Trust and Respect

1 Apr 2007

Post and be damned dunno

From within

As the busiest lifestyle dating community in the UK we often get asked for information relating to our members, their social habits, recreational activities and past times. Recently due to extensive demand we have taken steps to work with our members to provide statistical information as well as conduct research and survey results based on member questionnaires.
If you would like to discuss with us any results of our surveys, please complete the form below and we will contact you shortly. Alternativly, contact us directly.

In my head, I had written a very long post about trust and respect. Openness and honesty. About how I appreciate the fact that the site ownership is to the owners, just a commercial venture. My reasons for and intent being here as a member. Etc Etc Etc. You all know how I ramble redface

But instead, I decided to just copy and paste, then say . . . . . .
discuss

1 Apr 2007

WTF???? :shock:
Would it be naive to assume that any "survey" results are from actual SURVEYS that I might have taken part in?
If not - surely they can't use onformation garnered from posts or adds on this site without our consent?
Or is that naive too?
I will ask the question on their "contact us" section from your link. :shock:

1 Apr 2007

pmsl

1 Apr 2007

My first instinct was of shock but I think you are reading too much into it (however my opinion will be one of many).

As the busiest lifestyle dating community in the UK we often get asked for information relating to our members, their social habits, recreational activities and past times. Recently due to extensive demand we have taken steps to work with our members to provide statistical information as well as conduct research and survey results based on member questionnaires.

I want to highlight the following .....
Recently due to extensive demand we have taken steps to work with our members to provide statistical information as well as conduct research and survey results based on member questionnaires.
To me both these sentences are correct. Due to the Data Protection Act, information cannot be passed on to third parties without express consent.
Secondly, we have already had member questionnaires and we're not co-erced into completeing them. We have free will over this. None of us has to divulge anything we don't want to.
Member questionnaires for third parties aren't a new strategy and are a useful took for companies genuinely interested in learning about the market. I'm not so sure which companies would do this with swinging, but potential clubs, condom manufacturers, surveys into sexual habits all spring to mind and don't affect us in our daily posting.
Sorry Dammy, whilst I do agree it's right and proper to bring this to our attention, I don't personally see a problem with it, as long as it abides with Data Protection and is anonymous.
Callie x

1 Apr 2007

arent the surveys voluntary and anonymous? arent they just saying they will share that voluntary and anonymous information? from surveys, not posts dunno

as it seems to be posts that youre worried about?

1 Apr 2007

I can't remember the messages that came up when the surveys did, but I can't recall any mention of the data being gather for 3 parties dunno

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Calista
Recently due to extensive demand we have taken steps to work with our members to provide statistical information as well as conduct research and survey results based on member questionnaires.

Yes - but unless I'm missing something, Ive only seen one questionnaire on here, the £250 prize one.

1 Apr 2007

Quote by HornyLittleBlonde
I can't remember the messages that came up when the surveys did, but I can't recall any mention of the data being gather for 3 parties

The surveys I've completed have been about this site, nothing individual ..... who is to say they have been approached by third parties already and haven't got their strategy all ready?
Any research carried out for a third party must be identified as such.
Cx

1 Apr 2007

would these be the questionaire surveys that appear on the homepage, with prizes for one picked out of the hat?
and how many of you filled that in just because it was there?
or are we on about something else?
*switch it off Dark, take a pill, go do some ironing or sommat*

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Darkfire
go do some ironing or sommat*

*sigh* womanhood beckons.....

1 Apr 2007

I cant see it being anything more than anonymous ffs can't imagine any newspaper or tv program saying "we have spoken with Cuntlicker and bigcock and they both agree etc""
There are not very many people in here who use their own names and the admin do encourage people from doing that in order to protect their identity.
Al-tho some people do not hide the fact that they are Swingers, the majority don't advertise the fact that they are and for whatever reason they do either is entirely up to themselves.
woo

1 Apr 2007

Quote by dambuster

>> Added <<
This appears to be a question that a few of you would like an answer to, I'd be interested to know why its such a burning issue for you.

Trust and respect.
The cornerstones of humanity dunno

The subject of copyright isn't a burning issue to me. The apparentreluctance to answer, was.
If a question is asked that has (or more - appearsto have) a simple Yes or No answer, I become increasingly suspicious when it's answered in a vague, ambiguous or ambivalent manner.
It's a fault within human nature that we sometimes only see/hear/read what we want to, not necessarily what was actually there/said/written. The same can be said for what isn't said/heard/written. As is our ability to provide our own, often incorrect answers when those questioned aren't forthcoming with a reply.
The truth is sometimes irrelevant in people's minds. What can sometimes carry more weight than the truth is "what people believe to be the case"
You're in a strange town at 1am. You need a cab. In Yellow Pages are two almost identical adverts for cabs. Only one ad carries the tag line "No extra charge after midnight" - (but neither cab firms do charge extra) - Which one do you call ?
Did Bill Clinton have "sexual relations with that woman ?"
Is Dale Winton gay ?
Is money unable to buy happiness ?
I personally dislike "politicians answers" to questions. If 'your' answer is going to disappoint me, or anger me - so be it; I would still like the question answered. I just have to be "big enough" to accept it.
It doesn't matter to me whether you try to dress up the answer. A no is still a no. Be straight with people. In their eyes.
If you don't know - say so. Freely.
One problem that I think Admin/4T are going to be up against for a while longer yet is that sometimes- their attitude can come across as "Fuck you"
For example . . .

Quote by Kiss
I think my frustration was mainly down to the fact that SH pick and choose what they answer and when they answer it and a lot seems to be falling on deaf ears recently.

But then . . . . into perspective . . .

Quote by st3v3
There are some questions that require us to seek legal advice, as in the case of who actually owns forum posts, I don't know the answer as yet, but I do know that its not a simple case of you do/we do, so when I know the answer I'll post.

Quote by Juniper_couple
That statement in itself would have been good enough two weeks ago, as members, we can understand that not everything is known and advice needs to be sought.
It is just polite in my opinion to state that, rather than ignoring posters' questions.

I have to agree with Juniper_couple. (and not justbecause I'd like to shag Mrs J_c ) wink

1 Apr 2007

Most sites can and will log where you came from - i.e. the last site you were on before you logged on.
Quite possible that could form part of the information on pastimes and things, if used.
.

1 Apr 2007

Google log all IP Addresses, and what sites you visit, with a view to collecting data that is attractive to commerce

its done a lot more than most realise or care about

1 Apr 2007

Can I just ask ..... when you fill in these questionnaires ... what do you think they are asking the questions for? Not just on this site but on any others.
Maybe I'm not as naive as others with this, but you don't ask questions without a purpose, you ask questions to find things out .... then you do something with that information ...
What do/did you think the questions were being asked for?
Cx

1 Apr 2007

OK, I'm not normally this naive, Dambuster I have the greatest respect for you and like you immensely, but can you please help me out here.. what the hell is going on ? someone please????? evil

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Calista
What do/did you think the questions were being asked for?
Cx

The good and benefit of the site and it's members dunno

Perhaps I'm the most naive of all.

1 Apr 2007

Quote by dambuster

What do/did you think the questions were being asked for?
Cx

The good and benefit of the site and it's members dunno

Perhaps I'm the most naive of all.
So what has changed? apart from that third parties may get access to statistics/demographics?
Cx

1 Apr 2007

Now, thankfully, i have never filled out an sh survey, which is what i believe is being used for this data. But, I do think that members who have, they may be a little more concerned.
Whether the small print stated that third parties could gain access to the information or even if those surveys were used - i cannot answer, all i do know is that we will never fill a survey out for sh whilst the water is muddy.
As in using posts etc, this has already been brought up in the sh mag forum - we did eventually get an answer of 'don't know yet' - so, to be honest, its still an ongoing concern to us regarding copyright - not that we regret posts but we would like to know where we stand and make an informed choice. Which we will wait for this answer in full, hopefully without political or legal jargon.

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Calista
So what has changed? apart from that third parties may get access to statistics/demographics?
Cx

Third parties have always been able to access to the site and it's content.
I post, and am a member with that knowledge.
I didn't realise the "statistics/demographics" and who know what else was being actually collated and actively marketed to be given/sold on.

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Calista

What do/did you think the questions were being asked for?
Cx

The good and benefit of the site and it's members dunno

Perhaps I'm the most naive of all.
So what has changed? apart from that third parties may get access to statistics/demographics?
Cx
I also assume that the survey was to improve the site for the members.
But if it IS to be used for third parties, surely that fact should be stated. People would then be able to make an informed opinion as to whether to proceed or not.

1 Apr 2007

Quote by dambuster
I didn't realise the "statistics/demographics" and who know what else was being actually collated and actively marketed to be given/sold on.

I think this is the key to the upset that has been caused, and something I think needs to be answered by the powers that be as soon as possible...... confused

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Cherrytree
I also assume that the survey was to improve the site for the members.
But if it IS to be used for third parties, surely that fact should be stated. People would then be able to make an informed opinion as to whether to proceed or not.

:thumbup:

1 Apr 2007

Quote by dambuster
I didn't realise the "statistics/demographics" and who know what else was being actually collated and actively marketed to be given/sold on.

they may not have been marketed, but i would be surprised if the data wasnt collected and prepared for future commercial use

1 Apr 2007

Quote by dambuster

So what has changed? apart from that third parties may get access to statistics/demographics?
Cx

Third parties have always been able to access to the site and it's content.
I post, and am a member with that knowledge.
I didn't realise the "statistics/demographics" and who know what else was being actually collated and actively marketed to be given/sold on.
And yet you've been happy to post previously with this always happening dunno

I don't see the problem sorry Dammie.
If x third party have always been able to access the site and posts that you make, they can identify you. If you answer an anonymous questionnaire (by anonymous I mean it's purely a tick your chosen answer questionnaire) then you have better protection.
Symbios doing this actually protects you as opposed to some random third party lifting information out of context? Which is probably not measureable anyway. They are turning random comments into measureable statistical info, the fact any questionnaires haven't identified this I do agree could be construed as out of order but you have to take responsibility for not asking the question when you filled the questionnaire in.
Or am I missing the point completely?

1 Apr 2007

the only way to stop anyone collecting information (and i mean anyone) is to not go online

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Huxley Pig
taken from the terms of service
7.3 Please note your information will NEVER be used by sold to third party unless the business is sold. We will never use any information you give us for anything other than for administration purposes, helping you to make the most of it. Access to your photographs and to the forum sections of the website can be controlled by you. This will ensure anonymity. We advise you to set up your controls to ensure no one spam your e-mail address.

There is no evidence (yet) to say the information has been sold!

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Calista
the fact any questionnaires haven't identified this I do agree could be construed as out of order but you have to take responsibility for not asking the question when you filled the questionnaire in.
Or am I missing the point completely?

For me this is the point.
I'll give the old example of someone who's married and here without their partner's knowledge.
Some would like to play with that person, some wouldn't.
But if they're open and honest about it you can make an informed choice.

1 Apr 2007

Quote by Calista
taken from the terms of service
7.3 Please note your information will NEVER be used by sold to third party unless the business is sold. We will never use any information you give us for anything other than for administration purposes, helping you to make the most of it. Access to your photographs and to the forum sections of the website can be controlled by you. This will ensure anonymity. We advise you to set up your controls to ensure no one spam your e-mail address.

There is no evidence (yet) to say the information has been sold!

1 Apr 2007

Quote by HornyLittleBlonde
the fact any questionnaires haven't identified this I do agree could be construed as out of order but you have to take responsibility for not asking the question when you filled the questionnaire in.
Or am I missing the point completely?

For me this is the point.
I'll give the old example of someone who's married and here without their partner's knowledge.
Some would like to play with that person, some wouldn't.
But if they're open and honest about it you can make an informed choice.
Ok but the idea is your meeting that person for sex ... they aren't being totally honest but that doesn;t mean you don't think about and ask the question yourself.
You protect yourself by asking the question ...
People were tempted by the offer of £250 and never once questioned why the questions were being asked!
If Symbios have acted improperly then fair enough they need to be called to account but the risk of information being collated is no greater now than previously!
Cx