It would be much easier to relate to forum posters if we had a little more info than the fact they're logged on. It doesn't have to be name, rank, serial number, bank details and home address, but a little detail like the district and state you're coming from, and a couple of details of what you're travelling or plan to travel with. There'd be a little more to relate to than just telling us you're active, the date you joined and last posted. Just something to relate to you. This is my feeling about everyone who doesn't have anything on their profile. While you want to be among friends, you remain strangers.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
With the influx of newbies, and seeing its been awhile since this issue was visited, I would like to revisit personal security on the forum.
It was highlighted awhile ago now, that posts of the forum can been seen via a search engine (ie Google)
Security is not a big issue here but I think we should always remember not to provide any personal detail, where not required for forum use. It is best not to provide your full name, address, or contact details in any post. Where you wish to do so, use the PM.
Also, as secondary, your member details should be limited. I suggest that surnames and actual birthday dates (use 01/01/year of B/day) are not required to be listed. Your address may just be the nearest major centre and state, not suburb. For forum use, we only want to know about where you live and what age bracket. These things can be edited out from your profile, if you have them there.
I suggest that this is a habit we need to use with any dealing on the internet. With a last name and a suburb, anyone can do a white pages search and possible locate you, for whatever reason. Maybe more of an issue when you post that you will be away for 'X' period.
Slightly off topic, but the same goes for your GPS. Do not program 'home' into it. Someone knocks off your GPS, see's home, and knows you are away, and bingo, vacant house to ransack. Use another name ie 'bowls club' if you forget where you live.
It is a new high tech world and we have to adjust our ways a bit to ensure we do not cause ourselves problems.
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I've got to follow that dream where ever that dream may lead me
Were not talkig security here Ginger, I agree with Granny no info you might just aswell be complete strangers!!!! seems to be a whole lot of PARANOIA around here. Cheers Daryl
You seem to be jumping on the PARANOIA wagon there yourself !
.. If you wish to know more about a new member, then why not make make an approach to them PERSONALLY via PM .. We all have been given the freedom of placing what we choose in regards to our own personal particulars for public viewing ..
.. Its that same freedom that gives me, or anyone else here, the choice of "when" and "how often" we sit down and make a posting ..
This Forum has liberties that don't exist in many others ! .. I suggest we should be thankful for that freedom .. If you, me, or anyone else doesn't wish to speak with someone who doesn't "match-up" to a standard that we might personally expect, then why not simply "move-on" by saying nothing and so avoiding all the unnecessary disruption and grandstanding ..
As I've stated recently .. why not just welcome new members and do it without setting parameters .. !! If there's a problem, Cindy will advise ..
I made a general comment NOT directed at anyone in particular, and once again it's replied and aimed personally. Just a little bit of info could be included, eg rig, general travel hopes, not the entire itinerary, maybe a first name, year and month of birth, and the general region of your origin. In this day of technological magic, if someone wants to find you they will. There are so many scams around that we always have to be aware and looking over our shoulder, even here on the GN forum. It doesn't have to be all or nothing - just a little bit to indicate a little bit about you.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
I support the views expressed by Jonathan and Ginger. As a new member of a forum i would think wisdom says first steps should be baby steps. As friendships develop and trust is gained then perhaps a little more openness is in order but at no time should you be traceable to strangers.
