The point is, not just friends come here, but strangers as well. Sure, they may become friends, but nothing that is written here is hidden from anyone. If people feel like their posts here are confidential - they're not. Like I said before, anyone with a computer at home, work, school, prison or wherever, can read what you write.

I wouldn't send any extremely personal information to anyone else, mainly because it would be like gossiping about people they didn't know. Also, it really sounds like some folks don't realise the forum is open to the world already, and might be embarrassed.

Flattop, don't think about this, but I've sent personal e-mails to a newsgroup before. We've also had people post personal messages that others have sent to them, and that IS a breach of confidence.