Add another option?

[Nick]

Sometimes I get really creeped out that people can see exactly what it is that I'm doing while I'm on the forums. Where I am, what I'm viewing, whose profile I'm visiting, whose message I'm reading. So I think there should be an option to hide things like that from showing up. Sort of like an in between mode from being invisible and not being invisible. Do you know what I mean? You'd still be able to see when that person was last active (like the time), but you wouldn't be able to see what it is they're doing or where they are on the site.

Selecting this option would remove the current activity / last activity specific detail on someone's profile (the last active time would still show), on the who's online list, and under the current active users at the bottom of each forum/thread. I like people knowing when I'm online, so if they messaged me or want to, they know I'm there. But I don't want people seeing everything I do on the site, and I imagine others feel the same way.

Thoughts?

 

[Universe]

Can this please become a thing...?

Because I agree in the sense that I don't really like people being able to see that stuff either but I would really enjoy a way for them to know that I'm online anyway. It just is an uncomfortable feeling... to know people can stalk your activity, but you have to stay online to make sure people know you're around.

It'd be very convenient for this feature to be implemented.

 

[Hiatus]

That would be great. Every now and then, I find myself viewing some thread, and instantly load index in a separate tab so that my activity would change and others can't view what I'm actually doing (I have my reasons, haha); this would remove all these hassle. Though, I think the feature should apply to all users--members and staff alike. If you've set yourself semi-invisible and others aren't able to see your activity, staff members shouldn't be able to do it, either. Well, aside from admins, of course, since they need access to these kind of info when it comes to certain things.

Anyhow, I'm giving my full support.

 

[antemortem]

This doesn't extend to my preferences because I'm lackadaisical when it comes to stuff like this (it's very trivial to me) but that's definitely a concern/quirk people have, so if there's some support behind it I don't see why this shouldn't become a thing.

 

[curiousnathan]

I can see where people are coming from but...I can't fully understand how someone who can see what you're doing (i.e viewing thread "Add another option?") is creepy or uncomfortable. But that's just me.

If it's something that will make a member's or members' stay here more enjoyable then sure.

 

[3749374]

Well that's where Invisible mode comes in handy. Staff should be able to see what you're doing regardless, if we can see your IP address, and restrict access from the forum, then we should remain to have the ability to see what you're up to (it helps when investigating things). But yeah sure, if you wish to remain anonymous to the masses without going into Invisible mode; I'd be fine with the option.

 

[-Yoshi-]

I definitely can see numerous times of where someone may not want someone to know. Anyways, it's probably better. Let's say someone is on a thread that may not quite be too appropriate. We don't want all our members seeing it and going to it. I know they can do it through new posts anyways, but still. And, I like to creep on people and the threads they made and stuff. I think it'd be nice to know that people aren't creeping on me while I'm creeping.

 

[antemortem]

I definitely can see numerous times of where someone may not want someone to know. Anyways, it's probably better. Let's say someone is on a thread that may not quite be too appropriate. We don't want all our members seeing it and going to it. I know they can do it through new posts anyways, but still. And, I like to creep on people and the threads they made and stuff. I think it'd be nice to know that people aren't creeping on me while I'm creeping.

To me that's an unsatisfactory reason. I'm still pretty neutral to it since it wouldn't effect me personally, but I still want to wrap my head around wanting the feature. Why does it matter what thread you're looking at, especially if everyone else can see most every thread you can. If it's in a hidden forum, such as the VIP Lounge when you're not a Supporter, then it just says "Viewing Thread" so even then it's not like your privacy is being disturbed. And even then, how much privacy do you really have on a forum? If you view a thread and post in it, it was obvious you were at that thread at some point, and in general you're gonna leave a trail somehow so...

In the end I just don't get it, but like I said it doesn't effect me so I just want to try and comprehend, you know? 8)

 

[Mana1]

The only thing I would appreciate being blanked out, on the normal settings not as an 'extra option' settings, would be who you are PM-ing. PM is a private message, so why should other members be able to see that I'm reading one and who it is from.