Thanks to Norm, the person who works so hard to keep
Lactnet running, for answering my concerns. He has assured
me that the Lactnet article listings (that is, our individual
postings) are off limits to indexing robots -- so will not be
referenced in, say, Alta Vista or Yahoo. I *assume* that this
will remain the policy?

This means I withdraw my concerns, with apologies to
anyone (Kathy A. and Kathy B. probably most) who has
pulled out inordinate amounts of hair or banged head against
brick wall too many times over my worries.

The privacy issue, per se, has never been an issue for me. I
understand that Lactnet is "public" -- I just don't relish the
thought of having my individual posts indexed by a search
engine.

That said, I think everyone who posts to this list should give
serious thought to these issues. (Even more than the
"Welcome to Lactnet" caveats about "The New York Times")
Several people have written to me concerned that they have
discussed personal information about their family that they'd
hate for "perverts" to collect. That is a valid concern that
everyone on the list should consider when posting. In fact,
picture the pervert and your boss sitting at the screen
reading your messages -- before you post.

Many of us are playing with a big toy (Internet) that defys our
understanding. Be wary, be informed...then enjoy.

Margery Wilson, IBCLC