This Forum

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>I was just wondering if any incoming plebes plan to stop posting on this forum? I've been thinking about it for a while. I kind of feel like if I stay on the forum, I risk saying something in the future that maybe I shouldn't have said... so I don't want to worry about that. However, this forum has helped me in so many ways and I would like to help future mids and applicants. At the same time... the forum has a lot of arguments that erupt on nearly ever thread, so I'm not sure what to do because I'd rather not be apart of that.</p>

<p>Has anyone else been thinking about this??</p>

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<p>how will anyone know its you?</p>

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<p>As a father of a son interested in the Class of 2016, I don’t have much to offer, but feel every discussion makes me more informed. I would hate to lose any perspective: the good, the bad, and even the mis-information (which always seems to work its way out). And if he decides a SA is what he wants in his life, I’ll be better prepared to help.</p>

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<p>During my son's CVW, he was told (and shown) how upperclassmen monitor these boards and facebook, myspace, etc., and at times information is used against posters. Nothing serious, just their lives are made more difficult. There are ways of putting clues together to get a pretty good idea of who someone is. As a matter of fact, he was told that they sometimes purposely egg people on to say things they shouldn't.</p>

<p>Maybe they were pulling his leg, but I'm not so sure. He has not participated in any forums for this reason.</p>

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<p>I think that it's mostly Facebook and MySpace that get monitored - tracking down anonymous board posters by ISP address, linking them to upcoming plebes would be kind of overkill, don't you think?</p>

<p>I'd just stay away from the flame wars, more as a sanity measure than anything else.....</p>

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<p>If they are informed that they're not supposed to be on public forums like this, why would they, even if they're able? :confused:</p>

<p>It's test time.</p>

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<p>No one is going to go hunting you down for posting here. Just Don't give any personal information - like Company, hometown, etc. Do not give information on a PM as it may not be who identifies themselves. Thats my policy....</p>

<p>Biggest thing is set your privacy on facebook. Do not try to friend an upper class. Don't join a class of 2012 group. Don't join a company group with your class of 2012 companymates. Bottom line - Be smart. Again just my policy...</p>

<p>As far as monitoring these boards LOL! Really on the whole upperclass have way better things to do.</p>

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<p>I agree with JJ above. These forums work best when a wide variety of people post their thoughts and opinions on various topics. You may not agree with some and can simply ignore things that aren't helpful.</p>

<p>Forums such as these are a lot different from 'social networking' sites where you are more likely to post pictures and personal information.</p>

<p>Virtually everyone on here is anonymous so it really isn't obvious who someone is unless they have posted a LOT of personal information. Just us common sense in what you post and you will be fine.</p>

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<p>is joining a 2012 group on facebook really a bad idea?</p>

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<p>depends on what you write on it...upperclass tend to find the herndon strategies hilarious...</p>

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<p>
[QUOTE]

During my son's CVW, he was told (and shown) how upperclassmen monitor these boards and facebook, myspace, etc., and at times information is used against posters. Nothing serious, just their lives are made more difficult.

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>As far as I know, no one monitors these boards from USNA. But you bring up a good point about profile websites and message boards. When you put something on the internet, it is going to a server, which is owned by someone other than yourself. You lose the right to that information (other than privacy information...such as banking websites, etc.). Don't post something on the internet that you would regret putting there. With that being said, these forums are suppose to generate discussion. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]

As far as monitoring these boards LOL! Really on the whole upperclass have way better things to do.

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>Ditto.</p>

<p>The only reason I could see an upperclass using this website in retaliation against anyone, would be for the issue of respect/civility, not for personal opinion. Sometimes, the benefit of this board is considering all of the opinions.</p>

<p>gonecokanutts...you can always stick to factual questions or not involve yourself in the heated discussions. </p>

<p>
[QUOTE]

I think that it's mostly Facebook and MySpace that get monitored - tracking down anonymous board posters by ISP address, linking them to upcoming plebes would be kind of overkill, don't you think?

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>Facebook is screened mostly by upperclassmen, but there are ways for "others" to screen less-private facebook accounts.</p>

<p>I haven't seen IPs posted -- but I haven't looked hard. Even knowing an IP address would be hard to find its origin, as many ISPs have many routers/proxies and to get nitty-gritty information, you need to contact the ISP, and believe me, they won't give out the poster for your request.</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]

If they are informed that they're not supposed to be on public forums like this, why would they, even if they're able?

[/QUOTE]
</p>

<p>If they prohibited midshipmen from this forum, it would be blocked. USNA is not like the military in regards to certain social websites being blocked. Hence, midshipmen do have access to MySpace, where it is not allowed on an actual DoD network...USNA is not really a DoD network, even though they say it is.</p>

<p>Lastly, realize that if you are at USNA, even though you are "anonymous" on the board, it is real easy for ITSD to find their way back to you. However, I can't see why they would down on any of you, unless you do something that is totally out-of-bounds.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
Facebook is screened mostly by upperclassmen, but there are ways for "others" to screen less-private facebook accounts.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I still remember checking out myspace before my plebes showed up on I-Day. There was no malicious intent though, if anything my friends and I were just looking for some ammo... i.e. a plebe in my squad that wore a cowboy hat to his prom.... and hes from PA</p>

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<p>Being on here and social networking sites doesn't concern me much. I've tried to lay low and not mention anything about the academy on myspace or facebook until I'm actually there, though.</p>

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<p>stallion,</p>

<p>You are correct. When I said "screened," I meant that the content was open for Academy staff to browse (i.e. Commandant's Staff).</p>

<p>soylent,</p>

<p>I would be less worried about upperclass browsing prior to I-Day. I would be more concerned on what you do on social networking websites once you become a government employee.</p>

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<p>And just in case things pan out…
JJ isn’t an initial; it means multiple judges, (thanks Google),
2016 isn’t a graduating class; it’s the last four digits of someone’s SSN,
and Cedar Rapids, IA is remote, distant suburb of Los Angeles.
That’s my story.</p>

<p>Sorry couldn’t resist, back to monitoring mode.</p>

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<p>have not heard of any Mid getting busted for something they posted on CC... although have heard about mids "being found" based on what got posted....</p>

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<p>Do not worry about it. Most members of the cadre are either on summer training right now or have better things to do with their leave than to track down new plebes who will be in their plt. I</p>

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<p>I would just be careful, I know a ton of people in my company who watch this site, upper class and plebes and if you tell what company you're in or where you're from it's probably not too hard to figure out who you are. I did as a plebe, but I didn't make myself identifiable. Just be cautious.</p>