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Archiver > TMG > 2002-04 > 1017711919


From: "Darrell A. Martin" <>
Subject: Re: [TMG] OT--information on living individuals
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002 19:45:19 -0600
In-Reply-To: <41200241120455090@earthlink.net>


At 01:45 PM 4/1/02 -0700, Virginia Sandstedt wrote:
>Hi List
>
>How do you handle information about living individuals? I want to protect
>their privacy and at the same time be helpful to other researchers. I also
>realize that if one is determined much information about anyone can be
>found these days so any mention of a person's existence could be
>detrimental. Where do most of you settle on this topic?
>
>Ginny

Hi, Ginny:

It is my opinion, which I understand is not shared by many people of good
will and intelligence, that publicly discoverable information is public
information. I consider the whole "don't post info on living persons"
principle to be well-meaning in intent but utterly, hopelessly, and
inevitably, doomed to failure in accomplishing its intended purpose. It
prevents identity theft about as well as prohibiting the hanging of
photographs of fires in public buildings would prevent arson.

That doesn't mean I am (intentionally) stupid or calloused. I do not post
information, other than name, on any person *UNDER THE AGE OF 21* without
the permission of both that person *and* a parent (which means, in effect,
I just don't post it). I do not post Social Security, driver's license, or
other identifying numbers; street, mailing, or e-mail addresses (other than
my own); telephone numbers; or current school or employer; for any living
or recently deceased person under any circumstances.

That's *my* opinion.

Darrell


Darrell A. Martin
a native Vermonter currently in exile in Addison, Illinois



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