[Spuds Mum]

There have been concerns raised over the increasing use of members' real names on the forum. It has been agreed that we ask all members to refer to others/themselves in posts by their username only to help with safety and security.

We sometimes forget that anyone can view the contents of our threads whether members of HC or not, and so we all must be careful of giving out details which, over a period of time, can tell people much about ourselves.

Members deciding to share their real name with others should be aware of your own safety, ultimately however, this is your decision. It is inadvisable to give anyone personal details which may put you in jeopardy, whatever age you are.

Younger members should be very careful to post only details as agreed with your parents or guardians. It is parents and guardians responsibility to ensure your safety, so please make sure they know exactly what you are telling people about yourself.

Please could I ask members to safeguard themselves and others in this matter. Should you identify that someone is using another members real name without their consent, please remind them of the good reasons for not doing so, and ask them to edit their post and read this announcement.

There has also been some concern over the posting of images on the forum particularly at Hamster Shows. Members are free to post images of themselves if they so wish though under 16s should check with their parents that this is acceptable. Hamster Shows are public events and it is quite in order to post general pics of the shows and individual and group shots of presentations and such like. If any member is not happy about any image posted of them or another member they should contact a moderator and it will be removed. If you do not wish to be posted then please mention it to the photographer and your wishes will be respected. Parents should be mindful of the pictures their children post and monitor their internet use. Under 16's should remember too that they must be as responsible and safety conscious as adults.

Here on Hamster Central we are only concerned for the welfare and safety of our users and with the forum family growing so large it is useful for us all to have a little reminder of our responsibilities and continue to enjoy the best hamster forum there is.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU GIVE OUT PERSONAL DETAILS SUCH AS E MAIL ADDRESSES OR AGREE TO PURCHASE ITEMS ON BEHALF OF OTHERS AND MAIL THEM. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DO SO AND EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE AN ADULT PLEASE BE CAREFUL TO MAKE JUDGMENTS ON WHO YOU ARE IN CONTACT WITH. PEOPLE ARE NOT ALWAYS WHO THEY APPEAR TO BE ONLINE.

Thank you.