A message to our hobbyists under 18

[Reefing102]

First, mods if this is the wrong place, please move or delete as necessary.

Second, this isn't exactly reef related but more safety oriented.

With that out of the way,

When you registered, there were terms and rules that should have been read at the point of registration. Who reads those right?
Well I got bored today and actually read them, but wanted to bring up a point that I didn't see clearly listed but feel is very important.

Please be mindful of personal information you post and who you interact with via PM.

Now I haven't seen anyone posting detailed information about themselves but remember while we are a tight knit community, you generally never know who you're talking to. Anyone can say they are something or someone they're not. Never post detailed personal data such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, and potentially even emails. PM's should generally always be related to reef keeping or at least a forum topic. And if meeting someone in person for a sale, always bring a parent (or guardian).

Anyway, feel free to boo me, or do the sarcastic and exaggerated "Okay Dad" comment, but most importantly, stay safe and have fun in this hobby!

 

[fishface NJ]

I totally agree. I remember reading a thread that had 18-20 year olds commenting they would do a private chat together. I had to comment to that thread the same message as you. One girl: it didn't cross her mind that someone could be pretending to be 18 years old

 

[ScottJ]

First, mods if this is the wrong place, please move or delete as necessary.

Second, this isn't exactly reef related but more safety oriented.

With that out of the way,

When you registered, there were terms and rules that should have been read at the point of registration. Who reads those right?
Well I got bored today and actually read them, but wanted to bring up a point that I didn't see clearly listed but feel is very important.

Please be mindful of personal information you post and who you interact with via PM.

Now I haven't seen anyone posting detailed information about themselves but remember while we are a tight knit community, you generally never know who you're talking to. Anyone can say they are something or someone they're not. Never post detailed personal data such as full names, addresses, phone numbers, and potentially even emails. PM's should generally always be related to reef keeping or at least a forum topic. And if meeting someone in person for a sale, always bring a parent (or guardian).

Anyway, feel free to boo me, or do the sarcastic and exaggerated "Okay Dad" comment, but most importantly, stay safe and have fun in this hobby!

This is a good reminder for everyone, not just under 18

 

[ying yang]

1000% agree.most arrangements to meet up to sell/ swap frags or whatever the case maybe,will be just that but not everything in this world smells off roses and is some bad in the world so exercising little caution is best practise indeed so no booing from me thats for sure.
Thanks for taking time to make thread on this.

 

[Reefing102]

Thanks all. I made it mainly cause I’ve been seeing a lot more “I can’t cause I’m too young” or “I’m only X years old and don’t have a job” or similar. Those right there, could be enough for that one person to reach out and start something we don’t want happening

 

[PeterC99]

Excellent post and great reminder for everyone!

Great when you see forum members on a site like R2R looking out for each other!