October 1, 2006 - Well, it's
finally come to this: Due to the
abuse of spamming and scamming, I've had to remove
the
names and emails listing from public view on Temarkai.
Unfortunately
many of us that are willing to support new folks in the craft, over the
last few months
(and continuing with increasing frequency) have been "asked" to "tutor"
some "Sheik's son" or some other equally rediculous scenario (actually
some of the notes would be downright laughable if it wasn't so sad) -
one of several abuse scams that have been generated. While I
regret
having to give in to these kinds of people that attempt to ruin this
experience for everyone - intented for honorable people to
connect and find others to share their experiences in Temari - I
would regret even more someone
being caught up in these scams or worse. As it is, apparently
these "requests are also carrying viruses embedded in the emails as
well;
even if you don't fall for the scam, if the email is opened you can
also be hit with computer damage.
First of all - please, please stay up
to date with protecting
your indentity and your computer - see the information contained on the
Internet Safety Page
that is offered on Temarikai.com (many private webmasters have
unofficially agreed to ban together to try to keep their readers
informed on internet safety and remind them to be using precautions and
good surfing habits, simply as public service).
Secondly - since listing names and
emails as we have been doing
for years on Temarikai.com for good purposes has become victim to the
scamming and spamming abuses of others, we need to come up with a safer
and more protected method. I very much want continue offering the
potential for crafters to meet each other and share, so the lists will
be maintained offline.
If you were on the
Locator list as of today (10/1/06)
you are still there; If you would like to join the list,
drop
me an email and I'll add you in. If someone is looking to get in
touch with someone in your area, I will let you know. It's up to you to
reply to them or not - your name and email will NOT be given to the
person asking.
If you are looking to find
someone in your area or perhaps while traveling, likewise
drop
me a note and I'll forward it to person(s) in your area. It is up
to those persons to followup and contact you, if they care to. If, when
you are contacted by someone saying that it's through the TK Locator
list and you have any doubts, double check with me to be sure that it's
been a TK "match". Please
remember that all meetings should take place in public areas -
restaurants, coffee shop, etc. This is all offered in good
faith; in any
and all cases, I only offer the conduit, and accept no
responsibilty thereafter. It is up to each individual to manage
themselves and protect themselves both online and in real life.