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Sharking and Cyberstalking

While the staff work hard to keep this site safe for all those who use it, there will be occasions when unsuitable members slip through the net. For those who have not come across this terminology, sharking in terms of this site might involve harassment of members for sneeze-related materials (e.g. unwanted or inappropriate discussion, continual requests for .wavs etc) and cyberstalking would be defined as repeated harassment or threatening behaviour.

General recommendations

  • Profile names. Never use personally identifying information such as your name, sex, age, birth year, or location. Give consideration to whether a Google search of your name might render you susceptible. If your profile name is distinctive and you have used it elsewhere then it may be that you can be identified more easily.
  • Always Log Out. Always be sure to log out of your account when using a public computer and do not give out your login details to any third parties.
  • Privacy. We request that you do not post any personal details (yours or anyone else’s) on the open forum. If the staff see such personal details they will be removed. These would include such things as real names, dates of birth, facebook account details, e-mail addresses and schools attended.
  • Personal profile. There is more leeway within your personal profile as only registered and validated members can see this. However we would advise members, and particularly younger members who may be more susceptible not to publish information that would make you readily identifiable (see above) or more susceptible (e.g. photographs of a suggestive nature).

What should I do if I think I am being sharked, bullied or stalked?

  1. Tell the person to stop. If the harassment is occurring via PM you should block them from contacting you that way. If possible take screenshots of the offending material.
  2. Contact a member of staff. Please feel free to do this even if contact began here but has moved to IMs or YouTube. If you are unsure of who we are, click on the “Moderating Team” link at the bottom of the forum front page. We can deal with your complaint in any way you wish, including taking no direct action but just registering your concerns and storing any evidence. Such action allows us to monitor the member in question more closely and we will have a record of your problems should the offending member make any further attacks against other members. Obviously the more information you can share, the more protection we can provide you, including in extreme cases banning the perpetrator.
  3. Do not reply to inappropriate personal attacks on you. Harassment is a form of powerplay and the perpetrator may be a person who gets their kicks from getting a reaction.
  4. If the problems occur in the Chat Room these can be reported to the staff. A log is kept of all Chat Room activity, including Private Chat. These logs will not be read except in specific cases where a complaint has been made.
  5. Keep a record of any files that pertain to the stalker for evidence.
  6. Keep any PMs or e-mails that originate from the bully or stalker and any replies you sent for evidence.
  7. If a stalker begins to attack you off-line e.g. by snail mail or phone calls then you must assume they know where you live. If you feel you or your family is in physical danger from a stalker, or that the stalker knows where you live you should contact your local police force or law enforcement agency as soon as possible.

If you are considering meeting someone you have met on the internet

If you are an underage member, we would advise you not to meet up at all, even with another member who claims to be underage.

The staff here are not responsible for any member who chooses to meet other member(s) outside the forum.

Think very carefully before you consider meeting anyone you have met on the internet. Take your time and get to know the person first. Consider the information you have about the member. Is the information he/she has given you consistent? Does his/her behaviour fit his/her profile and who he/she claims to be? For example, does the time he/she spends online fit with the lifestyle he/she claims to have? Has he/she met with any other members previously? You may find old posts from members who have met others and come back safely, for example! If you feel in any way uneasy about meeting, again our advice would be not to meet. Never meet someone who is being insistent or trying to rush you.

If you do decide to meet:

  • Never give out your address. Have your own transportation or use public transport. Do not allow anyone to pick you up at your home for the first meeting.
  • Choose a neutral place, not a place where people are likely to know you (to avoid the person going back and trying to find out about you).
  • Choose somewhere well lit where there are plenty of people around.
  • Tell a friend about whom you are meeting, where you are going, and what time you should be back. If you have a photo of the person you are meeting, give a copy to your friend.
  • Take a mobile phone with you
  • Plan a short meeting to begin with and try to chat to them on the phone or Skype before meeting.
  • If you have to travel away from home, arrange your own accommodation.

For more information, please check out Wired Safety

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