TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:32 am

Maybe one of the moderators can tell me why it isn't necessary to put down your location when creating a new account. And I don't mean, "Somewhere on this blue dot" type of response. Having the actual users location could help other users by knowing that they have a local Samba member in their area. Is this for privacy reasons? I belong to another snowmobiling website that requires this and they adhere to the rule like you wouldn't believe.

Anyone else think that this would be a great idea.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:37 am

It would be nice but sometimes people are funny about giving out their personal information. And who's to say some people on your other site aren't faking their locations anyway just to get past the rule?

Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:38 am

Some people don't like their phone number published in the telephone book. Do you have issues with this as well?

Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:38 am

Sawsalesman wrote:

Anyone else think that this would be a great idea.

No.

If someone doesn't want to list their actual location, so be it. If they want help locally, they'll ask for it.

Respect their privacy.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:42 am

Wow, set off a debate with you guys! I see all of your points and the more I think about them, the more I believe you are all correct. Privacy in this world has become harder and harder to realize. I was looking at a post from VDubtech who asked the OP where he was located in order to maybe help him out because it wasn't in his signature. I guess the OP could decide if he wanted to give out that info. Thanks for your responses.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:33 am

I get a little annoyed by people posting wanting help, but they don't give a location. Especially the ones who want to know if someone could come by and help.

It's right up there with asking for help and not giving any info on the year of the car.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:50 am

I do not post my location in my ID, but most people that have been on The Samba any length of time, know that I live in Central Iowa.
If you ask in a post, I will tell you.
I had an in transit car brought to me the other day, and the person found me through The Samba.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:52 am

So it seems you are in my court from my original post. That's what I was trying to drive home with my post. Just wasn't able to spell it out as well as you drscope.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:44 am

I think it is a good idea but as mentioned above, some people want to remain private.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:44 am

I don't understand why people don't use their names and hide behind userids.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:01 am

^^Agreed.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:31 am

It's all transparent anyway. Everett has the goods on everyone who posts here.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:47 am

Glenn wrote: I don't understand why people don't use their names and hide behind userids.
A few people have contacted me in the past to have their full names, which they used as a username, changed to something less identifiable due to issues at their place of business.

However, I am not sure of the exact issue(s).

Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:53 am

EverettB wrote: Glenn wrote: I don't understand why people don't use their names and hide behind userids.
A few people have contacted me in the past to have their full names, which they used as a username, changed to something less identifiable due to issues at their place of business.

However, I am not sure of the exact issue(s).
Maybe they're undercover or in witness protection?

Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:55 am

I think it's more likely that they were found to be selling parts on a VW site on company time.

Boss finds their name on Google, links to this site. Looks at ads that say:
Ad Updated: Tuesday @ 2:30 PM

Hey, Joe Smith should have been working on project XYZ at 2:30 last Tuesday.

BUSTED.

Hey Everett, change my name to "Joe S."

Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:18 am

I think it's because of things like the thread that was deleted 4-5 months ago.A samba user (who used his real name),asked why people didn't use their real names. In a matter of hours the samba sleuths dug up his home address and phone,then his DUI and possession charge etc. He figured it out pretty quickly. I think that thread should have been made anonymous,locked and left up to show folks what a bad idea it is.

You can call me Erik.I reside in the Ville of the Watsons.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:23 am

There is a big difference between someone using their name and someone showing something as simple as the state they live in. Don't see what the big deal is. If someone posted on this site and I noticed that they were in my State and I may be able to help them I would PM them to see if they needed some help. If they did, we could be PM each other without others knowing and possibly help another in need.

Entering your State you reside in is not an evasion of your privacy!

Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:33 am

California is a big state. So if you live in San Diego you'd be willing to drive to the northern border to help someone you never met?

That's very big of you.

Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:36 am

Sorry, little State mentality here!

Thu Sep 17, 2009 11:53 am

Sawsalesman wrote:

Entering your State you reside in is not an evasion of your privacy!

It's not even an invasion Not till you give enough other tidbits to put it all together.

I'm not so much paranoid about people knowing where I live. I live in Watsonville California. That having been said I won't ask you for any help in person and won't expect any in return. I do appreciate the offer though.

I wish you could have read the deleted thread. That guy got OWNED,and FAST.