As I am sure many a blogger has asked him or herself: What is the proper etiquette when dealing with stalkers?
I’m noticing a myriad of potential ethical issues that might arise when planning a good defense against a whack-job-nut-bag-full-of-bonkers. Some examples:
1. Is it right and proper to to publish the identity of a STALKER in your blog when they refer to themselves as “Anon” or “Anonymous” yet have their full name in their email address? How about when they use their own likeness as an Avatar?
2. If that STALKER has a particular bent, say they are overtly religious, is it right to retaliate by submitting their email address to as many atheist or pro-choice organizations as you can find?
3. If your STALKER is just a big ball of crazy, is it inappropriate to submit their information to mental health organizations that may help them “deal” with their issues?
4. How horrible would it be, really, to pay the teenage neighbor kid (who is quite the hacker) to create an evil-evil worm to email to your STALKER?
…or should you take the high ground and just invite your STALKER into a chat room where you can sit down virtually over a cup of Second Life coffee where they can discuss their “secret pain” ?
Of course, I’m joking…I know it’s best to just ignore and not engage your STALKER. I know that it is just better to block your STALKER from your blog and to not email them directly because you really don’t know what you’re dealing with…
But seriously, where’s the fun in that?
8 comments
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February 15, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Islander
My personal choice would be to subscribe him to as many highly questionable magazines as possible and check the “bill me later” box for them. Embarrassing, yet inconvenient. A perfect fit!
February 15, 2008 at 5:20 pm
andrea
Ick, stalkers. Talk to Emma about that.
February 15, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Eden
Been there. Tried ignoring the stalker, tried referring her to mental health resources & when she started arguing with herself in my comments and making particularly nasty remarks, I did change her signed comments to read “{her name} as [name she picked for that comment].” So far, that’s stopped her.
I think that acknowledging your stalker further is iffy and taking it offline (magazine subscriptions, etc.) can open a potentially dangerous door. If your stalker is local, you can file a complaint w/ the police. In any case, when someone crosses the line into stalker territory, I think it indicates mental instability. It’s best to be on your guard and get the troll out of your life and off your blog if you can.
Get some kind of IP tracking for your blog. I like Stat Counter: http://www.statcounter.com/ Then you’ll know when your stalker visits, under what aliases s/he comments, etc. It’s an extremely useful tool.
February 15, 2008 at 7:21 pm
inmate1972
I’m half a step away from identifying my stalker online as this person clearly isn’t smart enough to alter their info. I also have their IP address and other info about them should things interesting. Thanks for the suggestions.
Stalkers are effers!!
February 15, 2008 at 10:05 pm
HughE
This is good to know, I have recently acquired a stalker. I wish I hadnt told him so soon that I have his IP address. I am half tempted to close my comment section, but I get so few comments, just visitors.
February 16, 2008 at 5:50 am
inmate1972
I repeat: stalker are effers. Scare ‘em or ignore ‘em, just don’t engage…
February 16, 2008 at 4:14 pm
びっくり
I’d stick with number 3. (Number 4 would violate too many federal regs.) Number one and two require too much effort on your part.
Wait a minute… everybody’s definition of a stalker is different. I hope leaving this comment doesn’t get me labeled. I guess if you ignore my comment I can assume I’m a stalker.
February 16, 2008 at 6:10 pm
inmate1972
Since you’re not threatening me nor babbling on about some god striking me down dead, I guess I can safely assume you’re not a whack-job…although I may reserve judgement until you submit another comment and then we’ll see…