Maximum Minti 8 - Friend Or Foe?

Hopefully, before deciding to add a friend, you will already know all the information in my previous advice about Friend Requests, and the links to other advice included in it.  If not; at least click on the blue menu bar on the left hand side on

the homepage of the person who invited you.  This will allow you to see all interaction that this member has had on the site – except for any blogs in private groups.  Remember, you needn't agree with every single thing a person says and does to be their friend, be open-minded, yet be smart in your choices. 

Returning Minti Member’s
When a Minti member leaves of their own accord, then returns.
Some current members of Minti have left in the past for their own reasons, and deleted their accounts.  Because of this, they have had to create new accounts and usernames upon their return.  You will find that the majority of these member’s have no problem disclosing this information, and in many cases announce their return for all to see.  Usually, they are happy to answer any questions that you have about their previous identity, as they have nothing to hide.

Member’s With A Secret Agenda
A member returns after their account is deleted or voted off for breach of Minti’s Terms of Service.
Sometimes these member’s return secretly, taking up where they left off.  Usually nobody or only a select few people are aware of their identity.  Habitual offenders have not only done it repeatedly, but created multiple accounts in the process.  Usually admin find them out, or diligent member’s recognise the person’s style and become suspicious.  Failing that, the person behaves in the same manner that got them reported in the first place and is removed again.  They are very good at fooling people, gathering friend’s and causing rifts on the site, however when aggravated, they tend to drop their guard.  These people go to great lengths to be deceitful, and return somewhere they have been made unwelcome.  It is one thing to feel sorry for someone, and give them a second chance, however I recommend being very aware that this can happen.

Member’s In Breach of Minti Terms of Service
Sometimes the site has members who join for their own gains, or dubious agendas.
This includes all member’s who may join to solicit from you; spam your Minti mail; stalk or harass member’s; advertise their own business; or a paedophile.  Read Minti’s Code of Honour by rachelcook to be up to date with what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour for a member.  As for paedophiles they are everywhere, and often they are cowards, so hiding behind a computer is perfect for them.  Look for people that ask you odd questions and provide details and information that just doesn’t add up in their advice, comments and blogs.  Check their family photos if any – often they come from the internet in general.  These people usually offer their email address out freely, in an effort to befriend you and gain your trust.  Think about what types of photos you post of your children, and where you are posting on the site too.  There are a lot of unsavoury and dangerous characters out there lurking on the internet for what we would deem to be innocent photos.  Think twice about giving in depth answers in Q&A to questions about yours, or your children's bodies and underwear etc - especially if the poster is anonymous - don't give them reason to hang around.

Other Ways For You To Find Out About Minti Member's
Trust your instincts, if something doesn't seem right follow it up.
Check out  the Virtual to Reality group to see if anyone has met them in person.  Check with other member’s in their friend’s list, however beware that they may be the member’s own multiple accounts.  Look at the member’s page and seek advice from a high ranking member or member of admin by sending them Minti mail, (check to see if they are online first if you want a quick response).   Do an internet search on the person's username, many people use the same name on many sites.  If it seems to be the same person, (check out general homepage information and photos), this could give your more insight about whether or not the person is genuine.

Don’t have your email address readily available on any social networking site, it gives undesirable members of the public further access to you.  Or, if you choose to have your email address visible, create one that is different to the one you would use for your banking and other private business. Bots scan the internet for addresses to spam, and that is just the tip of the iceberg, many have more sinister agendas.  Being smart online will help you and the Minti community in general to have a great experience.  Ozbinky has just written some excellent advice; Cyber Bullying, I highly recommend reading that too.