{please read} Comments, Privacy, etc.

Since having my posts, personal info. and pictures posted on another site (and who-knows-where-else), I have become way more sensitive and extremely aware to the necessity of keeping personal information OFF the web!

Ironically, I had an email conversation with an awesome reader who put things into perspective and made me REALLY aware that I need to take a huge stand on this site... (thank you!)

Long story, short:  This reader had her identity stolen just from having her email address out there.  AND she was stalked and harassed by a total stranger -- just because this stranger could find out personal info. (and, really, it wasn't that personal) about her online.

This makes me think:  If we, adults, are in this danger -- what will the pedophiles and other predators do with our child(ren)'s pictures, information, etc.

Personally, I believe that if your blog/site is open for all to see (not set to private) then you should be extremely careful about posting their pictures, names, ages, activities, school names -- let alone any information about your family. It doesn't take a genius to figure out where you live, where you shop, where you attend church, your "schedule," your extended family members' names, etc. -- it just takes a little research and possibly a few calls.

It doesn't take more than a few clicks to find out where your child's school is (or baseball practice), and if they already know your child's name, your name, and have seen pictures....  I don't need to explain the dangers here.

This reminds me of the story of the teenage girl, who was posting info. online -- nothing too personal, though...she didn't even use her real name.  But, the predator could piece together info. and tracked her down to her softball game.  He followed her home.  Luckily, the man was an undercover police officer and explained to her that he had been her new "friend" online and he was easily able to piece together enough info. to find her.  If he could do it, any one can.

Even if you're children aren't old enough to use the Internet, you could still be putting them at risk by the information you post online.  Any reference to your family members' names (particularly your last name), school names, extracurricular activities, town/city, job locations, church, pet names, etc.  The more information the predator knows, the closer they are to your child.

With that said, PLEASE think about it, pray about it --  if you are posting information about your family online consider making that information private for only family and close friends to see.  Of course, this is your own discretion but,  for this site, I am taking a stand.

I have been searching for a new comment system for this blog that doesn't require you to display your email and that doesn't require you to register.  I've decided I am going to leave the comment format As-Is for now, but I am asking one thing:   PLEASE do not leave your email address.  If you want to link back to your blog, I'm absolutely OK with that....but I don't want any personal email addresses displayed over here.  In fact, please don't use your full name either.  You can always, always contact me directly and all that info. I keep safe and promise to never share with anyone!

Since I have required an email for the giveaways (so I can contact you and let you know you won) and since I need the entries to be numbered, I will be using Google Docs and ALL the information you enter will be kept private....nothing will ever be posted publicly.  It's easy to use but, most importantly, it will ensure that YOUR information will not be posted for everyone to see.  I feel that strongly about it and I encourage you to really think about that you are putting out there.  (P.S.  Stay tuned for it to go "live" with a new giveaway soon!)

Thanks for your support during this new "change" to the site!  Please be safe!