PA and Secretary Community - Deskdemon.com

I see many people don't have pictures for their profile.  I just want to note it doesn't have to be 'you'!  Many are using clipart, pets, scenery... etc.   It looks so much nicer when you do have a picture there!  Though personally I would love to see real pictures, I do understand peoples wishes for privacy.  But if you can, why not upload some type of picture! 

Here is how:
Above you should see a drop down button Profile
Drop down and click on Edit Profile Picture
Locate your picture and hit upload!

Susan,

Given the recent new look that DD has been given, it seemed to me this site was perhaps moving towards that of Facebook and Twitter and I did have my reservations about posting certain information as well as uploading photos.  (I still don't think the link to Twitter should be on this site).

I would hope no one feels presurised into uploading information or photos.  The previous version of DD allowed us to view all profiles whether information was posted or not, however the new look DD now allows us to block and hide our profile information, which many have chosen to do.

For me this is Deskdemon and not a networking site as those I have named above.  This was one of my main concerns a few months ago.  Personally I do not see the need for photos or real names.

I am on the fence a little here:

I am with you Gee about taking online security seriously and on many fora that I belong to I only include nonspecific personal details.  I never include a photo of me - but that is because I am worried it would break the forum!!!!! ;) 

However, I am in agreement with Susan that an Avatar helps to make individuals recognisable more readily within the forum community (it is easier to recognise than looking for the username) and as such is a part of an online identity. 

So for anyone who is concerned about putting their own picture up here is my solution:

I deliberately choose an Avatar that does not compromise my real life identity but allows me to be readily recognised on the fora I contribute to.  (My Avatar on here is my much missed Otto and I put him up because then I get to see him everyday and that makes me happy; I use him on several other fora too. )

Other people have funnies/cutes for their avatar and yet others are happy to include their portrait.  I don't think Susan's suggestion applies pressure for anyone to do anything that makes them uncomfortable; merely it comes across to me as a suggestion for making the DeskDemon Network more user friendly

On the subject of using real names - this is the only forum where I use my full real name; I do so because I see this as a professional network and so using my name makes sense.  It doesn't compromise my personal safety because I am careful what else I put on the Internet under my real name - again it is a matter of personal choice.

Cathy

Cathy you have made some very fair points here.

I think it's a good idea for the Moderators to upload their photos given they have a much more responsible role here on DD, but I do think alternatives make it a little less formal and of course more fun.

I have put off uploading a photo as I haven't found one I like yet  :D  but I will when I find something suitable.

Can I ask why so many members have blocked their profiles?  Why not just leave them blank??  I like to know a little about who is posting, where you're from, but sadly I can't do that.

Hi Gee, I understand there is a bug with the profiles, which is under investigation.  Mine for example should be visible to all registered members (that is the setting I select for everything if I want a control).  I used to be able to see many more profiles than I currently can and I don't think everyone suddenly decided to restrict access to me - unless there is something everyone is not telling me  ::)

Cathy

Thanks, Cathy.  I thought same!  :P

Must be a Ctrl Alt Zap function to kill those bugs, huh?

Here is the clip art gallery from Microsoft.   There are many pictures http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx  (http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/clipart/default.aspx) .  

I agree it can be hard to find one that "fits" but it is possible!  I love Cathy's passed away pup.  He always makes me smile!  I do tend to like the really pretty pictures, I forget who but someone just has a background picture, but it is so nice and works.  I think it is alport who has an icon with a bag on her head, that one makes me laugh.  Oh the dough boy with poke me and you die gets a giggle as well.   We have a new member who has a really pretty graphic of a cat.   I think personality comes out, but sill people can keep their privacy.  As for me, my photo is in the magazines and if I go to a conference or event I do want people to come up and say hi so mine is up.  I have to say, I do visit message boards (favorite author, etc) that I would not post my picture, so do understand.

This is like my 6th edit, I need my tea or coffee!  I wanted to add, tell me where I can implement the ctrl alt zap.  I like it and at times need it!  :P

I chose my avatar becuase it fits.  The ball represents my work, and the elephant is me trying to balance a huge workload.

Pringa

Welcome to DD, and thanks for your first posting!

I do like your heffalump!

Like Susan, I'm reasonably well known so no point in not showing a pic.  However, if I do have something else I'd rather use, I may change it, but it's a bit like my Facebook pic - I just keep changing it!

Dough boy is me!  I sure like it.  It is a generic avatar for message boards so I hope no one else uses it here.   

I too love your doughboy Avatar (as you know) ...  it is AliciaMont that has the paperbag Avatar and Alport has that rather cuddly black and white cat graphic. 

This almost sounds like a kind of TopTrumps card collection doesn't it - fond memoires of all the lads at high school swapping and bartering their Car TopTrumps <sigh>

Cathy

Gee has an avatar!  Does it stand for anything?  I like it, it unique.

Looks like a Zodiac sign, but I can't remember offhand which one it is...

Virgo  :D

I am unable to view profiles when I am logged on.  It says I do not have access to view.  I have just tried to view Gee's - not for any particular reason other than she said she had trouble viewing others - so I thought I would try.

I have been thinking tho - by making too much available to others, this could identify you which given some of the discussions on the boards, is not always a good thing.  Some of the issues discussed about companies or individuals within companies can be quite sensitive, who is to say they would not log on and recognise what is being said and work out who is posting?

For example, I could post asking for advice about a problem I could be having with a colleague in my office and while explaining all the ins and outs, how do I know that person is not also logging on and reading and identifying me/the situation?  Some names are obviously real names but others not - could this not lead to all sorts of embarrassment?

Maybe I am just being over cautious. ???

Exactly my point Cathy.  This is not like any of the regular networking sites, and I have liked using DD over the years for the very reason, it can be private without divulging too much.

A couple of years ago I entered one of DD's competitions and as a winner my full name was printed.  Out of the blue a work colleague at the time (for some unknown reason), "googled" me and lo and behold the search engine revealed my name along with the competition details as well as a link to the DD site.

I asked Susan at the time if this information could be removed to prevent others searching online for this kind of thing.  I didn't think there was any need to post competition winners, let alone their full names.

Given the topics and issues we post on here, I do think members have the right to privacy.  Since I did not give permission to post my full name as a DD competition winner, is this an infringement?

This is a bug that is under investigation Cathy


One can never be over cautious on the Internet and the rule we should employ is "if I am not comfortable anyone else knowing this and identifying it with me I shouldn't post it"

As I said earlier in this topic I use my real name on here because it is a professional forum and I have a professional reputation, which I am proud of and which I see no reason to hide - I think about what I am posting and if there are controversial things I have posted it is because I am comfortable that I would say those things within my workplace publicly so there is no reason not to include them on here if they may help others who cannot speak out as readily.

If you do an online search on me you will find me linked to the job I do - but you will also find a much better known namesake who is something legal in the US ... I have no problem if anyone wishes to search online about me because they will find out very little.

Every other forum/membership site I am on I use a name which is not my own and I only ever provide my first name and general location, I avoid providing my date of birth and am careful which security questions I use for password reminders.

We should all be sensible about what we post online and take good care not to jeopardise ourselves.  If we are sensible there should be no need to worry.

Cathy

Cathy if you read my posting, I was careful, it was DD who overstepped the mark and caused an infringement by posting information about me that I did not give permission for.

I appreciate that Gee, but I was responding mainly to Cathy's realisation of the risks of what we choose to post, which we do each have a control over.

I understand your concerns about the situation you describe, however, not having been party to the situation at the time I didn't feel it was particulalry appropriate for me to comment further; (that does not mean that I don't care though) and I am sure that lessons were learned and new policies put in place?

Cathy

I think as part of this online discussion it is relevant and members need to be aware.

As for policies put in place, I have no idea.  I got no explanation, no apology and no investigation took place.  This is exactly why I feel strongly about uploading personal information as well as photos and why the pitfalls need to be highlighted.

I beleive I have been careful in that I have not divulged any information that I do not wish others to know about. For that reason, I have never stated the exact place (in the public domain) where I work, date of birth and such like on my profile.  What is there is very basic but suits me.  In private messages, I would be more forthcoming.

However, what I think I am trying to get across is that if I write about a situation in my office and detail situations, happenings etc and ask for advice on the forum, 'Flossy' who sits down the other end of my office could also be a member of DD (but I would not be aware of this) and she could then link my ramblings to me (given that I also (possibly ;)) use my real name by what I am saying (as she may be aware of the situation I am talking about).

I think that if I could I would change my user name (is this posible?) this would help with identifying me.

It's not that I write things on DD that I would mind others reading but sometimes I may be asking for advice on a situation that I don't want others who work with me to know I am asking - does that make sense?  

I am sure in my current/previous office there are other PAs who use DD but do not know that Cathy17 works with them.  If anyone in my office asked if I was Cathy17 - not sure if I would deny it or not  :-\

I always say to my teenage son who texts/emails friends - never write anything in these that if a parent got hold of, you would mind. Also, never say anything nasty about others as you never know if they will be sent on - things such as this will always come back to haunt you.  Hopefully he has listened ;)

I feel if anyone I work with knew I was Cathy17 - I would be post wary as I don't want people to know my concerns but I would be happy to help others.

Think I have confused myself now .......... ::)

Excuse spelling mistake in my previous posting - I really do know how to spell 'believe' - but I couldn't work out how to amend - the icon I used previously to amend is not there.

Editing posts - so do you not see a little 'pen and paper' on the right hand side of your post or 'pen and paper' at the top with the word modify?

We already had this reported as a bug  - has it been resolved for you Gee or can you still not always see the edit icon?

Cathy

Cathy(17) I think you can change your username, one of the Moderators will confirm no doubt.

I have no issues about what I post on here because as far as I am concerned I have not used my real name or published personal details.

However, what I object to is, when other parties use that information and post it without my permission and prior knowledge.  I checked the online T's and C's on this site and can't seem to find any.

Cathy,

It varies.  I do not see the modify button every time I post, so sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not.

Cathy - no, no pen and paper.  I have seen and used this on other posts but they are not showing today to me - has the bug returned?!

Thanks, Cathy17 (now in disguise ;D)

Finally there is someone else who is experiencing the same bugs as I am.  Cheers Cathy! (in disguise)  8)

Thank you both that is useful feedback for the technical team backoffice to know.

Can you each let me know what versions of Internet software you are using (IE, Firefox, etc with the version no) - feel free to PM me the details if you prefer.

Cathy

Just to bounce in here - I picked my avatar out of the sample pics on my computer.  But I like Monet and recently visited his house and the water lily pond -absolutely lovely.  So, when I seen the water lilies...

In work - IE6 - no control over what is installed.

At home - IE7 or 8.

They are lovely - and so are many Monet paintings ... my watercolours never quite reach that quality - don't know why ???

Cathy

Hi Cathy17, loving your new pic.  These little creatures make me laugh  :D