logging IP's on this webserver ....

[1puffer]

I noticed in the disclaimer that PhillyNORML forums are still logging IP addresses for each post.  At least it made me agree to this fact in the disclaimer.


I understand this is acceptable for most forum websites.  However , since we are advocating an illegal substance I feel this jeopardizes the membership of the group.   In the past few decades, remember Hoovers FBI , we would be certain to be rounded up and labeled Commies or just as bad, hippies, investigated, harassed etc.   

Once this cluster fuck of a war is over, the US Gov will have a lot more financial resources to crack down on drugs again. We all know how much budget cutting has occurred to help pay for Iraq.  Once Iraq is over or maybe sooner the DEA \ local & state police will start receiving more funds etc.   I feel it would benefit every member of this forum more than it does benefit any website administrator to know that PhillyNORML does NOT log IP addresses.   

However if PhillyNORML staff decide to continue logging IP addresses we are all at risk.   ISP's are now required by law to keep and record which user is give which IP address at which time.   Match that up with my forum post and well im not 1puffer anymore.  Im (InsertYourNameHere) and next thing you know I'm being asked \ harassed why I'm posting to a MJ forum.

If they ask , wouldn't you like to say , IP's are not logged.  Currently your answer would be  "shit, heres the whole list of PhillyNORML users".    I know we do not want to help the gov prosecute us.

Admins, Be smart and help protect us,  you dont need to log IP addresses.   ;)

[dOc]

Hey 1puffer Whats up brotha.
I already have looked into the option of not logging IP addresses because of your previous posts in the old forum.  While I haven't come to terms with a solution I will give you my insight. 

It's a security issue. Forum posts are logged with IP to protect the forum from abuse...basically if someone spams the forums (like the old one) we can ban them by IP and rid ourselves of the problem. Also if someone hacks or defaces the forum or steals information from us thought it we have a log of those actions as well.  Additionally, we are not advocating the use of illegal substances on this board, or by this organization...we are advocating a CHANGE in the LAW.

I am not worried about being subpoenaed by any agencies regarding the disclosure of IP addresses from our forums as we do nothing illegal here. Though I do understand your concern.

There are better ways of communicating with the forum if you are worried about your online identity.  You should be using a PROXY server to route your communications through a 3rd party server, this way the end user (yourself) is not logged by the board, only the 3rd party server will be logged.

Hopefully we can come to terms on this. I am still open to the option of turning off IP logging and am actively looking into doing it, but only if it will not compromise the forum as a result. We're making progress, stick with us.
.02c  ;D

[barry]

I agree.  Little info as possible saved for the FEDS the better.  Matter of protection of my privacy.

[Cannabis_Rx]

This is a security Alert

[dOc]

Hey now, no need to get rowdy..Like I said let me look into it and I will do what I can to remove logging.  ;D
If we have a problem after that we will have to figure it out. I will let you all know what i figure out.

[jackcat]

Get a router Puff.  They are cheep and don't give up your exact IP unless someone is really digging and we just aren't worth the effort unless someone hacks the site.  And your personal security options are enhanced.

[Derek Rosenzweig]

Yea, I gotta say, some of you guys are being quite paranoid. There are a number of incredibly easier ways to find out who you are (and if you smoke pot) than by looking up an IP, subpoenaing your ISP, and then going to arrest you for ... what exactly would they arrest you for? Unless you possess or are caught smoking, selling or growing pot, trust me when I say you have nothing to worry about. You have more to worry about by accidentally viewing child porn than you do by posting on here.

If there's a way for the IP addresses to not be posted in each post, I'm all for that though. No need to publicly display them for all the world to see.

[Cannabis_Rx]

I use Vidalia / Tor for IP security

http://vidalia-project.net/screenshots.php

http://tor.eff.org/

All is cool