If you KNEW someone here was being threatened or manipulated by someone else here but it was happening off the board what would you tell them to do?
Originally Posted by Whispers
Let's just assume the KNEW part was certain (proof, not just hearsay), we all know the answer. This thread is subtext for something else.
Yes, this site and it's staff can't do anything about it if it's not on here, but I bet if a hobbyist, for example, was known to attack or hurt providers (again, with proof), their account would be closed. While the terms of use claim the site has no liability, just the possibility of knowingly providing access to a violent person would be reason enough to not take a chance. Many of the reasons people can be banned are not posted anywhere, for example, accessing your account from multiple IP addresses. Also in the terms, the site reserves the right to change those terms at any time and they have no obligation to guarantee anyone an account or access.
Having said that, the answer would be different for each unique situation. A violent stalker threatening to out someone may suggest contacting LE. Maybe not. Changing contact information, closing email accounts, changing phone numbers are all a given. If someone just knows your real name or Facebook info, close any online accounts affiliated with your real name. If they know your address and you are legitimately concerned for your safety, move. For a married hobbyist, consider coming clean to your SO/wife. It'll suck, but suck less than coming home to a pissed off spouse reading copies of your reviews - at least you can control the information some, and possibly, possibly lessen the trauma.
Clearly, close/delete eccie, p411, TER, etc. Depending on the threat and information that could be divulged, the response would be different. If you have reciprocal knowledge, like beagle, I'm not comfortable with an eye for an eye AFTER the outing, but beforehand, the threat of "outing back" could be used to discourage your own outing.
No matter how you look at it, it's a derivative question. Do as much as possible to protect yourself, and disassociate yourself from whatever information may be the subject of the outing.
Some may suggest violence or threats of violence in retaliation for outing or the threat of it. Just think very carefully before breaking the law to protect yourself. Can you live with the consequences? Have you exhausted all other options? Is there a threat of violence to you and are you willing to defend yourself?
Lastly, sunlight may be the best disinfectant. Post an alert. Share the info/threat in the private forums. Share it with your peers outside of the site. Report them to the national blacklist and other sites they may be a member of (ie, p411). Post an ad on Backpage. Do whatever you're comfortable with - these are just suggestions but they're all obvious.
To the OP, if this topic is of such import, put it in the national forum and get suggestions from a wider audience and possibly reach someone who has dealt with this issue. Posting it here in San Antonio exposes your agenda and the obvious pretext behind it.