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Chat Network Operators and Users Wary of "Uniformed" Police Presence.
For a small group of online friends, bonded together by a common love of Rat Terrier dogs, the Sunday, 19 December, 2004 New York Times would seem familiar, as would other newspapers around the world. One of their own had been brutally murdered, allegedly by another of their own.The murder of Bobbie Jo Stinnett, and the taking of her unborn baby was a news event so shocking that worldwide attention was focused on an online discussion forum devoted to the raising and care of Rat Terriers.
The seemingly innocent exchanges on the forum are now evidence in a murder investigation. The subsequent postings of messages regarding this tragedy show that the forum participants are in shock at the event, and now question their own safety.
From our perspective at Chatmag, we also are at a loss, first and foremost at the tragedy itself, the senseless taking of a life, and the realities of the future for two families.
Since our inception, Chatmag has been devoted to the world of Internet chatting, in our directory, help and safety sections. A check of Google for "chat safety" shows Chatmag as the first result. "Meeting someone in person" is sixth in the results list. And in light of the Stinnett tragedy, we'll be updating our Meeting in Person page with more tips to remain safe both online and offline.
Because this tragedy began on an online discussion forum, some media outlets now want to blame Internet discussions, rather than the person. Each day on the Internet, hundreds of thousands of messages are posted on countless forums, IRC chat rooms and web chats. People who share common interests conduct discussions in a multitude of topics. Others join discussion forums and chat rooms, hoping to meet a future mate, and they do meet in person, fall in love, and share their lives together.
As the publisher of Chatmag, I am in that category, having met my own mate online. And, I also took some of the precautions outlined in our own safety section, prior to meeting in person. But there is no guarantee that following a set of guidelines will keep a person safe, it is up to the individual to determine their circumstances and act accordingly.
Now there is a group, still in shock, and only wishing to go back to their normal routine. Unfortunately, nothing for them will be normal again due to this tragedy.
The story will fade from the news, but will continue far beyond the headlines.
There is now a father who will be raising a daughter by himself. A child who will never know her mother. A mother who will live with the memory of the discovery of her murdered daughter. And on the other side, another husband that has to cope with his wife's actions and mindset. The jury, should it go to a jury trial, that will see evidence no one should have to see. And a woman who will live with the consequences of her actions.
Online, a group of people, brought together by a love of dogs, now find a deeper love for each other and a greater awareness of their own safety.
Peter J. Carr
Publisher and Owner
Chatmag.comReprint Permissions.
Permission to reprint is granted in its entirety, with credit to Chatmag News.Tips for meeting someone in a business relationship.
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