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(85 Posts)
Soutra Mon 10-Feb-14 17:58:56

With a webchat on Internet Security I feel now might be the time to tackle the issue of "undesirables". By this I mean someone like an OP recently who turns out to be a former member barred for his/her conduct in the past. A thread started by this person has been deleted but his/her change of persona went unheeded for some days until he/she went "too far". There have been other instances of a former member "reappearing" and then dropping out of sight sharpish when challenged. We all know a change of name following deregistration and re- registration is allowed and usually it is because a member is afraid their anonymity has been compromised and not for any subversive or malign purpose.
The answer from GNHQ is to report suspicious posts to them and leave them to do the policing but given that there are those who slip through the net and stir up dissension when challenged, is this enough? We need to remember not to give away too much personal information especially any which might identify us but at the same time the essence of GN is to be able to pour your heart out and seek advice/sympathy/comfort. I hate the thought that there are predatory posters checking out ex-wives of millionaires, people's financial background or housing or care home issues. Is there a way forward? confused

Paige Tue 11-Feb-14 00:10:57

I wouldn't wait up! grin

Elegran Mon 10-Feb-14 23:52:29

I have never had a nasty PM from anyone. Should I worry that I am invisible? Should I desist from posting this in case someone kindly decides to stop me worrying that I might be invisible and sends me a nasty PM?

Should I go to bed?

Dragonfly1 Mon 10-Feb-14 23:13:57

Oh, and I don't know anyone. I think I was random.

Dragonfly1 Mon 10-Feb-14 23:08:13

Think I'd better shut up and go to bed.

Galen Mon 10-Feb-14 22:52:08

moon

Galen Mon 10-Feb-14 22:51:32

No! I don't know dragonfly or Paige!

Ana Mon 10-Feb-14 22:45:02

You are obviously well-informed, absent. moon

absent Mon 10-Feb-14 22:39:27

Nor was this recent incident random nastiness.

Ana Mon 10-Feb-14 22:38:22

absent, I seem to remember that the members involved in that instance were known to each other, it wasn't a case of random nastiness.

Aka Mon 10-Feb-14 22:37:14

It's not just 'undesirables' who haunt forums. After I wrote my blog someone from the Daily Mail tried to find me to do a follow up interview.

Ana Mon 10-Feb-14 22:35:17

Jess, it is not 'not allowed'.

If someone is causing disruption on the site, of course GNHQ would rather they were informed first, but I do think that some of these unpleasant PMs could be stopped in their tracks if members actually reported them on the forum.

absent Mon 10-Feb-14 22:31:38

There was a huge outcry when a member did name and shame someone regarding a pm. We can't have it both ways.

Lona Mon 10-Feb-14 22:30:26

I had a couple from the same person, nasty!

JessM Mon 10-Feb-14 22:29:20

Not allowed newist - against site guidelines. I someone sends you a mean PM or you feel uneasy about them, let GN know your concerns.

Dragonfly1 Mon 10-Feb-14 22:18:26

Haven't seen a post for a while.

newist Mon 10-Feb-14 22:16:19

Is this person still posting, give us a clue

Ana Mon 10-Feb-14 22:15:48

Crikey - although I seem to be immune, I promise it's not me...hmm

Dragonfly1 Mon 10-Feb-14 22:12:05

God, you too Paige? We should start a club!

Paige Mon 10-Feb-14 22:07:40

It's one of the reasons I changed my name!

Galen Mon 10-Feb-14 21:57:31

Agreed!

Dragonfly1 Mon 10-Feb-14 21:51:21

Almost predatory.

whenim64 Mon 10-Feb-14 21:47:34

I also had to block this same person. Intrusive and unpleasant.

Dragonfly1 Mon 10-Feb-14 21:47:02

Bet it's the same one Galen.

Galen Mon 10-Feb-14 21:43:54

I've had one from a former(thank god) poster which really upset me. She appeared not so long ago under another name but when challenged vanished!

jinglbellsfrocks Mon 10-Feb-14 21:42:28

Who was it?! Go on - tell.

I don't understand this thread. [shrug]