Hacking, Cloning, and other Chicanery
My fellow Christmas enthusiasts,
It is no secret that identity thievery has been, and is continuing to be a real threat to social networking. Yes, even among those of the Christmas Community. Not all things are sugar plumbs and candy canes in our community.
I can't recall how many times I have been cloned on Face Book, but it has been far too many. I have had to abandon accounts, close accounts, and or otherwise just remove all the information on accounts (including friends lists) not because I wanted to, but because I can not afford to have a hard earned online presence be compromised this way. I became complacent at one point, "just part of the networking thing" I told myself. Well, I am not going to be complacent any longer.... especially in my Christmas Community Networking. Some have noticed a distinct drop in my usual online presence and community involvement. This cloning of identities is in large, part of the reason I simply have not been "around" as much as usual. Its a shame, because my involvement has, over the years become an important of my Santa Personae. My improvement, over time, has been a direct affect of my interaction with others of similar interests, sharing ideas, ideas, and experience on line. MOST of which has come right here, being on ClausNet. ClausNet has always been a much "kinder and gentler" online community where people can share and learn from some of the best examples of dedicated men and women in our industry.
Over the last couple of weeks, there have been attempts by someone or someones trying to log into my account here. Yes, here on ClausNet, you heard that right. As far as I know, no one has been successful but the continued attempts have me rather peeved. The IP of the person or persons attempting to steal their way into ClausNet have been coming from The Bay Area of California. A place where I have spent many off season hours visiting family and friends.
Of course someone wanting to be me is completely understandable, who wouldn't? (Sarcastic comment)
In my nearly 9 years of involvement here on ClausNet, I have learned much. More than you can at ANY Santa School, more than you can learn at any one specialized training session or seminar, online or in person. At a point early on, I realizes just what a wonderful place ClausNet was AND is. I have done what I can to contribute positively by offering advice, shared one on one, and open forum discussions. I have made many friends here, some have generated some direct phone contact, as well as, when possible some face to face meetings and strong relationships. A closeness if you will and surely a complement to my performances as a working Santa Claus.
As for myself, I felt I owed my friends an explanation and thus this blog post.
For now, my involvement will be curtailed. I can't say forever, because it is hard to stay away from something you love. And I do love ClausNet.
Thank you for your friendship, advice, and concern. This is NOT a goodbye note, simply a note of respite from usual activities. I sincerely appreciate your understanding.
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