I notice that some people on this site seem to be putting their real name and a full date of birth. From this information it can take someone about 3 minutes to get all the information they require to get to steal your identity.

This was highlighted by a recent problem on the 'World of Warcraft" internet game. They required anyone posting to use their real name to stop problems with the posting threads. A lot of people complained and one executive went online and posted a comment with his real name saying that there was no issue about this and what was the problem. Within one hour his name, address, and a mass of private information about him and his family had been published on the website.

Once you leave a real name you allow people to start finding you. It depends on how much presence you have on the net, how you use social networks etc, but it is not difficult.

However, a name and date of birth makes it easy to get you mother's maiden name and from that get into all manner of financial details.

The upshot of this is that I do not think the Date of Birth should be on this site, and perhaps not even the real name, at least not in places where anyone can see them.

[Edit] A least a warning to new members might be in order.

So sad, but true. This is why my profile here is vague. First name and year only. It is nice to know how old some one is when corresponding though. Keeps one from putting ones foot in ones mouth some times. Nothing like thinking your talking to someone 20 years younger only to find out they are 20 years older than you are. Accurate personal details absolutely must be kept on a Need to Know basis only. Such is the world in which we live.

The nature of the bio page, here on Caedes, allows each member to provide as much or as little as they wish. The info I give in mine is vague as well, wary of ID thieves as I am. No one needs the problems inherent in that but I agree with part of what each of you is saying. It's good to know the age of the person you're about to PM or leave a comment for, allowing you some insight into their possible experience level. I don't however, think it's a good idea to leave your full name or even an email address as some people do. Once you have established a trusting relationship with another member, and I have several like that, at that time you can decide how much you want to reveal to people you have come to know. I think that, initially, educating new members in the risks they take in giving too much personal data could go a long way toward keeping everyone safe. I'm not sure that the long-time membership would appreciate having to change their bios because of an overhaul on the page. Essentially it's up to Geri. Good discussion topic, though, Chris and David, and very timely.

I must agree - if you see the spam I get these days ....
So from now on I am: SAM -without age but on the other hand having email address is very useful to us - normal members ....

I must agree - if you see the spam I get these days ....
So from now on I am: SAM -without age but on the other hand having email address is very useful to us - normal members ....

I also agree, so from now on I'm just Skates

Well they can steal me ..If they fit the criteria..That is to say..Blonde,About 30ish,40ish..Stunningly attractive..And have pots of money..I know,I know I'm a mercenary..R.

In the asylum known as the internet, you take a chance even posting a resume to a legit job search engine these days...