So this is how NC defines Cyberstalking

http://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_14/gs_14-196.3.html

Specifically

Quote :

"(2) Electronically mail or electronically communicate to another repeatedly, whether or not conversation ensues, for the purpose of abusing, annoying, threatening, terrifying, harassing, or embarrassing any person."

And

Quote :

"(e) This section does not apply to any peaceable, nonviolent, or nonthreatening activity intended to express political views or to provide lawful information to others. This section shall not be construed to impair any constitutionally protected activity, including speech, protest, or assembly."

Wtf?

So, where is the line in regards to Cybertstalking? It seems like many of us cross this line near daily as outlined by point 2. Yet, this section can't impair speech as protected by the constitution.

Also, what is personal information? If you know someones name, are you perfectly legal to search for their name and post whatever it is you find in a public forum? Could that be construed as harassment?

6/24/2009 11:43:39 AM

cyberstalking is known to be a very vague definition - that's how jackleg got brought up on charges by CrazyBenni

6/24/2009 1:48:58 PM

Why don't we post examples and see how the users concerned react?

6/24/2009 1:54:08 PM

Quote :

"cyberstalking is known to be a very vague definition - that's how jackleg got brought up on charges by CrazyBenni"

Because it was vague or because he communicated threats via email or IM?

The definition is indeed vague, but is there not a relatively clear distinction between repeated threats via email or IM versus general, ie not systematically repeated, trolling on a message board?

And, an equally important discussion - what constitutes personal information? If you know the name of someone, is it cyberstalking to look up their tax records that is listed in a public database and post that information to the message board?

6/24/2009 3:03:01 PM

Gray area. Some judge would have to decide intent.

6/24/2009 3:13:06 PM

Quote :

"is it cyberstalking to look up their tax records that is listed in a public database and post that information to the message board? "

If its posting is intended for the "purpose of abusing, annoying, threatening, terrifying, harassing, or embarrassing any person," then I would say yes.

I do think its time that people get a little reality check on the anonymity afforded to them on the internet. It shouldnt be used for the purposes to treat people in ways that you would not treat them in person, or in a way that you would not want sourced back to you.

6/24/2009 3:16:27 PM

Quote :

"Gray area. Some judge would have to decide intent."

How about someones website, listed publicly with a registrar even when there are options available for a small extra fee to hide domain registration information from prying eyes.

Isn't the voluntary opting out of using that service a waiving of any implied privacy one might have thought they had (whether they did or didn't)?

Quote :

"If its posting is intended for the "purpose of abusing, annoying, threatening, terrifying, harassing, or embarrassing any person," then I would say yes."

Ok, but what about the other forms of what is now commonly called "trolling" that happens daily on many message boards across the country?

Quote :

"It shouldnt be used for the purposes to treat people in ways that you would not treat them in person, or in a way that you would not want sourced back to you."

Indeed. It seems some users here have been rather keen on doling out the harsh treatment and then react very negatively when it's offered in return.

[Edited on June 24, 2009 at 3:22 PM. Reason : .]

6/24/2009 3:20:29 PM

wait

is this thread about hooksaw

6/24/2009 3:22:16 PM

No, not really. It's just something that was brought to my attention and I thought it made for maybe slightly interesting conversation on what actually constitutes Cyberstalking as it seems like it happens here on an hourly basis given the way the law is worded.

6/24/2009 3:24:03 PM

Stupid hippies, they deserve a beating.











I mean... oh crap... Don't turn me in!!!

6/24/2009 3:46:31 PM

Quote :

"Ok, but what about the other forms of what is now commonly called "trolling" that happens daily on many message boards across the country?"

Trolling to what purpose? If its trolling to stir the pot, then the law applies. If the trolling is meant to " express political views or to provide lawful information to others," then no.

Good trolling, for example someone playing devils advocate (essentially being a moderator of a discussion), is ok. Trolling just to get a rise out of people should apply.

Quote :

"Cyberstalking as it seems like it happens here on an hourly basis given the way the law is worded."

It does. The fact that you don't recognize this as a bad thing just means you've been desensitized to it at some point.

You should know your intended audience, and treat them the same way you would treat a similar audience in person. if you can't do that, its probably not a good idea to type it.

See what happens to people when you call a stranger a faggot? (see Perez Hilton) I think he had a reality check of the differences between real life and a blogsphere.


[Edited on June 24, 2009 at 3:57 PM. Reason : .]

6/24/2009 3:52:47 PM

Quote :

"Trolling just to get a rise out of people should apply."

Isn't that the point of trolling???

6/24/2009 3:57:21 PM

Quote :

"It does. The fact that you don't recognize this as a bad thing just means you've been desensitized to it at some point."

Or it implies a problem with the law... criminalizing a virtually harmless act should be considered a flaw in the system.

Our legal system should NEVER be protecting people from getting their feelings hurt. EVER. (Disclaimer: Something that would cause severe psychological trauma would be beyond just hurt feelings, and could reasonably be protected against)

Someone actually being threatened online would reasonably apply, but the fact that "Cyberstalking" can include simply trying to piss someone off is utterly ridiculous and completely beyond the realm of what the government, federal or state, should be dealing with.

[Edited on June 24, 2009 at 4:50 PM. Reason : .]

6/24/2009 4:47:05 PM

Quote :

"wait is this thread about hooksaw"

yes, it is.

i mean sure, he's trying to take the general approach, but i'd bet $texas his latest interactions with old man hooksaw caused this thread.


ooh, and paging jackleg

6/24/2009 5:19:52 PM

Quote :

"i mean sure, he's trying to take the general approach, but i'd bet $texas his latest interactions with old man hooksaw caused this thread."

Well, it isn't about hooksaw, but you could say he triggered it. Him threatening me and sending me PMs linked to the N. Carolina statutes about Cyberstalking were a bit eye opening with just how vaguely worded it is. I am also mildly amused he is claiming Cyberstalking and "warning" me about something when he is at the very least as guilty of Cyberstalking the way the law is worded. I mean, I don't follow that guy from section to section posting photos of dead animals, calling him different names, and refusing to reply in a coherent way to statements in sections that are supposed to be off limits from the more inflammatory remarks.

But, this isn't really about him, its general.

6/24/2009 7:17:50 PM

does it count if someone rolls up outside your house and takes pictures

6/25/2009 7:51:13 AM

^^ Fail Goat is a fucking liar, which everyone knows anyway. Here's a PM from him in response to my warning:

Quote :

"From : Fail Boat To : hooksaw Received : Wednesday June 24, 2009 at 11:07 AM Subject : Re: I Suggest You Stop No one is cyberstalking you pal. My identity is known. I haven't contacted you via emails or IMs nor do I care to. I haven't threatened you in any way and don't intend to. Your name is common knowledge and it is known who manages the hooksaw account. If you feel that you may be harassed or threatened, then you are most certainly free to leave this website and any perceived stalking or harassment you think you are experiencing will most certainly vanish."

And since he can't defeat me in anything, every time he gets his wittle feelings hurt, he scours the Intarwebs in search of personal information to post about me like the creepy, cyberstalking, bald-headed child that he is. This annoying harassment is nothing more than the latest attempt to run me off so that the leftists doofuses and the sociopaths like Fail Goat have free reign to post their buffoonery.

6/25/2009 8:11:46 AM

^^ Yeesh, from that angle it looks like I live in a garage. You like that though?

6/25/2009 9:15:17 AM

that's just google maps

i thought it was funny

maybe i was wrong

6/25/2009 9:34:38 AM

Yeah, I knew where it came from. Jackleg did the exact same thing when I lived at my last place, only he took the info from wakegov.

6/25/2009 9:36:27 AM

the larger point is IS GOOGLE CYBERSTALKING US

6/25/2009 9:37:46 AM

Well, not really. They only took a picture of an address. You're the guy that actually searched the database for the address to post the picture that google took.

6/25/2009 11:15:37 AM

oh, right

so IS WAKE COUNTY CYBERSTALKING US

6/25/2009 11:24:37 AM

Quote :

"This annoying harassment is nothing more than the latest attempt to run me off so that the leftists doofuses and the sociopaths like Fail Goat have free reign to post their buffoonery."

Ego much?

6/25/2009 6:09:30 PM