[LearningMe01]

I'm assuming the answer is no, which is why anonymity is highly recommended - I figured I'd ask , just in case.

Is there any way at all to stop your threads/posts from showing up in google (or any other search engine) searches?

[ajmich]

AFAIK, only if the forum admins blocked the search robots, but then doing so would prevent folks (who are looking for help via Google) from finding forum replies that might be of help... I think that's how I found my way here to PC. It's a real eye opener to Google your member name and see the long list of postings! And the more unique your member name, the easier it is to zoom in on your posts via Google or other search.

[tinyrabbit]

That's how I found my way here, too... I don't use this username anywhere else.

[LearningMe01]

Yeeeaa. I don't use this username anywhere else either - but it wouldn't be too hard to identify someone by reading their posts. If you know anything about them in RL, you'll recognize some of the things they're writing about. I hate it, because I enjoy using this site, it's very helpful, but I feel like I really need to watch what I write. I don't like having to be so careful. I also don't like the fact that you can't delete your posts (after a few hours). If you could, that would make it a little easier.

[ECHOES]

Remember too, that your google search is not the same as another person's google search. Your google search brings up PC because it is a site you visit. For someone who doesn't visit the PC site, their google search may not bring up anything about PC.

[FooZe]

Originally Posted by LearningMe01

Is there any way at all to stop your threads/posts from showing up in google (or any other search engine) searches?

Not threads or posts. Most parts of this site are searchable, except for Private Messaging and such. We discussed that in more detail here. DocJohn explains in the FAQ:

Do search engines index the forums?

Yes, we allow search engines to index our community, to help others find emotional and mental health support online. We explicitly suggest members choose a username upon registration that is not used elsewhere online, to help with your online privacy.

[LearningMe01]

Originally Posted by FooZe

Not threads or posts. Most parts of this site are searchable, except for Private Messaging and such. We discussed that in more detail here. DocJohn explains in the FAQ:

Oh I know about anonymity, I don't use this name anywhere else, it's more the content of the things I write that concern me. I feel like I need to filter myself just in case someone that knows me put two and two together.

[ajmich]

Been thinking about this topic and had a bit of anxiety then realized the hell with it, anyone who might snoop around to the point that they think they know something about me, I say, good for them... I am not going to censor myself over the slight risk of being "found out"... anyway, what is there to hide from? No one could PROVE identity so what's the risk, really... seems the benefits here far outweigh any such risk. Just my 2c.

[LearningMe01]

Originally Posted by ajmich

Been thinking about this topic and had a bit of anxiety then realized the hell with it, anyone who might snoop around to the point that they think they know something about me, I say, good for them... I am not going to censor myself over the slight risk of being "found out"... anyway, what is there to hide from? No one could PROVE identity so what's the risk, really... seems the benefits here far outweigh any such risk. Just my 2c.

You're right, and I agree, which Is why I still use PC. I just get a little nervous sometimes. It was a couple posts I made as of recently that I was concerned about, but I guess, what is the real likelihood of someone snooping that deeply into what you write on the internet. Good point

[Perna]

Knowing what actual stuff is on the Internet in my actual name. . . this feels very private to me