Damasa - First things first, I have always liked you and never had a problem with you, so let's just get that straight.
When you supported me, and the rest of the *many* women who had to deal with the Kevin shit, I appreciated it greatly. But please don't think that I required your support in order to solve the problem. It was a nice bonus and the right thing to do - not the result of my pleading for your help. Anyone who read that thread knows that I have no trouble sticking up for what I know is right, even sticking my own neck out on behalf of others, and I don't need a man by my side yessing everything I say or do.
I look to the men of GC the same way I look to the women here - as acquaintences, debate partners, and sometimes even friends. I have never and will never depend on any of you to do my dirty work or come "rescue me". If anything, I would only contact those who I am close to for personal support and understanding. As I recall, Damasa, you contacted me offering support for the Kevin fiasco, I didn't come whining at your door. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate it because I think it was a measure of kindness, not because you thought I couldn't handle things myself.
I think it's really sad that some of you are caught up in the semantics of specific posts instead of focusing on what is going on here. This is NOT about one IM asking someone if they "do anal", this is about a growing trend that is really not acceptable. I don't think that anyone here has any incentive to lie or misrepresent the truth. So why is it that only a few people are expressing concern and reaching out, and the rest are either missing the boat entirely or making crass, insensitive comments?
I believe that one of the first things we can do to make this safer is to be careful with our own information. Guard it carefully - it is so easy to crack someone's email account just knowing their birthday and where they live, which a lot of people don't realize. We may think we know each other, but in reality, any one of us could be a fat pimply faced serial killer named Johnny/Susie Numbnuts. If someone is asking you questions you feel uncomfortable answering, go with your gut. No one has the right to make someone else feel uncomfortable on this board. I also think that making this a "members only" board (no "guest" posts) might help the matter some. Also, if there is any way to initiate an authentication process to make sure people don't have 6 user names coming from the same server...Heck, I don't know what the answer is, but something should be done.
Thanks for listening,
Carrie