Steve,
Thank you for the kind words of defense. However, Gary is okay. I was on a
number of Virginia lists for several years--compared, Phoenix/Frank's post
is downright coffee klatch congenial!
Responding to a question from a subscriber's email I received off list, I
found it curious that I was not able to find where the person that
originally posted the request ever posted their own information to either of
two different lists that I received the same post on.. Possibly I just
overlooked their post. At first that seemed curious; however after about
twenty minutes my mind was at ease. I was able to locate their home town,
their address (a choice of two listed-one with and one without a middle
initial), the birthplace of the husband, his service dates in
submarines--and his mother's and grandmother's maiden names and
birthplaces--all posted to various lists. I am positive that I only
scratched the surface of what could be easily found. I didn't take time to
go to a .gov list to look up the current tax evaluation on their home; I
wasn't that curious. Not that I have any use for any of the information
other than easing my mind as to their motivation. It is interesting just how
easy it was. Of course, as has been mentioned, it didn't require the answers
to the questionnaire. Just wonder why anyone would wish to add to their
information had it not been as innocent. Each year I enjoy exchanging
similar information with a group of relatives and friends, some from high
school--many of whom I have known most of my life and some I have become
acquainted with on the lists, not total strangers--or lurkers. The main
difference is it is strictly personal trivia, nothing of substance and it is
not done on an easily searched archived listserver..
Enjoy.
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Davis" <steve(a)economywebdesign.com>
To: <WAYNE_IN-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 4:31 PM
Subject: Re: [Wayne Co Ind] Roll Call
Wow, lighten up on Gary a little bit. He was just trying to offer
help
from getting "ID thefted", and I thank and commend him for reminding us.
I spent 32 years in law enforcement and, Frank, I'll bet most of those who
responded just unwittingly gave up their passwords to Internet sites and
other banking sources by giving their pet's names (most of us use pets
names for passwords) I suspect a few maiden names could be gleaned, which
open bank accounts, etc.
Don't quit having fun, just protect some unnecessary information, (after
all what do pet names have to do with Genealogy?).
As for you Frank, where did you get that nasty case of paranoia with all
your warnings. Go ahead and live life to the fullest and take your risks.
By the way, how do you spell that maiden name, again, and don't forget to
change your passwords.
Steve Davis
----- Original Message -----
From: "Frank Myers" <CW4FLM(a)worldnet.att.net>
To: <WAYNE_IN-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 1:19 PM
Subject: [Wayne Co Ind] Roll Call
> Sure, folks. And remember not to ever speak to strangers because they
> may be anxious to mug you. Don't drive your car anymore than necessary -
> there are too many reckless drivers on the roads and you might provoke
> road rage. Don't attend the theater or any other public event - you may
> catch some horrible disease. Wear old, ragged clothes and avoid eye
> contact with others lest they take advantage of you in some unspeakable
> way. Don't leave the house unless absolutely necessary and never after
> 6:00 p.m.
>
> Life is to be lived - not withdrawn from. Abstinence is not necessary,
> prudence will suffice.
>
> I would like to thank all of you for the open, honest way you have
> responded to this roll call. I didn't see much out there that was very
> dangerous - no SSNs, bank account or credit card numbers. Be careful and
> have fun. The two are not mutually exclusive as most of you already
> know.
>
> Phoenix
>
>
>