IMO, that information is absolutely vital to potential customers because it puts them in danger should they decide to order from a source who hasn't taken security seriously enough to mask their IP. If a member can grab a source's IP address, three letter agencies can certainly do it too. It's for that reason that I don't have any problem with members probing source's security measures by any means possible, including attempting to get their IP address.
Members shouldn't have to worry about other members trying to get their IP address but that's not reality, it's a fantasy. That's why it's so important for members to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. I don't think most people are aware of just how vulnerable their IP addresses are if they haven't take precautions to safeguard it. I'm almost certain that I could get 90% of Meso member's IPs if I wanted them. I can say that with certainty because that's been my success rate when I've attempted to capture IPs in the past.
The bottom line for me is that PI isn't the bad guy here - there are LOTS of PIs out there working away quietly in the background that no one knows about - and some of them have sinister intentions. The lazy attitude members have about personal security is what deserves attention.
Regards
CBS
I agree with a lot of your post.
What do you think of the following points:
1) a source should be questioned about their security. They should be able to demonstrate good security measures. The issue as I see it is this is a member turned source. PI wasn't trying to probe his security measures to test them. He was trying to figure out Xeno's handle as a member.
2) I agree we should be concerned with our own internet security. I'm no expert on it but I made a post on another board regarding this very issue so I'm right there with you in that security is a two way street. It might be fantasy to think other members aren't trying to capture our info but that doesn't make the action itself right. It's still wrong IMO. What about not only getting personal info but cataloging it? That's taking it a step beyond just accessing IP addresses and the public admittance would make that person a target of interest for 3 letter alphabet agencies since they know he has a "list".
Not only that but if his intentions are not shady, why catalogue the info to begin with?
3) I have no issues with going after someone who threatens others, scams, etc. Regular has done it and so have you. I saw how you got the Muslim guy in England who was threatening others and female soldiers with rape etc. That had a specific purpose and that guy was clearly in the wrong with most of his comments. We don't know Xeno has done anything among those lines yet. I'm sure you don't do it for the fuck of it, at least I hope not. So isn't there a way to warn and help protect members that doesn't involve putting their info in a database so to speak?
4) there are ppl who do this with sinister intentions but I certainly want to question the intentions of a member who does this and catalogs the info he gets. I've never met PI and don't wish him to have my information as a member. Part of the responsibility lies in my lap to protect myself but part of the responsibility also belongs to the forum to not encourage such behavior from well-intentioned members. What use is this info to someone? Why do they need it? Why do they keep it when Millard himself erases IPs after 24hrs. I can plainly see good intentions in Millard's actions but I cannot in tis instance.
4) what about rules 3 and 5: no posting any personal info and no deceptive tactics. PI hasn't posted personal info but that line can be blurred in a heartbeat since the info is preserved. And how is the link he posted to capture someone's IP address not a deceptive tactic? Most ppl I think would not have given Him their info, a bunch have voiced concerns over unknowingly/deceptively being led I to giving the info, etc. It was a blatantly deceptive tactic was it not?