No Frills About It

This week has been sort of crazy, so I didn't have time to write anything myself. Here is some information on how you can stay safe on the internet. There is a lot of great information, but I've excerpt some information on Internet Privacy and also some information on online dating from match.com.

Internet Privacy Safety

•Your account is only as secure as its password. Create passwords with nonsensical combinations of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols, for example tY8%uX. Do not use the same or variations of the same password for different applications. One way to create a password that is easier to remember is to use the first or last letters in a favorite line of poetry. Intermingle these letters with numbers and punctuation marks. "Mary had a little lamb" becomes m*ha2ll or y!dae5b.

•Change your password often. Don't let others watch you log in. Don't print your password on a post-it note and attach it to your video monitor. If you must write down or record your password, take steps to secure or disguise the information.

•Assume that your online communications are not private unless you use encryption software. But most encryption programs are not user-friendly and can be inconvenient to use. If you do not use encryption, at least take the following precautions: Do not provide sensitive personal information (phone number, password, address, credit card number, Social Security number, your health information, date of birth, vacation dates, etc.) in chat rooms, forum postings, e-mail messages, or in your online biography.

•If you publish information on a personal web page, note that marketers and others may collect your address, phone number, e-mail address and other information that you provide. If you are concerned about your personal privacy, be discreet in your personal web site.

•Your online biography, if you create one, may be searched system-wide or remotely "fingered" by anyone. If for any reason you need to safeguard your identity, don't create an online "bio." Ask the system operator of your ISP to remove you from its online directory.
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Online Dating/Internet Dating Safety

Whether you're off on your first blind date set up by a friend or you've found your love interest on Match.com, your personal safety should remain priority #1. We've compiled a list of guidelines to help you stay safe.

DO guard your identity
Tip: Never post personal contact information in your profile. Don't risk having this information fall into the wrong hands.

DO remain anonymous until you feel safe and ready to explore other options.
Example: Sometimes, instead of asking for information, a person simply provides his or her phone number early in the email exchange. That doesn't obligate you to use it. You might say something like, "I'm more comfortable just exchanging email for the time being." ***Keep in mind that most people have caller id so even though you haven't given someone your number they will probably know what it is if you use a number that they give to you!

DO use a third-party, anonymous email address.
Tip: Consider using a P.O. Box for snail mail.

DO be careful when using a sexy name.
Tip: Don't include your real name or city of residence within your email address or in your username.

DO use a current picture and be truthful in your description of yourself in your profile.

DO trust your gut.

DO block abusers.

DO meet in public.

DO tell a friend.
Tip: Contact your friend before and after the date or ask your friend to contact you at a predetermined time.

DO stay sober.
Tip: Stick to nonalcoholic drinks when meeting someone for the first time.

DON'T leave home without your cell.
Tip: Make sure 911 services are available in your area. If not, know your emergency number.

DON'T ask the other person to pick you up.

DON'T leave personal belongings or drinks unattended.

Don't risk having your personal information stolen. The same goes for your drink
Don't risk having it tampered with.
Tip: If you must leave your drink unattended to go to the restroom, order another drink when you return.

DON'T succumb to the temptation to take first dates to your home (or go to his or her home).
Tip: If you are followed to where you parked your car, stop and hail a taxi or go into another public place to use the telephone to phone a friend. Come back later with your friend to get your car.

DO set up a next date, if you are ready and feel comfortable.