"Part-timers" are people too....

[Wenchy]

Since this 2257 debacle started last week (and even before then), I've read several posts in which part-time webmasters are referred to like some sort of subclass of pond scum that doesn't deserve to be in this business, and it's really beginning to get under my skin.

Just because I don't choose to do this full time does not make me any less valuable or any less professional than someone who puts in 80+ hours a week. There are many, many WMs who work full-time jobs and also run a viable adult business and I for one don't see anything wrong with that.

For those of you who seem to have such a major problem with part-timers, and I will refrain from naming names at this juncture, I'd like you to have the fortitude to stand up and say why. Those of us you are attempting to minimize with your thoughtless comments deserve an explanation and possibly even an apology.

[SirMoby]

You could be correct in the fact that the term part timers is often used to those that have the short term mentality of make a buck and who cares if it's done in a professional manner or not.

[romeoboi]

yeah, I think due to my part time status and wanting to protect my identity from the general public (but not government authorities) I'll probably have to pull everything for the time being.

[Agent]

I'm sure a lot of full-timers started off as part timers. Not everyone can quit their job and start building sites. It may take them months before they see their first sale. Starting off as a part timer has its benefits. You can make your mistakes early on without them affecting your more ambitious projects later on (because you've already learned from your mistake).

If I remember correctly the butcher admitted he jumped into the webmaster biz without knowing much beforehand. Look at how that turned out...He claimed ignorance when GG and Jim asked him how his board gained so many fake members without him knowing they were fake. Maybe if he had started as a part-timer and took the time to learn the ropes of being a webmaster he wouldn't have had made that "mistake" and had his project critizced so harshly (assuming he wasn't trying to cheat sponsors in the first place - in that case, fuck him).

[cd34]

romeoboi:

by virtue of you registering your domain in your company name, and then using a PO Box, anyone with $5 can get your physical address from any Post Office by filling out a form. Even if you only registered the mailbox personally, the fact that you listed it under a corporation name and are conducting business allows the USPS to give out your info to any requestor. I don't believe the government is stopped if they request the info through normal channels whether it is registered personally or through a company.

Your Articles of Incorporation would have been filed in the state where you reside which has your physical address listed as an officer. I did a quick search of the UCC and Business entity search for the corporate name you list and it found no record.

Almost every state and many jurisdictions require some form of Occupational Permit which also lists the physical address where you conduct business.

Its not like someone that was determined enough couldn't get that information anyhow.

[LB]

Originally Posted by SirMoby

You could be correct in the fact that the term part timers is often used to those that have the short term mentality of make a buck and who cares if it's done in a professional manner or not.

This is pretty much spot on, in this industry 'part time' isn't something that is often used to desribe someone who actually works part time

[tickler]

Originally Posted by cd34

I don't believe the government is stopped if they request the info through normal channels whether it is registered personally or through a company.

Exactly why they want you to put your name and address on the site. To scare WM into leaving the business.

I'm thinking that I should put the personal info behind a password, and make them ask for it. That would not interfere with them being able to inspect my actual records without notice, and isn't prohibited by the legislation that I can see.

[Sinistress]

Now Tickler, THAT is an interesting idea.

[RawAlex]

Tickler, nice try, but...

very simply, the DOJ needs to be able to look at your domain and find out who you are directly. They need to be able to find where the records are. If you password protect it, exactly how are they going to find you? By the domain with a PO box and a hotmail email address?

Basically, you are asking them to give you prior notice before inspection, which is specifically NOT provided for in the law.

It's a nice idea, it won't fly, and more importantly, I wouldn't bet 5 years in a federal butt slamming prison over it.

Alex

[romeoboi]

yeah, I'm not expecting some big disaster. I have no problem with government authorities checking the releases and IDs of performers from content I bought from primary producers.

the thing I'm nervous about is what everyone else is nervous about.... is the government really just going to go after CP? or are they going to be harassing people?

yes I know I was already at risk and people could have found out my identity through the PO box. However, it does add a layer of protection and a lot of people dont know you can do that. Its a lot different from putting a link at the bottom of your site that web surfers will eventually learn they can easily obtain your address.

I'm not that concerned with the government but has anyone considered that right-wing activisits could easily use this information to their advantage? You dont think they will be protesting against any webmasters? Smear campaigns against part time webmasters would be easy.... put out some local protestors in front of your house, call the news media and get people to black ball you. I doubt it will happen to a lot of people, but it can happen.

this is why I stayed a part time webmaster.... I have the flexibility to do to other things and wait it out until I see how the landscape changes. thats all

Also, I plan on developing my mainstream web design business and coming up with a resource site that will be of use to both mainstream and adult webmasters alike.

[tickler]

Originally Posted by RawAlex

Tickler, nice try, but...

very simply, the DOJ needs to be able to look at your domain and find out who you are directly. They need to be able to find where the records are. If you password protect it, exactly how are they going to find you? By the domain with a PO box and a hotmail email address?

Basically, you are asking them to give you prior notice before inspection, which is specifically NOT provided for in the law.

It's a nice idea, it won't fly, and more importantly, I wouldn't bet 5 years in a federal butt slamming prison over it.

Alex

I tossed it out there as maybe a way for those that don't want their home address published on the web.

I meant put a little submit box there with things like:
Badge# = 666
LEO Dept. = US-DOJ
1-800 Contact # = 1-800-IAM-APIG

Once I verify you are an actual LEO and not some right-wing bible thumper with a sniper rifle, I will email you the PW immediately.

Prior notice, or prior notice before inspection???? Sounds like 2 different things.

I would think that they should know how to do a whois. And if you have improper info there they can pull the domain.

Like you, I am also in Canada, so a visit is probably unlikely.

I used to be on the Cuba arrest list because of the multi-national company that I worked for at the time, so the DOJ just pisses me off.