Tag Archives: problems with Flickr

The Disturbing Side of Flickr

Geekpreneur has a list of disturbing Flickr horror stories. What makes them most disturbing isn’t just the events but how powerless Flickr users are to stop them.

Most of the people on Flickr are a friendly sort. They’re helpful and chatty, and they usually have something nice to say about your pictures. Most of them. Like anywhere though, you do get the odd creep sneaking in.

Since one or two problems on Flickr I have become a lot more guarded about what I do and who I allow as contact.

  • Any time I post a picture of children I try to make it friends and family only. Lately just family for certain pictures. There are just too many twisted people out there who have made it clear to me that these pictures are not safe for general consumption, no matter how proud we are of our kids. I can’t do anything about the copies that are on these “individuals” hard disks but can try to stop them getting any more new ones.
  • I am now very careful how I label and tag my pictures. I had to stop using the word “mum” because of these slimy people who seem to search for those words for their own perverted uses.
  • Now it seems pet and animal fans have to avoid drawing attention from people who think it is funny to submit images of abused or deceased animals.

With people like these out there, could it be we are better off not joining communities like Flickr? I would say we should be aware of the problems, protect our privacy and try to enjoy these communities despite the sickos.

Read the post over here and try not to have nightmares :)

Posted in News and Commentary, Online Photography Community | Also tagged , , 2 Comments