Checking others' profiles privately isn't a sure thing.

I'm primarily a forum surfer. I like to visit a person's profile before I comment on their posting. It's better to know your audience, and their profile may give an idea of where they're coming from.

Unfortunately, VIPs know when you've checked them out, yet they have the ability to mask their VIP status. Also unfortunate is that they may take my looking as more than it is. So I get cold-call messages from them hopeful that I'm up for chatting, friendship, or something other than just me prepping before making a forum comment.

This makes me reluctant to click on profiles altogether, which makes me less likely to post comments. Lose-Lose.

SW officials: is it really a good idea giving VIPs this ability to monitor the rest of us in this way--secretly, no less?

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Magenta · F

I don't get the paranoia by some. We have public profiles after-all. Sure I understand if one was visiting 5 times a day would be creepy, but still. The option to make it private or friends only might be nice. But in a way, the whole VIP thing can create issues and a sort of sneaky mindset.

Side note: I post what I'm in the mood for or speaks to me that day, so I change my about me frequently. Not always to be taken as gospel.

gailo · 61-69, F

@Magenta Too quick a draw with the "paranoia' pistol. There's no paranoia in wanting to avoid answering PMs that will go nowhere, evoked only because I checked out someone's profile.

Your Side note noted and appreciated.

Magenta · F

@gailo Oh yes I get that, my paranoia comment was about others visiting profiles.

Thank you.