From the properly clothed historians and Blogarians at the HSOG.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

There is growing sensitivity in our society about personal privacy, especially concerns about government monitoring of citizens and collection of personal data by huge Internet companies such as Google and Facebook.

People are also wary of online or telephone scams—trickery designed to fool us into giving out personal data such as social security numbers and credit card information.   Because of these worries, some don’t like to say much of anything in their emails or text messages. Another concern is that our money might vanish from our bank accounts if some outside group or nation hacks and destroys bank records.

On Blogfinger we would like more readers (Blogarians—to be distinguished from Bulgarians) to take part in our discussions, but I suspect that some are reluctant because of security concerns.   We would never reveal a commenter’s real name unless they indicate that it is OK ..

As for email content, we may post yours unless you tell us not to. Email addresses are never revealed on the blog, so don’t hesitate to email us with comments or letters. I have little interest in your email addresses, although sometimes I like to contact you directly and I like to add to our BF Highlights mailing list.

We continue to welcome comments using pseudonyms because it is a way to encourage dialogues.   It would be great if more people used their real names, but either way is acceptable. Remember that individuals can sign in by using a variety of pseudonyms thus adding another layer of public anonymity. Also, regarding gender, obviously a woman might be behind a man’s name, and visa versa (viva la versa.)   I don’t care about it, because the message is what’s important.

Please voice your opinions on Blogfinger, because readers enjoy hearing what their neighbors think. It is the discussions that attract many bloogers to our site and it is the most unique aspect of BF. What other source of Ocean Grove news allows such dialogues and covers the topics that we do? And where else can your opinion be viewed by thousands of readers? Public opinion can cause change; it’s not just wheel spinning.

If you want to raise a new subject, either send a letter to the editor or email us with a “Just Wondering” question. (Blogfinger@verizon.net)

We are an information sharing website, and although that concept hasn’t worked out as well as we would have liked, we continue to be open to any news or information that you might send, within our usual flexible parameters.

Our best sources of information are our readers.

Thanks, Paul

JONATHAN STOUT AND THE CAMPUS FIVE: “You Talk a Little Trash.”