There's been some talk here lately about peoples' privacy being violated. I just wanted to post a few tips about this because some people use the internet all the time and aren't aware of how to simply and easily protect their privacy. So here are a few things, and you can add more, but please make it simple if you respond so this thread doesn't have to get deleted in the end because our privacy has been violated!

1. Never use your real name, address, or any other personal info on the internet
2. NEVER use the same username on more than one site. (For instance, I'm only "SAGE" here, and nowhere else in the world.)
3. If you're really concerned about privacy, never PUT IN WRITING anything that couldn't be published in the New York Times or the Mirror or Globe & Mail.
4. Remember to protect your privacy when posting by giving as few personal details as possible about one's family, place names, etc.
5. If you are a minor, never post your picture on the internet, your age, or where you live. (Creeps take your pic and CG a naked body onto it and post it up on porn sites for pedophiles....disgusting but true)
6. Never agree to meet anyone in person that you've met on the internet, unless your parents (if you're a minor) or your best friend (if you're an adult) approves of you doing so. [Honestly - they really do know best!]
7. Remember that myspace is a hang-out place for kooks, freaks, murderers and paedophiles. These people are very good at pretending to be teenagers by the way....in fact, they're experts at it. Lots of 14-year-old boys are really 40-year-old men. Also lots of "doctors" and "lawyers" are really 14-year-old boys.
8. Remember that Interpol, the FBI, and RCMP are monitoring the internet all the time for conversations that look dangerous to minors.
9. Google yourself and your usernames to see what other people can see. Remove what you can, if you can.
10. Always remember that the internet is a public place. There is no such thing as privacy. When you post, it's really just like posting up a note at the local grocery store for all to see who wander by.

I know this is "ya ya whatever" to some, but hopefully it will be helpful to some others who have never thought of these things.