NationStates Jolt Archive

I've come across this story (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/10/04/nface104.xml) a couple of times today.

I've never used Facebook (or bebo, MySpace or any other 'social networking' site for that matter... I'm a bit anti-social that way) so I don't really know the score, but is this how it really operates? Does it automatically send out invitations to other people based on what groups you join?

I can understand why it would -- automatically increasing the web of networked contacts that its members have should lead to heavier use of the service -- but it seems a little extreme if, as in this case, it might land someone in jail.

Has anyone else had any bad experiences with Facebook or similar sites, or is this just one of those bizarre conincidences?

I should add Clair Tarbox as a friend.

Pfft, it's not automatic. You have to consent to it sending such messages. Facebook can't access your address book without your email password.

Even then you can uncheck people from the list that you don't want facebook to send messages to.

Perhaps a little harsh though. Anyway, is it really him who contacted her. I thought it was facebook which actually sent the message.

I should add Clair Tarbox as a friend.

I think everybody should, just because we can :p

Wow...his messages to his wife are sad, he needs to get a pair....

Harassment? Isn't that a little....crazy?

I think everybody should, just because we can :pI will. :D

Harassment? Isn’t that a little....crazy?
Very much so.

There should be a separate court system for crimes involving technology. One in which the judges/jury have some basic understanding of the internet and the like.

Good. People using facebook deserve to go to Jail.

He obviously didn't know how the system works. When you sign up, Facebook asks you for your email password and address so it can access you account. You can choose to skip this, but let's assume you don't. From there, you proceed to uncheck everyone you DON'T want added to your friends list. It's not terribly complicated and it's even explained RIGHT ON THE PAGE. Either this was intentional or it was operator error. My bet it that it's intentional. His ex is going to get a LOT of friend requests now.

It sounds like a misuse of the law, but I have trouble pitying a guy who has a history of harassment. Of course, vindictiveness is not justice.

If you don't understand Facebook, don't use it and that applies to any of the idiots who hang around looking to make trouble. There are so amny privacy features, there's simply no excuse. You're (hypothetically) either ignorant or asking for it.:)

I should add Clair Tarbox as a friend.


which one?...

which one?...

Let's add both of them, just to be sure...:D

This is why 37-year-old men should not be allowed to have facebooks. It should be restricted to high school and college students only, but they may stay on after they graduate. It could go back to maybe Class of 2000 graduates?...or whenever facebook started.

*goes on Facebook for about 6 hours*

I should add Clair Tarbox as a friend.i herd she lieks mudkips.

speaking of FB....-points to sig- :D

no

<stuff about adding this woman to some kind of list on Facebook>
I find myself suffering a crashing guilt trip for posting this thread now, wondering if I have in some way contributed to the the endless spamming of someone who probably -- given the court order and all -- has had enough trouble with people bombarding her with messages of some form or other.
:(

Good. People using facebook deserve to go to Jail.
NTW

Perhaps a little harsh though. Anyway, is it really him who contacted her. I thought it was facebook which actually sent the message.

Good point, but the legal system already thought of that.
The bail conditions he was given before, banning him from contacting her, would have said: 'Not to contact, either directly or indirectly...' In my experience, that's how these orders are phrased. Not that I've ever been the subject of any restraining orders, but I work in courtrooms a lot.

Anyway, contact through Facebook would count as 'indirectly'.