Disturbing message from staff about personal info

[threeboysmom]

How are people able to say their first names in VMK in the first place??

There's no way I'd be able to say mine even if I wanted to. Wouldn't even be able to dictionary dance it...

 

[aliceblue]

The thing that bothers me about this staff message is the inconsistency on the part of VMK.

"It's snowing here" has often been enough to get a player banned, apparently because it might help track someone down. "I'm watching ___ on TV right now" has been considered dangerous too, as an indicator of which time zone people are in. How is giving out your first name supposed to be safer than either of these?

While I haven't always agreed with the extent of VMK's prohibitions on personal information, I did assume that they had well-defined, logical guidelines in place. I also assumed that the criteria for determining what is ban-worthy was the same among all staff who monitor the game. I'm starting to seriously doubt that.

 

[Talons]

Personally I see no harm in using first names, but that's about as far as I go. I do agree though that it is the responsibility of the parents to moniter their children while online. But then again, if you can't trust your kids to not give out any further personal information, then why are you letting them use an online chat site in the first place?

I'm not trying to start anything here, but it's just a thought.

 

[aengus]

I think it can be confusing to a child to say you can give out this much personal info, but no more.

I guess time will tell how this policy works.

OT: EGAD PINK, dont make me start to create a new avatar

 

[SnowyJingleBells]

OT: EGAD PINK, dont make me start to create a new avatar

Reply to OT: Watch out Gracie! I have LOTS more of those

 

[aengus]

Reply to OT: Watch out Gracie! I have LOTS more of those

REPORTED!

 

[Sugar]

What really got me was the smiley after they said it was OK to say your first name.

easy enough to say things like "i'm from the windy city" "I live in the town *insert news item here *".

Agreed. I was surprised to know that I can say (without dancing) the actual city I was born in, and the city I work in. That's unacceptable.

Sugar

 

[steamboatpete]

Since a ton of players use first names as all or part of their handles, I think saying "you can't tell your first name" is a bit silly.

Then again, the handle doesn't necessarily tell you someone's name.

My real name is not Pete.

 

[ForeverWDW]

When thousands of schools let out last summer VMK flooded the front page and newsletter with this ad

1. Why can't I tell my friends in VMK what grade I just started in school or give other personal information about myself?

Starting any grade is a huge accomplishment and from everyone at VMK, CONGRATULATIONS! But part of keeping VMK safe means keeping your personal information to yourself.

Nobody should ever know where you live, how old you are, or even what grade you are in. IT DOESN'T MATTER if you know the person outside of the game – it is against the VMK Values to give out ANY personal information. (This includes if you're home alone from school, or the state where you live.) You will get banned for doing this.

Keep your identity – and VMK account – safe, never give out personal information on VMK!

And in the Safety Section - Top Chat Tips

NEVER Give Out Personal Info
Would you give a stranger on the street your telephone number? No? Then why do it in a game? Never tell anyone your personal information, aside from being against the VMK Values, it's just not safe.

NEVER give out ANY personal information, this includes, but is not limited to, your location, such as your home address or the state you live in. Don't give out your telephone number, either your home or cell, never give out your e-mail address or IM info. Don't even share your real name, what grade you're in or which school you go to. And never give out your friends' personal information either.

And really some first names are last names as well so how do they not know its a person's last name? So what's next to be ok? Age given out?
By chance did you send your screen shot of that in to the contact us and ask them about that message you got back?

So true many last names sound like or are first names.
I will be sending it in tonight and will update as soon as I get a responce

If anything, they need to come up with clear standards for their moderators. If they already do that, they really need to stick with it once they make a decision!

I see lots of kids saying "that's my title in real!" If that's true, there must be a disproportionate number of Kalis and Troys in the world! I don't think VMK should just brush it off without giving the involved kids any sort of warning, but it's not the worst thing they could say. Certainly kids who willingly give that info are more at risk for revealing more PII, or having someone probe them for the info.

That's a tough call. A slippery slope?

The thing that bothers me about this staff message is the inconsistency on the part of VMK.

"It's snowing here" has often been enough to get a player banned, apparently because it might help track someone down. "I'm watching ___ on TV right now" has been considered dangerous too, as an indicator of which time zone people are in. How is giving out your first name supposed to be safer than either of these?

While I haven't always agreed with the extent of VMK's prohibitions on personal information, I did assume that they had well-defined, logical guidelines in place. I also assumed that the criteria for determining what is ban-worthy was the same among all staff who monitor the game. I'm starting to seriously doubt that.

I think it can be confusing to a child to say you can give out this much personal info, but no more.

I guess time will tell how this policy works.

A clear stand on it would be nice. Most of the time when this type of thing is reported ( or real name in signature ) staff have been quick to respond and let the kid know that VMK does not allow any sharing of personal info. Never have I seen a kid suddenly disappear but many times I have witnessed staff let them know that giving out personal info can result in a ban.
They need to make a clear stand about this and realize kids will push the boundries. Point in case up until today kids were not allowed to say first names and yet this kid clearly stated to the room ' Thats my real name '. Next time it might be a last name or an email addy. If they let kids get away with first names the next step will be what..

Then again, the handle doesn't necessarily tell you someone's name.

True but this child clearly said that was his name and was allowed to go along his merry way with so much as a warning or message. Allowing him to give out any personal info is a big mistake. Clear and to the point, no info should be shared. There should be no confusion about what is allowed and is not for kids.

 

[Sugar]

True but this child clearly said that was his name and was allowed to go along his merry way with so much as a warning or message. Allowing him to give out any personal info is a big mistake. Clear and to the point, no info should be shared. There should be no confusion about what is allowed and is not for kids.

"Be.rad" will not go unpunished, Forever!
We shall be the First Name Vigilantes!
FNV for short! and kick people who give their first name!

I still can't believe that VMK would even allow this, seeing as they did not like 2 days ago...

EDIT
Idea: [I know, totally inappropriate to do, but] Start asking Staff their first names, telling them "it is alright for someone to know your first name only : )". See how fast the rule changes

Sugar

 

[ForeverWDW]

EDIT
Idea: [I know, totally inappropriate to do, but] Start asking Staff their first names, telling them "it is alright for someone to know your first name only : )". See how fast the rule changes

Sugar

Rofl I double dog dare ya!

- hands Sugar a pillow for his behind to soften the many Host boots he is about to get -

 

[Sugar]

Rofl I double dog dare ya!

- hands Sugar a pillow for his behind to soften the many Host boots he is about to get -

- makes a connection -



So this is why you get the boot!

- screams!! -

Now I've got it!

- cries -

Well, at least I got this pillow.

What?! It has flowers on it?!

Sigh...

At least it doesn't have your first name.

And I'll take you up on your double dog dare

Sugar

 

[HowWeird]

Please post some sort of response if you do!

From what I've read, I understand why some people might think it's okay to give out their first name but I'm going to have to side with the FNV. It is completely true that with name repetition you'll gain someone's trust. Works in real life, will work in VMK. Once that happens, it'll only be a matter of time before the child predators find out where the child goes to school, when they might be home alone, etc (horrifying just thinking about it and I don't even have a kid!) So I really would urge those of you that know Staff members to help change their minds about this policy.

Sidenote: I totally agree with that smiley next to the staff note. It's like they said "It's okay for people to know where you live and when you're alone at home " Makes no sense to me whatsoever.

 

[threeboysmom]

OT: EGAD PINK, dont make me start to create a new avatar

Sigh... Get with it... I've already posted one somewhere for you to use!

My real name is not Pete.

KrazyPete's name is not Pete either

And mine's not Pink... despite the fact that I sometimes sign "real life" emails with that by mistake...

As a parent, I don't mind the first name basis. One of my boys has always had his real life name in his VMK title. I've never given it a second thought...

 

[lizbeth374]

As a parent, I don't mind the first name basis. One of my boys has always had his real life name in his VMK title. I've never given it a second thought...

Same here. My name is in my VMK name, but my children's aren't. But I don't think I would have a problem if they used their real first name. But first name only. As long as that is as far as it goes. I mean, it isn't like VMK is letting you give out details like where you live, it is just a first name. I know of kids who say their real name is a name that isn't even their real names.

 

[Barbday62]

Im a parent and grand parent and I see nothing wrong with first names in the game. I do not believe this was a permission to use first names type of message. I believe it was a response to someone reporting something in game and they was "clairifiying" its nto against personal values to use their title. Really the comfort level of how much to use in a title has to rest with the parents.

I wont tell you what my name here stands for because Im pretty sure its against values. lol. (and no i am not anywhere near 62 yet .lol) Unfortunaly I have this name on Dis boards long before there was a VMK board or game for that matter. Dis is and was a Disney planning site long before it had VMK a part of it. lol.

 

[BriarRosie]

I voted to keep the first names, because I would not be happy if they made me change BriarLori into some other title. The way I see it, when VMK was still in Beta, the home page avatars featured players that used common first names....like SnowEmma.

If they were ok with SnowEmma, I think VMK should not have an issue with BriarLori.

However, I am an adult and know not to give out personal info other than that. I have no problem that people know my name is Lori.

 

[llama62]

I really don't think thats right. If a first name is ok what's so wrong with a birth date then?

Birth dates tell more about a person than their first name. There are alot of people out there named Billy, but not alot of people have the birthday 1/5/89.
(These are examples, and are not my name and birthday)

 

[AmberDaze]

The problem I see is...children may find it hard to differentiate between what personal information is allowed and what is not. Whether VMK sees it or not, your name is personal information. But since VMK says it's ok now, children will be lulled into a false sense of security talking to others (on the game and off) and telling them their personal information. Again, it's a fact that once kids feel secure enough with others, they become comfortable enough to divulge other personal information. If VMK says no personal information, I think they should include ALL personal information.

Of course parents should talk to their children about what they should and should not do online and off, and even then sometimes children do not do as discussed. But without a parent's guidance, children may think it's ok to give other personal information (hey, it's ok if you know my first name...how about my city and state? ... Here's my street...) I've seen so many VMKers say personal information with no warnings or bans...at least VMK should be consistent in whatever they decide. JMO~

 

[aengus]

I do think its kind of funny that this is postd on the front page under the poll LOL

Giving out ANY KIND of personal information - your real name, your phone number, where you live, your contact information, grade level or age is against VMK Values.

Giving this information out - in ANY form - WILL GET YOU REMOVED
from VMK.