I've often thought about writing a full fledged essay on this topic. But I have always backed out of it. Nevertheless, because I have recently seen some things posted that have caused me concern about the individual's security, I knew I had to write something even if it was short.

The bottom line is that there are people out there who collect information on people who frequent forums like ours. I recently ran into a web site dedicated to the collection of such information and the eventual outing of BLs through collaboration between people who knew little bits and pieces of information about BL's who post in particular forums.

Before you post something, be sure to ask yourself whether the information you are revealing, when combined with all of the information you have ever revealed, could help lead someone to your true identity.

While the fact you are home from work during a snowstorm may at first seem insignificant, it actually could reveal a great deal about you when combined with other information you may have posted in the past or will post in the future. If you had once posted something about the US president where you referred to him as "our" president. Then the information you just gave about a snowstorm narrows your location down tremendously. How many cities and states are under a snowtorm on any given day? A handful? a dozen?

I'm going to keep this short because I don't want to do a full essay. Please, keep in mind that there are people reading your posts who have evil intentions. Before posting anything, please consider how that piece of information impacts your anonymity when combined with all the information you have ever posted.