Animation Source Forums

Silverstrike has written a news article on the front page that I recommend everyone read for their own benefit. It regards internet safety and privacy and how to protect it.

Here's a direct link to the main page:

http://baltosource.timduru.org/en/comme ... T/664.html

I am really glad Silverstrike wrote that on the main page of Balto Source. It has boosted my secruity for myself and i shall do what silver has said about reporting to a moderator.

I still think this is rather basic information that can be gotten anywhere, and should of been posted as a forum topic instead of 'news'. Cuz it's not really news.

We moderators discussed this in the mod's box before it was posted, and I can assure you that we have a very valid reason to put it up there

I'll take it up in the mod's box, with you.

I'm not even allowed to give away my birth date, that's as personal it can get on this site when it comes to profile information. So don't worry.

i think that was the right thing for Silver Wolf to do. i see people all the time stating their names in the sb. there are internet stalkers; and everyone needs to know it. even if you DO believe the world is a wonderful place; guess what? it's not so great...

I definately agree. The world isn't perfect. I mean, It isn't like it has bad things are happening on it. . Well ofcourse it does have bad things happening on it right now. I am still very glad Silver posted it and as moonlight said, there are internet stalkers. Right now you could be in your comfy home but the next thing you know you are somewhere else.

And you're right, Togo. I didn't say that. Following those "rules" are not a must, but it's recommended, if you care for your own safety. Personally, I can reveal that my first name is Martin, however; giving away your last name should be a no-no, seeing as it makes it to easy for whatever no-life's there are out there who's looking for identities to mess around with, etc.

First name, gender (it's often obvious anyway) and age I think are fine.
However, stating your full name, your telephone number, your email address and your home address are all no-nos. Also, posting pictures of yourself is not a good idea.

For where you live, I think it's fine to say that you live in France, Estonia, Norway etc. But I wouldn't go further than that.

There is no harm in stating your first name, nor is stating your gender, how are you going to make friends if they do not know your first name. Also stating your age is no harm, everyone has an age, giving away your email to someone isn't a big deal. Say you chat with someone via BS and you two would like to talk outside the site VIA AIM or Email, share art etc. there is no harm in giving out your email address.

Now, I wouldn't highly advise giving out your home address, last name, and phone number. This is a no, no, I know I myself have spoken to people from this site VIA phone etc. But there was a lot gone into that process before any information was given.

Becareful, their are some obvious warning signs to if you are speaking to a predator.

I would highly advise staying away from random chat rooms, most internet predators lurk there because they can just literally go un-noticed screen name to screen name nad new people come and go each night.

If someone asks you for some sexually explicit material or wants to you web cam something 'naughty' or even speak about it, hoping you are interested--do yourself a favour and block them.

Just because you think you know someone does mean you do, if someone who is 25 years older then you and you are 12 wants to "meet" you this is not a good idea. Immediately tell your parents.

If you do happen to find a genuine friend whom you have met online, speak with your parents, have them set up a meeting with your friend's parents, once they have spoken, maybe they can make arrangements for you and your friend to meet in the company of one of their parents and you may come with one of yours.