[Genealib] RE: Genealogies and privacy

[John Wylie]

Ellen,				3 March 2008

While I agree that we shouldn't list personal information on living people
on genealogical (or any other) websites, my reasons are different from yours
and are based on more than privacy. Personal privacy today is a myth.  

Family is more important than Genealogy, and as a genealogist I try to avoid
upsetting or offending people in my families. After all "ensuring the
domestic tranquility" is in our Constitution and I like my domestic
tranquility.* And since some in my families believe either the privacy myth
or the identity theft myth, upsetting them is certainly NOT tranquil. <grin>


Another myth is that these postings aid criminals involved in identity
theft. Just because such personal information CAN be used by bad people, it
does not follow that it IS used. Do you have any real-world examples of
anyone who has used genealogical online information to steal identities? I
recall that Dick Eastman had, and may still have, a standing reward for
anyone who can so prove.

John Wylie

*Before someone jumps on me about the real meaning of domestic tranquility,
please think irony. The framers of our Constitution were not talking about
home and hearth, but about domestic peace, currently termed homeland
security. 

-----Original Message-----
From: genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu
[mailto:genealib-bounces at mailman.acomp.usf.edu] On Behalf Of AnnEllen Barr
Sent: Monday, March 03, 2008 10:49 AM
To: Librarians Serving Genealogists
Subject: RE: [Genealib] RE: Genealogies and privacy

You are absolutely correct in that information on living persons should
not be posted on line
Or given to anyone other than family that you know closely.  Identity
theft is all too common
And this aids the criminals.

ellen at BarrFinancial.com
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