Danni_R — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 23:26:12 +0000

Hello Webmaster colleagues near and far who cared to respond... Let me first of all say thank you.

I've read each post, and I liked that each one of you looks at this situation from a slightly different angle. That was great feedback.

In reading I could go... yep, yep, yep, as if I was checking off a list.

(1.) Made an attempt to communicate with this individual on a mature level to see what motivated her and to find out his/her intentions.
(2.) Checked with AOL, but they won't reveal a name.
(3.) Kept my "cool" and refrained from getting emotional, or personal.
(4.) Checked on the "stamp" image, which was nothing but a jpg that looked like a postage stamp with medical assistants and nurses on it and replaced it with a much better image, as it really wasn't worth (possible?) trouble. I doubt it, but why bother.
(5.) Double checked each and every single page for something that might be conceived as questionable (and couldn't find a thing) I've worked on my websites for years now, and from what I can see, did everything to keep my nose clean from the start. (Smart policy!)
(6.) Decided to block SRSPSYCH@aol.com email address (which in itself sends a clear message to the anonymous sender).
(7.) Realized that if this individual would indeed try to make my life hard (which now as my initial shock is quickly wearing off--I believe these were nothing but idle threats) I'd rather deal with the authority or official office on a fair and square basis.
(. And decided to let it go, not to worry about it, and move on.

Needless to say, I REALLY love what I am doing. I take my Internet work very serious and take a lot of pride in having some of the most popular medical assisant websites that are open to ALL medical assistants on the Internet. Three of my pages are top ranking web sites on Google, Yahoo, MSN under the key term "medical assistant", two others are top ranking under "medical coding and billing" as they are for medical coders and billers. Thousands of medical assistants or those who are interested in perhaps getting into the profession come through, and the feedback I receive is always great.

I believe this person is probably a person who is competing with my sites on the generic search engine listings. But then again, it could be just a "nut".

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I enjoyed my first experience here on this board. I did come here for support and feedback, and a little encouragement and reassurance, and that's exactly what I got.

I thank you.

Danni R.
Medical Assisant

I don't know why I was so upset initially, but I guess when you have worked hard on something, such as a website, not only designing and promoting it to the search engines, and someone comes out of no where, and threatens your

Archemedes — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 07:00:38 +0000

Hello,

If you think there may be some truth in the claims he or she may have made then you could research and find out if there are any legal violations in regards to the 'stamp'.

I personally suggest trying to contact this person, and only addressing matters of true concern to you. Do not address any opinion (such as grammer, the type of website, how advanced the website is, or in their opinion how 'good' the website is) only facts, such as the above mentioned 'stamp'.

Their screen name with AOL Instant Messanger is SRSPYCH. If you have AIM (AOL Instant Messanger) you could try adding that person to your 'buddy list' and contacting them if/when they show to be online.

Otherwise, just block that e-mail address and let that person contact the authorities. I highly doubt you're breaking any laws and that any further action would be taken by the authorities. If the person creates further e-mail addressed and the harassment continues then you could contact their e-mail company, or report it as spam to your e-mail service.

Regards,
Archemedes

02bunced — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 06:43:43 +0000

Best place for something like this is the delete folder. Ignorance is the best policy! Don't be drawn into an argument with them, it isn't worth it. If the authorities in the US have a problem, they will talk to you themselves and then you can negoitate with them, as the generally have more maturity (at least they do over here in the UK)

I wish you all the best for your website.

Blessings,
David

mscreashuns — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 00:35:26 +0000

Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches. Not everyone is going to love what you do. Perhaps this person is just jealous and is trying to find a way for you to be in trouble?

I think you should definitely try to communicate with them in a kind and adult manner, but if they continue to act like this, simply block their email address and move on.

cpellizzi — Wed, 31 Aug 2005 05:03:04 +0000

I had a problem once similar. I would contact the person who is sending these emails.. perhaps ask them for their AIM, MSN screen name or whatever. You should deal with them. Ask what they want. AOL is probably not going to do anything.