I was reading a thread and something was mentioned that worries me lot. Apparantly, some people have been receiving spam ever since they've joined this forum. All I can think of is that this is mere coincidence.
The only way to get members' email addresses, is if the spammer clicks on "Profile" for every single member (which is a lot of work since this member needs to have posted a message recently in order for the spammer to be able to click on "Profile" at all). Since I check the log-files of the forum regularly, I can assure you nothing like this has ever happened.
The email database is protected quite well, and I see no method to break through that security.
Also, if anyone is concerned that I have or will give (or sell for that matter) this database, let me assure you that I would never, ever do that (I guess most members here will vow for my integrity in matters like these).
Be aware that there are many ways for malicious sites to get people's email address. Post a message in a newsgroup with your real email address once, and the next day your mailbox will be filled with spam. Also, hotmail accounts will get spammed eventually, even if you have never used it (I know - I once opened a hotmail account and never used it. A week later I checked it and it was filled with spam). And some ISPs are known to have their user directories out in the open.
I just found this important enought to mention in an announcement, since I do not want anyone reading the thread and think "better not join this forum or I'll start receiving spam".
Cliff, do you consider my posting of a product availability that others may find useful, spamming? I was relating an opportunity for some to find a good product a a reasonable price. I, in no way, profit from this. I know we are always looking for the best deals to improve our Fiero's and I thought I would pass it on. Your opinion on this is gospel, for you are the site administrator. Thanks for the space.
Later, BAM OUT!
------------------ Don B. 85GT Eibach Springs/KYB shocks and struts Mr.Mikes 500 series seats, Carpet and headliner! YEAH BABY-YEAH
I finally found the "MoMo" thread and no, I don't consider that spam (although it probably belonged in the GFC secion).
I also see why some people are concerned though, but that is the reason why I created the GFC section. The TD&Q section should be for, well, technical questions and discussion. The GFC section can be used for stuff like what you posted. As long as people aren't constantly reposting the same stuff - I don't consider it spamming.
But I try not to get involved in these discussions. Of course I have an opinion, but I only listen to the majority and will moderate the forum accordingly.
I've been a member for almost 2 years now (joined in feb 99) and I haven't received any more spam than usual.. and sicne I have so many email addresses (4 main ones) I do get a fair bit of spam.. but not enough that it's annoying.. and DEFINITELY NONE RELATING TO MY FORUM USAGE...
it's a coincidence.. has to be... Cliff is one of the coolest people I've ever "met", and I think he's great! In fact I have a package to send out.. however when I moved to college 3 months ago I misplaced it, and now I gotta find it next time I'm home..
Originally posted by Tigger earlier today: Cliff, I appreciate your honesty in keeping our emails confidential and not giving them out. I'm very sorry if I had made it look like I was pointing the finger at you. I wasn't, I just wanted to see if I was the only one getting spam.
I think what is happening, and it has been my thought all along is people (with a lot of spare time on their hands) are visiting the board, going thru profiles, writing down as many emails and using them to send spam. I know there is just about nothing Cliff or anyone can do to stop it.
I want to appologize again Cliff, I was the one who brought this up, and I really didn't mean to cause a big alarm. I take your word that you keep our addresses secure and confidential and that this must be all just a coincidence. I didn't mean to reflect anything negative about this great forum.
I also mentioned that my e-mail account started receiving spam the day I registered here. I believe you when you say you don't sell/give etc our e-mail addys, but I have always been concerned enough not to put my regular daily account on here because of it. I figured security must have been low enough for the spammers to snag the list. I don't want others to feel that if they register, they will instantly receive large amounts of spam. So, don't let fears of receiving spam prevent anyone from registering. Maybe I will guinea pig a little bit.
I don't think I have ever received any Spam as a result of this forum. I do not use my regular email many places (I do use it here) and therefore receive hardly any. There was NO increase when I joined this forum.
Kudo's to Cliff for not selling the information, and keeping it secure. I am sure there are a lot of people out there who given the opportunity would hand out the information.
This is a great forum, with a LOT of great members!
I received my first piece of SPAM today (coincidentally, I'm sure) in quite some time (over 6 months) and I hav ebeen a member since ... ummmmmmm .... well, for quite a while. I, too, don't use my regular email many places other than here.
I'm jealous. Haven't received any SPAM at all. What gives? I wouldn't mind getting free SPAM. Makes a good sack lunch. Not everyday, of course. Canned tuna or salmon would be a nice change every so often
I have never received SPAM after joining the forum. I however do get lots of spam from Carparts.com and Wrenchhead.com. I use a different Email for those. The strange part about it is I have never registered with either one but have visited the sites and had to turn my "cookies" on to access certain areas. For the few sites that ask for an Email address before entering I usually give them a bogus one so I don't get spammed.
I haven't had a problem. Been here just about 2 months; been on the Internet since June. Haven't tried very hard to secure my privacy, but I do use common sense.
I look at almost every profile, to get as much information as I can about the folks I'm posting to and reading from. But that's just so I'll know y'all better.
This is a great place to spend my Internet time. I hope nobody does anything to spoil it for the rest of us. If somebody gets disgruntled at something I hope they don't go away mad, just go away, knowwhuddimean?
