online, but it's good to know what those risks so as not to walk blindly into them.
Rules for online safety (from safekids.com) It says it's for kids, but I follow the principles of a lot of these rules myself. Don't learn them the hard way. I can tell you it's not fun.
Get Netwise: Online safety Does anyone know of other good resources/advice on this subject?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: iris,
Hopefully you can trust everyone on here Kaman but the facts are that the internet can be very dangerous. You have none of the visual or vocal cues that you have in face to face conversation to tell if someone is being honest or not. I believe everyone is truthful here and who they say they are but in reality, it's hard to know for sure. It's always good to be reminded to be on the conservative side.
Having said that, Iris is a bit too much on the conservative side! LOL! (((IRIS)))... j/k... maybe it's me a bit too much on the other side!
yea i understand...but if someone is who their not and their still sticking around here....it dont think they would stick for so long you know? unless they were very big creeps and had no life.....
I'm sure that everyone on this site is absoluely normal. There might be disagreements and people will always have different opinions, but I seriously doubt that anyone on this site is a bad person who's looking to harm other people.
Edited to say: This isn't to say the internet is a big happy world. You DO have to be careful. It's important. But even if there are people on here that you don't like, doesn't mean they're creepy stalker types.
quote:Originally posted by BigNLiddle: Usually though, you can tell who those people are...Just by the way they "talk"
....Ahem.....
Not always, hon, and it isn't necessarily "trolls" whom you need to watch out for. At least trolls are pretty open by what they say that they are not here for something positive, therefore giving you a heads up.
The internet gives exposure to ALL different types of people. Sure, there are screen names you have come to know and recognize, but we are all "anonymous"...you never really know who you are talking to and should take some general precautions with everyone unless you know them in your real life already.
Also, this forum does allow "guests" to read without registering, people who can be following/copying your specific posts for the sole purpose of learning your personal info in order to make you his/her prey.
Remember, people use the internet for different things, and some of those things can be harmful and illegal. Would you walk down a dark street known for criminal activity alone and blindfolded? The internet is the equilivent. ALWAYS practice caution, and know the things that can put you in danger.
quote:Having said that, Iris is a bit too much on the conservative side! LOL! (((IRIS)))... j/k... maybe it's me a bit too much on the other side!
IMO, there is no such thing as being too conversative about warning of the risks, especially in a forum where children are posting.
Kudos to Iris for starting this thread, and a good rule of thumb to post again regularly as a reminder.
Communities like this, where most know each other and formed friendships -- these are the places where posters let their guard down and forget they are releasing information in a "public" place.
You guys, I am only saying that you have to be AWARE that not everyone on the internet is going to have your best interests at heart. Some people WILL lie to you. Some people WILL mean you harm. Just be aware that you can encounter those people, and if you read the information on the pages I've provided, you will also have an idea how to identify those people and react.
Treat the people you meet online like people who approach you on a city sidewalk. Most of them are perfectly nice, but a few of them would steal your watch as soon as talk to you. And on the internet, sometimes people pretend-- convincingly-- to be someone they're not. Those people don't all mean you harm, but if you're not aware that people do that, how can you judge?
Beach, I've traveled thousands of miles and met with people whom I had previously only known online. And that's long before I met any JPL fans. (((beach))) I wouldn't call myself conservative-- just reasonably cautious. Maybe I'm also a little jaded.
I know all this stuff...and I'm aware of it...My sister even reads all of these posts that I post...Not sure if that matters...but whatever...I've had my experiences with this stuff too...Yep...okay, well I'm done..
John Mayer // Elton John // Idols 08 // Daughtry // Jonas Brothers // Rascal Flatts
quote:Originally posted by BigNLiddle: Iris, do you understand my "Grr" now?
I know all this stuff...and I'm aware of it...My sister even reads all of these posts that I post...Not sure if that matters...but whatever...I've had my experiences with this stuff too...Yep...okay, well I'm done..
I know that you know a lot of this stuff, Callie, but a lot of people don't. I posted this stuff for the adults as well as everyone else, because I want everyone to be secure and comfortable.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Favorite quote from 2007: Some people are like a Slinky ... not really good for anything, but you still can't help but smile when you shove them down the stairs.
hehe
