Just how inappropriate is it to post here?

Started by TammyO4 • 8 replies • 1610 views

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TammyO4 (Washington)
Posts: 1

Posted:

I have been watching from afar for awhile. I have found many many wonderful nuggets of information and support when needed. This is the first ever post of mine.

I am fearful that if I post an issue regarding my hoa or a problem or a question regarding this issue that it could be held against me as I am a board member. I understand that this is an open board. Anyone can read it.

If there is nothing specific, a name HOA or any identifiable information this can not be held against me in a punitive manner. Our current rules prohibit me from discussing most private issues outside of our board meetings. But just how safe and anonymous are we here?

I have many questions and needs for support but feel this is the only safe haven for me.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Tammy,

You are as safe here as you are on any other public forum that requires registration to post/view.

Personally, I am of the opinion that if you are not willing to say it to your neighbor you shouldn't post it on a forum.

Tim

DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671

Posted:

Tammy,

If you are asking questions here, that certainly is not liablous as long as you avoid using names and quoting people. If it is something that is in litigation, play it safe and don't ask. Be general. If you have been reading from here for a while, you will also see that we follow a policy to not give legal advice. We are not lawyers but Board members and managers.

ValerieS2 (Michigan)
Posts: 244

Posted:

Tammy,

Keep in mind that it is libelous only if it is untrue.

NinaA (Florida)
Posts: 8

Posted:

I was surprised to find my posting when searching Google for info on a particular Statute I had mentioned in my posting. It would be clear to any of my neighbors doing the same that the posting was me me because of the user name generated by this website along with the circumstances discussed. I believe if you go to "My Account" on this site, you can choose a different user name that isn't so specific to your actual name. That might help a little.

JamesC (Maryland)
Posts: 282

Posted:

NinaA

This site was created to ask, receive, and discuss issues surrounding communities governed by HOA's, between Board Members, Management Company Personnel, etc.
Why would anyone be in fear of using one's "OWN" name? The concerns you might have involving your own community should be the same ones of concern to the other homeowners.
Upon changing your name to post on this site, will you deny where your community is located, how many units are involved, which state you are in, etc.???????

Signed Jim, (but for this post I'll sign Harry)))

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By NinaA on 06/19/2011 8:42 AM
I was surprised to find my posting when searching Google for info on a particular Statute I had mentioned in my posting. It would be clear to any of my neighbors doing the same that the posting was me me because of the user name generated by this website along with the circumstances discussed. I believe if you go to "My Account" on this site, you can choose a different user name that isn't so specific to your actual name. That might help a little.

Nina,

I would say that 99.9% of internet forums (or for that matter anything that is posted on the internet) will show up in a search engine.

This is why I stated earlier that you should only post things in forums that you are willing to say to your neighbor.

Tim

FionaC (California)
Posts: 212

Posted:

This seems to be a rolling issue here at our HOA. Nothing seems safe. But I can't imagine "getting into a pickle" unless a name or unit or specific issue is posted.

For example. I don't see anything wrong with posting that you know a neighbor is in arrear of lets say 20K,( made up amount ) if this is pertinent to a question, and as long as names, specifics aren't mentioned. It's not a like you are saying.. "Joe Smith form unit 29d is a board president.. and he keeps trash outside his front door"... etc.

You get my drift. No specifics.. it should be fine.
Besides.. being a board member and coming here to read posts and seek info is admirable. It means your heart is in the right place.

TroyH (Texas)
Posts: 55

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By FionaC on 06/20/2011 8:37 PM
This seems to be a rolling issue here at our HOA. Nothing seems safe. But ...
Besides.. being a board member and coming here to read posts and seek info is admirable. It means your heart is in the right place.

I agree... I'm using the forum initially to get informed and gain experience. When I'm the one with experience, I hope to be able to help others. My management peson for our HOA, who's very experienced in matters since she manages HOA, stated to me yesterday when I talked to her on the phone it was a insighful thing to do and she wished all her HOA members educated themselves. When that happens, HOA members would naturally feel more confident concerning issues. Afterall, for most, if not all, this is a part-time volunteer gig, The less stress, the better............

Hope you can get your issue out and find comfort and information to approach the board.

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