Ok, so I feel kind of violated. I didn't know that all of my posts to lapbandtalk .com would be easily accessible by doing a screen name search. Maybe I'm freaking out a little and I'll feel better about it, but that google spider thing really dug around.

Megan

I agree 100%!!! There's 31,000,000 results for mine so it'll take some digging. But regardless, we come here for support and security.

What made you think to google your screen name?

I initally found this board by doing a google search

Crystal, I realise that. If someone wants to take the trouble to come to LBT and read the posts, that's fine.

You don't even have to log in when you goggle it?? Do you just click on the link and it is there ready to read? That does bother me...not that anyone really knows who we are if we don't want them too, but you never know!

Hmmmm..I just googled my screen name too and the pagewith my LBT profile came up as well as some of my posts..

This will definatelky scare away future members and or have our present members remove their pictures from their profiles and may make them hesitant to post.

I do not like this one bit

If we can't get something done about this, I am definately deleting my picture! I don't need problems from pictures being posted all over. I already deleted the name of town I am from, I just don't think that is the safest thing to have all that info and a picture to boot.

I couldnt find anything under my screen name.. I dont know if I did it right or just didnt hit the Next button long enough. There were a lot of TrishS things... but none that had to do with ME! I still think its a bit scarey..

I've pm'd Mr. Alex, LBT board owner, to see if anything can

be done to prevent this. I'll let you know what he advises.

Wow that is intrusive I too deleted my home town and am thinking about taking the picture off as well. Hopefully Mr. Alex can do something.

Gosh, that google thing is dangerous!!! Marie, Im anxious to hear what Alex can do about it!

Speaking of violation, I recieved an email about googling your home phone number and it giving a map to your home. Here's the email I received, I havent done it yet b/c I have no idea how to 'google', so maybe someone else would like to try it and let us know.

Google has implemented a new feature wherein you can type someone's telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and then you will be given a map to their house. Everyone should be aware of this! Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. Before forwarding this, I tested it by typing my telephone number in google.com. My phone number came up, and when I clicked on the MapQuest link, it actually mapped out where I live. Quite scary. Please look up your own number. Read below for details. Think about it--if a child, ANYONE gives out his/her phone number, someone can actually now look it up to find out where he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious, and alarming. In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: http://www.google.com/ Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) and hit enter. If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on the telephone icon next to your phone number. Removal takes 48-hours. If you are unlisted in the phone book, you might not be in there, but it is a good idea just to check. If your number does come up if you hit map, it will show you a direct map to your house...

I have mixed feelings about it all....

I found this board because I was uncomfortable with the yahoo board and google led me here.

I remember seeing these real faces and heart-felt posts. Instantly, I knew this was my new "home" for my band journey.

So in a way, I'm grateful. Sorry for those that don't agree.

Nicole,

I agree with you, I felt the same way when I found this place.

I dont plan on deleting my picture.

I just errased my name & age on my signature pg & the even my personal hobbies. I don't want this to end up being a problem but I have kept my possible surgery a secret for personal reasons. Too many times does the "6 degrees of seperation end up being true" & now this "google thing" well that is enough to scare anyone who wants to remain anonymous.

It would just be helpful if our individual profiles and posts didn't have to come up on a google search.

The internet is a great thing and opens up a whole world for us. I look up addresses, phone #s, and maps, live traffic reports, etc. all the time. In a big city like Houston, it's a wonderful aid.

Thanks Paula for the google info - I just removed my phone # & address.