Why do some people go back into their discussion threads to remove a question that they had asked on the forum?  I know that you can't delete an entry, but one of the things I like here is reading about other people's questions and the answers people provide - I think it helps cut down on the number of people who would be asking the same question (like the question today about how to "resolve" an issue where a book is RWAP because of a PO error).  I actually asked this question in a chain where the original post was edited to remove the question and change the subject line, but figured most people won't look there.  Any thoughts?  Mostly I'm just curious because I do so enjoy these discussion forums.

Some people have been going through and deleting all their old posts now that the forums are made public.  You have to be a member to post but non-members can read them.  I guess they think people can cyber-stalk them that way. I'm not worried about it-I don't give out my kids names, my husbands name or my address in the forums. 

Yes, it is making "swiss cheese" out of a lot of the threads.  I've been on forums for years now, and I'm not going to spend the time or effort worrying and deleteing things.  I try to be very careful about what I post and what I mention.  But even though I don't know how - I know some people do know how to find anyone.   I don't have the time or the interest in doing that.  Too much work!

Ruth

I think if someone is that computer savvy to find you they are going to find you anyway-even if you delete all your posts.  I was able to find the SS#'s of both my dead grandparents very easily online.  I wasn't even trying too-I was just doing some geneology research.

I haven't followed all the hubbub over on the CMT-but I think someone started harrassing a member. But I believe they lived in the same area. Also some people just aren't smart and they post their full names (or use their full names as their nickname) and their kids names, their kid's pictures, their husband's names etc..,  I don't post any of that stuff.

I think it's foolish to be making swiss cheese out of the posts.  If someone is computer savy they've got you without PBS.  Actually if you're afraid of someone "finding" you then you better quite PBS.  Think about it.  All they have to do is order a book and they have your return address. 

Definitely foolish, public or not, all the problems came from people who were members either during their trouble making or just prior too.  So it's not JQ Public that is the problem.  Going back and deleting posts I suppose makes some feel better about it all, and others just doing it to make some point.

I just ignore those empty holes.

It will make a difference in that their words are not right there to invoke the ire of other members. Of course, if someone wants to find you they will, but some people's posts were like laying out the welcome mat for nutjobs. This way the crazies have to work a little harder at it. If the Google bots hadn't gotten the post before it was deleted, then its more than likely won't find it with the post gone; at least it won't be a big red flag in a search.

Is it over reaction? I think yes on some members' parts, no on others. Are they being foolish? No, just overly precautious. As I always tell people when they say I am being overly precautious - I'd rather be proven wrong being overly precautious than be proven wrong by not being cautious enough. Whatever floats their boats IMO. I don't think it is an issue, but some others just don't feel safe with their posts out there and who needs to lose sleep over a post on PBS?

Also - some posts are deleted just because the person posted in the wrong place (like deals outside of the Bazaar), they posted something they shouldn't have (like asking for WL books), or they just decided a post was not in good judgement and went back to remove it. Not all post removal has been because of security issues.