I am a super caution computer user. I use tough security protection programs and I'm extremely selective about what, when and where I post. Accepting that...let me then add that any info posted anywhere on any system can be found/seen if the looker wants it and is clever enough... persistent enough. Accepting that statement then apply your own set of cautions to what you post on line. There are a few things that I will never post. Those being my phone number, my birth date and any birth related info. If a website requires that info and I can't reach the site by telephone to do business with them...then I either lie about the dates if what I need from that site is that important to me...or...I do business elsewhere. Doing business elsewhere is my primary choice.

I don't do social media of any sort....as in Twitter/Facebook...etc. I'm not familiar with the site you're inquiring about but apply the common sense logic that I've mentioned above. Post only what you're comfortable knowing the world can see because there's always a possibility that it can be seen.

What is the probability of that happening? Probably low depending on where you post the personal info. But the probability does exist and I, personally, think if one is to wade into these sites that it's important that all users recognize that fact that nothing is ever 100% safe on the internet.

Thank you! Proboards seems to be a website where anyone can start up their own forum. So it would seem to me that whoever sets the forum up could see any members personal required information. I'm sure it's a wonderful website as long as one knows the credibility of the person who sets up the forum. Maybe I just answered my own question.

I think simple caution is a good idea with these things but super caution, probably not. Anne is right, everyone should apply their own choices without getting too wound up about it.

For unimportant/entertainment type sites (not your bank, not other financial institutions or "vendors" that you use), I think it's a good idea to use a pseudonym. Have a second email with that pseudonym that you use for such purposes. Beyond that, I don't think anything more is needed.

Sounds good. Thanks for your insight.

I joined this site after HGTV closed their message boards. haven't had any problem.

http://mumbojumbogumbo.proboards.com/

Thanks for your input everyone. A brief update..I did successfully register following Anne's advice on being discreet. I wouldn't have bothered with this but I wanted to follow some members from a board that was closing that I had been a member of for many years. I don't casually join online groups. :)

Totally agree with Anne's post. 200% in fact. It's hard enough protecting ourselves from the bad guys/girls. We can't help them by dropping our guard.

DA

I make up names, addresses and birthdates, etc. They don't check.

I have a couple gmail accounts which I use just for those purposes. I never give my regular email account.

Have been doing this for years and no problems.

Jane

When I found out that my Yahoo was hacked, I was relieved that they did not have my correct birthday, hometown, phone numbers or address book. I never give out parents names or schools attended.