My IP address is showing up in my messages with the following disclaimer...

[Sitting Duck]

"Your IP address is shown only to you and moderators. Remember that this information is not identifying, and that most IPs change periodically.  You cannot see other members' IP addresses, and they cannot see yours."

So what is the purpose?  Potential censorship, data mining, or both?  While most addresses are dynamic and do change this is not always the case.  For those with static addresses they will never change.

I'm trying to get a handle on why GBO feels it's necessary to show me an address that I can readily look up on my own.  And why do your moderators need access to my IP address?   

[Sitting Duck]

Data mining and a oops....somebody is making a list.?  Let 'em.

...TM7

Not if I'm the only one on the list.   

[Graybeard]

There is no data mining on this site. The sole purpose of the IP address is so that if we have a problem with a member we can take it up with their IP or in the case of illegal actions we can report you to the proper legal authorities.

We've had a few instances where various police agencies have contacted us about illegal postings made here and we always cooperate with them to deal with illegal actions posted to this site just as we say we will in our Rules aka Terms of Use.

The data is not available to bots. The only reason moderators have access really is that is the way the software works. We didn't write the software and have to live with it the way it is written. Otherwise only Admin woud have access to the data.

I'm not at all sure what the heck you think anyone can do with your IP address but I've never found a way to tie it back to an individual only to their ISP. I realize police agencies can then access it further thru the ISP but you or I can't.

What happens here with the recording of IP address is no different than on any other website that allows posting by members or visitors. All collect it and some display it to the world we at least don't do that. If you're not happy with it I suggest you not post on any internet sites cuz if you do the site owner is gonna have your IP address.

[Sitting Duck]

GB:  My semi-computer geek days are behind me.  Back when and then, I was aware that tracing an IP address would only take me to that users general location and ISP.  I was questioning the purpose of my IP address being broadcast to me and the moderators in the event that capabilities had changed and information was being gleaned for marketing purposes.

Your explanation was adequate.  You last sentence and its tone makes me think I ruffled your feathers.  If so, I guess you can always make me go away if you see fit.

I don't recall writing that I was unhappy with the practice but that I was questioning it. 

[Graybeard]

If so, I guess you can always make me go away if you see fit.

Indeed I can to anyone any time here and don't even need their approval or permission.

I merely commented that if you do not like the IP address being recorded then you need to stop posting to all sites as all sites do collect that information. To change the way it is displayed requires a software change and quite frankly that's just not gonna happen.