What can I do to protect myself when setting up my website?

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What can I do to protect myself when setting up my website?

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nannette9

posts: 6

May 26, 2008 7:40 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I`m a newbie to the forum. I don`t know if there is a solution to my problem, but if there is I figure someone on here would have suggestions.

I have been asked to start giving motivational speeches to colleges this fall. Instead of doing this on the side, I have decided to make it an official business. I am in the process of developing my website but have run into a couple of issues.

I know there is no certainty but how can I protect myself regarding online stalkers/psychos?

Specifically
1. As I will be running the site from my home, how do I deal with the Whois issue? I don`t want my home address to be easily visible, but I also don`t want godaddy to own my domain. How do I get around this? Should I switch to a different host or do all own your domain when you try to make it private?

2. Also, when corresponding with potential clients, will they be able to pinpoint my exact IP address, and as a result my exact location?

Right now, I will have an online form for potential clients to request me. I haven`t password protected it because it would reduce my client base to those I have directly marketed to...but now I don`t know...

As a young female, any suggestions would be so appreciated. A female speaker on the college circuit had a problem with stalkers last year and I`m trying to be proactive. I know this isn`t a typical question, but I need suggestions. Thanks!

Webline

posts: 687

May 26, 2008 8:00 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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If you have a PO Box, you could get your domain registration information changed so that your address that appears is your PO Box. Check with your registrar about any changes you want to make. If you don`t have a PO Box, and you obviously should not falsify information, ask if they can suggest an alternative option for you.

As far as your home address linked to your IP address, from what I have read it is almost impossible to connect an IP address and a home address.

I`m not sure what the point is in putting a password protection on a form page, unless I`m misunderstanding you. The form just gathers information, then forwards it via email, or adds it into a database, so there really shouldn`t be any issues with your personal privacy; possibly the only thing that could be gathered from a form is an email address, depending on how the scripting is done.

-------------------------

M Hall
Website Critique Community
International Society of Curmudgeons

stonesledge

posts: 1093

May 26, 2008 8:50 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Nannette,

Webline is right about the form.. there really is no issue ther. As far as domain registration, you could adopt the private registration in your account. If you need assitance,contact the folks you have it registered with and they can handle it for you. Or a PO Box would work. You will be fine nannette, don`t worry.

Erin

-------------------------

Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

DaleKing

posts: 1061

May 26, 2008 9:44 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Nannette, you can elect to go with private registration. That won`t affect the ownership of your domain. It will still be in your name. It`s just that your personal information won`t be made available to the public.

Another option would be to get a P.O. box from the UPS store, or some other pack & ship franchise. This will automaticaaly give you an alternative street address that you can use. Also, instead of using your home phone number, use a cell phone.

But to have real credibility, you really should publish your contact information on your website. Using the steps I outlined above will give you added security and peace of mind.

Dale King

-------------------------

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hype, lies and scams...read this!
Click here for more details!

nannette9

posts: 6

May 26, 2008 10:08 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks everyone. I was thinking of getting a box and the cellphone idea is a good one. What about the IP? Can they not tell my exact location?

charlie702

posts: 30

May 26, 2008 10:40 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Nannette,

I wouldn`t be worried about someone finding your home through an IP address. First of all, if it is email contact, they will only get your email provider`s name (the "@whatever.com").

Secondly, even an IP address will only typically be traceable to a general area, not a specific location. Your internet provider is the only one who could connect the IP address to your specific name and location and for someone to obtain that from them requires a court order. Also, unless you pay extra, your internet provider reassigns IP addresses to different users every so often.

And although your website has a static IP address related to it, be aware that it would be the IP address of the webhosting company you use for your site, not your personal IP address or anything like that. And the form you have on your site likely delivers to your email, so you`re fine there.

Best Regards,

Charlie

(To anyone reading: If I am inaccurate about anything above, please point it out!)

stonesledge

posts: 1093

May 26, 2008 11:45 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Nope, you git it spott on Charlei :)

Erin

P.S. Hi Dale!

-------------------------

Our Goal Is Your Success!
Founder Girls with Goals

charlie702

posts: 30

May 27, 2008 12:10 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I`m glad you didn`t "spott" any issues! ;)

This is a great forum. Of course anyone participating already knows this.

Charlie

sddreamweavers

posts: 260

May 27, 2008 12:59 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Second the PO Box.

#2 Depends on how you will be communicating with your clients? VoIP? AIM(Messaging)? e-mail?

-------------------------

Aaron Wood
CEO
San Diego Dream Weavers
http://www.sddreamweavers.com
awood@sddreamweavers.com

New and improved! Now with blogging goodness!
http://www.sddreamweavers.com/san-diego-seo-marketing-blog/

nannette9

posts: 6

May 27, 2008 8:17 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks everyone! You have put my mind at ease. You are an incredible group of people!

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