Forums can so much better

[epicsockmonkey]

When we ask for support or feedback via the WordPress forums, we should not be subjected to spam via other users. It makes us not want to post. Take the following email for example:
—————————————

I’m sorry that your site is damaged. I am wslade. I read and replied to your post at ww.wp.xz.cn. If you don’t already have your own WordPress specialist, we can assist you. We specialize in the repair of hacked WordPress sites with over 8 years of WordPress experience.

We quickly remove any malicious code from your site for a flat rate of $149. We install additional security measures and guarantee our site repairs for 90 days against reinfection and further hacking.

[ Moderator note: I’ve redacted the site and phone number. ]

Regards,

Wesley Slade
—————————————
I called this poerson and told him that spamming people from ww.wp.xz.cn is unethical. His reply was that it’s a public forum and he is doing nothing wrong. He used my website information and contacted me through it. The point is that he knew to visit only from the forum and collected my email meant for my own customers. I think it is very wrong. Imagine coming here and asking for help with a plugin or faulty update with a client’s website and this guy contacting your client via their website contact information.

[Andrew Nevins]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

[Jan Dembowski]

@wslade would you care to confirm that you sent that email?

Please be aware: That sort of use for the forums is a quick way to get your account banned here.

These forums are NOT ever for soliciting work.

[Jon (Kenshino)]

@epicsockmonkey and to anyone reading this.

The forums cannot be harvested for URLs and emails unless you provide these yourself.

Unfortunately, people do read the forums and many forum go-ers do look for business here.

In this case – we will look forward to @wslade ‘s explanation.

But for the rest – rest assured that no one can see your site’s url (unless you key it into your profile or provide it yourself in a forum post) or your emails (even if you key it in, normal users cannot see your email)

Cheers!