Note To Self:

[jmfargo]

If you're ever going to start an email, and it seems important to start out with "Look, I'm not a stalker, but" then maybe you shouldn't send the email.

Actually, you be the judge:

I read a few rather popular people's blogs. Recently I started just randomly looking people up online to see what kind of hype is out there about them, if they're just livejournal stars, or if their fame is growing elsewhere.

When looking up one of the more popular people's names, I came across their home address, and phone number. I think this person is the kind of person that would want this to be removed (and it can easily be removed from where I found it) but I'm not sure, and writing to them saying "I found your address and phone number online" is just kind of creepy.

So, "Look I'm not a stalker," or not?

Comments

[jfs.livejournal.com]

I think it's fair enough to tell them, and no matter how you phrase it, if they want to take offence, they might.

So "Look, I'm not a stalker but ..." is as good a way as any, and better than most.

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

I think I'm going to take the advice of akdidge as far as what to say, and the advice of all three of you for the fact that it should be said.

Thanks for your thoughts, they helped out.

[akdidge.livejournal.com]

I'd start of with a joke. You know, lighten them up a bit. Then hit them with the whole stalker thing.

Seriously though, I'd just phrase it something like:

Dear X,

I came across a site that portrayed your home address and phone number and figured you'd like to be made aware of this. If you know of this already, then please disregard this email. Otherwise you might end up with one of those crazy types who send you an email saying they're not a stalker, when in fact they most certainly are. Much respect for the work that you do,

signed,

- Not a stalker

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

Just so you know I'm going to email that almost exactly. Thanks for the thought. My brain gets stuck on one idea ("Look, I'm not a stalker, but..") and I find it hard to shift gears. It always helps when someone can change..the..shifter thing...to help me...go into first gear? I don't drive stick.

[akdidge.livejournal.com]

Glad I could be of help. After reading what I just blabbed on about I'd change a few minor things but overall, the point is to inform without sounding creepy. I think for the most part that's what I did. Of course, if you can add humor to that then it's just gravy. ;)

Ok, I'm off for bed. I have to be up in about five hours. Wheeee.

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

I sent out your email, and got a polite response back, not that I would expect any less from this person even had I sent the "Look, I'm not a stalker" email. "Professional yet polite" was the right way to go though.

Of course they'll eventually come across this post and realize that ~you~ wrote the email, and that'll make me look like a shmuck, but you know what? I've always said that if you yourself are not intelligent then the best thing to do is surround yourself with intelligent friends to make up for your shortcomings.

President Bush could learn from me. :)

(Insert manditory joke about all those that President Bush could learn from here.)

[evilbutcute.livejournal.com]

I like the previous suggested letter, signed by not a stalker.

I think notifying them would be appreciated. I know that when I was running an ARG there were people doing a lot of digging and tracking down my personal info in places that I had no idea was available. I would have apprciated them contacting me with the info as opposed to posting all over forums "Look I found all of this info about this person!"

[jfargo.livejournal.com]

And three makes a quorum. Thanks! It's what I'll do so that they'll know it's out there, and even if they already know or don't care my conscience will be clear.