suggestion

[lazy gardener]

Good input from all sides of the discussion. Thanks all.

 

[lazy gardener]

After cogitating over this issue for a while, I've come to the conclusion that it would not be wise to make general location a required field. Yes, it would be a convenience when communicating with folks, but it would be a subtle removal of freedom that may not be in the best interests of all concerned. thanks all for a lively discussion! Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

[DuckLady]

After cogitating over this issue for a while, I've come to the conclusion that it would not be wise to make general location a required field. Yes, it would be a convenience when communicating with folks, but it would be a subtle removal of freedom that may not be in the best interests of all concerned. thanks all for a lively discussion! Back to your regularly scheduled programming.

It's an important topic. Glad you brought it up.

 

[Kusanar]

They are not given warnings when they sign up. When anyone registers they have to affirm they are 13 or over. Minors are given warnings/infractions if they post identifying themselves as minors or other personal information along with it on the forum.

Question about this. I have seen a few threads where someone asked someone's age as them being college aged or older was kind of important and gotten the reply that they were a minor. They did not give an age, just stated that they were a minor. I have also seen a few where the person stated that they are in high school which strongly implies that they are a minor. Are those things allowed? Sometimes knowing that the person is a kid is helpful when giving advice, though I understand not wanting them telling the world their exact age or personal details.

 

[DuckLady]

Question about this. I have seen a few threads where someone asked someone's age as them being college aged or older was kind of important and gotten the reply that they were a minor. They did not give an age, just stated that they were a minor. I have also seen a few where the person stated that they are in high school which strongly implies that they are a minor. Are those things allowed? Sometimes knowing that the person is a kid is helpful when giving advice, though I understand not wanting them telling the world their exact age or personal details.

No one should be asking the age of anyone and no one should be identifying themselves as a minor. Helpful or not, the internet is not a place to advertise yourself to a predator.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Now that my raging paranoia fire has been fueled and fanned, suppose I goofed and posted too much to evade being easily stalked by creepy guy - is changing that info after the fact a worthwhile possibiliy?

 

[Kiki]

Now that my raging paranoia fire has been fueled and fanned, suppose I goofed and posted too much to evade being easily stalked by creepy guy - is changing that info after the fact a worthwhile possibiliy?

You can go into your "Account" and change any details you have entered at any time.
Personal Details

 

[casportpony]

You can also change your username.

 

[rebrascora]

Someone could see you in the street and follow you home if they took a fancy to you, so I'm not sure why there is this need to feel vulnerable by giving a general location online.
I'm with @lazy gardener that a mandatory general location (state/county or even just country) would be beneficial. Not just from a climate/season/disease prevalence point of view, but also products, services, laws and breed spec vary from country to country and can make a big difference to advice given.