drewfx1
I can't see why having the words "respect other's privacy" in the TOS would be any kind of a problem.
+1 Agree.
PM (Private Message) is meant to be 'private' for many reasons: Anyone with harmful intent can very easily distort the facts, or use as a means to blackmail. Imho anyone engaged in making a PM public without consent should be banned because it's obviously an abuse of privacy. Regarding technical support? In this case usually the sender and recipient will consent, though not always. Sometimes technical issues require sensitive information, that should be kept private.
Receiving threats via private message should be reported to the administrators, on other forums I have participated on the administrators are clear about this, my wife and I have seen people get banned. Serious offenders are likely to be reported to the appropriate authorities. Private messaging, Emails and phones (and texting) are common avenues for abuse. . . if you received a threat or scam then of course it should be reported.
Over the past 20 years my wife and I had experienced all sorts forum issues of such as:
- Received threats, then immediately reported it to police.
- Received a message from fake collections, we reported it to the police.
- Unauthorized use of copyrighted works, a "Cease and Desist" resolved that.
- Our private conversations made public without consent. That issues was resolved quickly.
- Added two members to block-list because they 'yet again' engaged in bigotry, politics and posturing with intent to derail my topic. Explained to them that the topic was really important regarding a worthy cause.
- My wife and I always include a disclaimer (privacy) Emails and PM, which is a lawful and common formality. No conspiracy, nothing to get hot under the collar about. It's just a formality.
- Again, had content of private message posted on the forums without consent. This was done with intent to distort the truth.
- Two members after knowing they were added to block-list had a hissy-fit openly on the forums... boo hoo ... They then proceeded to dig up dirt along with wild accusations, their motive is evident in this case, (sour-grapes added to block-list).
- Claims that I made threats? Not true. If need be, my wife and I will include disclaimers in private messages, a formality. If a member indeed made threats to anyone, then this is reason enough to be banned. No one was banned because it did not happen.
Unfortunately, Cakewalk forums are not immune to such behaviors. I tried to keep the peace by posting "Agree to Disagree" and "No Politics Please," though this (my) attempts to keep the peace doesn't always work. After repeated derailments of my topics I finally drawn the line, I'm human, I shouldn't have to be repeatedly subjected to lies, bigotry, politics and posturing, surely reason enough to be upset, that's why I posted: I'm leaving. This topic is a rare exception because I felt the need and right to share my experience based on facts. Seriously, I get no thrills with hopping on that popcorn wagon, and often in other circumstances I'm concerned for the welfare of others. That is when I draw the line.
From at least two years ago I considered having nothing more to do with 'any' forums (and F/book). My family is close knit, caring and I spend a lot of time with them, I also need to allocate time making music. This year I made great connections with labels, radio stations, TV hosts and publicists, I have recently received offers and basically I have a lot of goodies on my plate to consider. I don't hold grudges against anyone here. Surely it's fair to my share my thoughts and move along, and I apologize to anyone I may have unintentionally dissed off. I never meant to harm, I'm human, and I'm certainly not perfect. The Coffee House is full of nonsensical (humorous, fun), that's okay. There are many great people on the Cakewalk forums, I wish you all good health and contentment. All the best!