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geniewhiz

I am developing a genealogy site with loads of content and *REAL* genealogy data (as opposed to links to other people's data sites) as well as lots of affliate links. I feel I have expertise not only in genealogy but also the "niche" I am going after. While I would love to be truthful about my credentials and identity, I am really afraid of how easy it would be for someone to track me down and potential call/harrass, etc. (maybe b/c I am a woman I feel like that? I dunno). Sure the chances of that happening are slim but there is something about putting my real name out there that creeps me out. Shocked

So should I list my credentials but give a bogus name (perhaps first name, last initial?) or just sign my About Us page as "Your Friendly Webmaster"

I see lots of people who use their real names (or at least it seems that way...) so I am curious what everyone does.

Suggestions??? Thanks!

geniewhiz aka ????

Voasi · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 4:54 pm Post subject:

I know a lot of internet marketers that use Pen Names. Nothing wrong with that. Anonymity can be a good thing. Wink

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roni · **Joined**: 22 Feb 2005 **Posts**: 14

That's a good thought...you DO have to be careful with your pesonal info.

Can't people do a WHOIS search on the domain name though?
How do you keep people from knowing your identity through that?

Roni

geniewhiz · Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:32 pm Post subject:

I purchased the option to hide my contact info through WHOIS when I bought my domain. Someone can still contact me but it goes through a 3rd party (Domains by Proxy) who keeps your ID anon.

I got my domain at GoDaddy - here is the info. Hope it's OK to post this link.

https://www.godaddy.com/gdshop/dbp/landing.asp?se=%2B&ci=257

geniewhiz · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:23 pm Post subject:

Any more opinions out there?

Thanks!

Lynn Terry · Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 5:02 pm Post subject:

I use my real name on my primary sites (where credibility is an issue, and helps build trust & relationships)... and so far have had no problems at all (8+ years now). I even post my telephone number and mailing address publicly.

Of course, using a pen name on your site is a great option...

If you are going to post a telephone number, or give one out AT ALL, then you want to make sure your telephone bill is sent to a PO Box or other address that doesnt give away your physical location. I say this because one can do a 'reverse lookup' and get your billing address just by having your phone #.

The private domain registration info is a good tip, too.

But like I said, I havent incurred ANY problems whatsoever in all the time that I've been doing business online... so far so good Wink

(knock on wood Very Happy

)
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Mark Kenny · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 8:12 pm Post subject:

Posting your number on your site is a good idea because as mentioned it does help build credibility.

In the UK you can get "follow me numbers"(http://dmclub.net/) , these are alternative phone numbers that are diverted to your real number so you can maintain some privacy & don't reveal your genuine number.

The great thing is if this number ever got abused, you can easily dump it & pick up another one. I don't know if similar services are available in the US but it's worth looking out for.
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igezeum · Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:13 pm Post subject:

geniewhiz

I was also concerned about putting my real identity out there. Although having a name and number available would increase your credability, I think it has the possibility to attract the odd weirdo who would like to find out where you are.
It probably depends on the type of site you are developing. I guess that if you ran an information site on "How to by discounted Christmas decorations" or "Tips on throwing the best patio party" You would be pretty safe displaying your contact info.
But for sites like "Getting the right lottery numbers guranteed" or "Put all your eggs in one basket, financial freedom in only 2 days" you may want to keep your identity to yourself.

But really, anyone with the proper means and drive can find out pretty much any information they want, whether we want them to or not.

Just my opinion though. Thanks.[/quote]
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deepsix · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:04 pm Post subject:

I'll be using my cell phone number on my websites (I used it when I was running my transcription business).

That way I can change it if I find I'm threatened by anyone. Also, I always have it with me, so people can contact me at any time.

geniewhiz · Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 7:33 pm Post subject:

I don't see a need to post a phone number at all. I think email will be sufficient for the kind of site I am building.

Thanks for all the opinions - I am still undecided!

Phil Tanny · Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2005 12:40 am Post subject:

Hi Genie Whiz,

How about this?

Suppose you use your real name on your site, but only your first name? So on your site you are just Genie.

But when you correspond with customers, contacts, prospects, partners etc you use your full real name, Genie Whiz.

This would allow you to have your cake and eat it too, so to speak.

Another option is to make sure you are weirder than any of the weirdos you are worried about. Smile

We've had a rash of strangers knocking on our door trying to sell us their religion. I give them the friendly and enthusiastic(!!) Professor Blowhard treatment, and it seems to cure them of any interest in saving our souls. Smile

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