Advice for: "I am really worried about Mark Zuckerberg do you condone cyber-bullying?"

bobby replied on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:48 PM

bobby — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:48:20 GMT

Telecommunications Act 1984, Section 43

(1) A person who
(a) sends, by means of a public telecommunication system, a message or other matter that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character or
(b) sends by those means, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another, a message that he knows to be false or persistently makes use for that purpose of a public telecommunication system,
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.

(2) Subsection (1) above does not apply to anything done in the course of providing a programme service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Act 1990).

bobby replied on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:47 PM

bobby — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:47:39 GMT

continued:

(2) A person is not guilty of an offence by virtue of subsection (1)(a)(ii) above if he shows
(a) that the threat was used to reinforce a demand made by him on reasonable grounds and
(b) that he believed, and had reasonable grounds for believing, that the use of the threat was a proper means of reinforcing the demand.

(2A) In this section 'electronic communication' includes _
(a) any oral or other communication by means of a telecommunication system(within the meaning of the Telecommunications Act 1984 (c12)); and
(b) any communication (however sent) that is in electronic form.

(3) In this section references to sending include references to delivering or transmitting and to causing to be sent, delivered or transmitted and 'sender' shall be construed accordingly.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.

bobby replied on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:46 PM

bobby — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:46:37 GMT

Malicious Communications Act 1988 Section 1

This is the wording of this section as amended by Section 43 Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

It applies to offences committed from the 11th May 2001 onwards

(1) Any person who sends to another person
(a) a letter, electronic communication or article of any description which conveys
(i) a message which is indecent or grossly offensive
(ii) a threat or
(iii) information which is false and known or believed to be false by the sender or
(b) any article or electronic communication which is, in whole or part, of an indecent or grossly offensive nature,
is guilty of an offence if his purpose, or one of his purposes, in sending it is that it should, so far as falling within paragraph (a) or (b) above, cause distress or anxiety to the recipient or to any other person to whom he intends that it or its contents or nature should be communicated.

PeteWentz replied on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 2:19 PM

PeteWentz — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:19:42 GMT

"Anything you wouldn't say to someone's face don't say it online on the computer."

GirlsAloud replied on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 2:17 PM

GirlsAloud — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:17:57 GMT

"More than one in four seriously bullied children attempt to take their own life."

JoBrand replied on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 2:15 PM

JoBrand — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:15:38 GMT

"If I were a world leader my first act would be to introduce a drug that everyone who was a bully had to take to stop them bullying other people. I'd put such a drug in the water now."

ScottRadio1 replied on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 2:12 PM

ScottRadio1 — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:12:52 GMT

Please remember everytime you go online you are not anonymous. People can see you, they can trace you by your IP address to your actual computer, which means if you do bully YOU WILL eventually be caught.

LeonaLewis replied on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 2:10 PM

LeonaLewis — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:10:55 GMT

You're not anonymous online and everything you do is traceable to the police so don't do it. ALRIGHT!

worriedmum replied on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 5:27 PM

worriedmum — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:27:13 GMT

I wonder how long it would take you to respond to formal bullying complaint. I'm still waiting 24 hours later to hear back from Facebook on the hacking incident I reported. It's just not good enough.

worriedmum replied on Monday, May 12, 2008 at 11:14 AM

worriedmum — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:14:51 GMT

You should have a contact telephone number for people to report incidents.

noworriezaga replied on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 1:45 PM

noworriezaga — Sun, 11 May 2008 13:45:29 GMT

nok - ABSOLUTELY

There are dozens of other applications like this on facebook, and other social networking sites, and a thousand other ways to bully someone, most of them more harmful, and far less avoidable.

Those of you DEMANDING that anything MUST be done - get real! You can ask, you can hope, but that's about it. The more you rant and rave, the more you look like neurotic poodles yapping at shadows. Why hasn't Mark done what you are demanding? Why the hell would he? He has no logical motivation, nor legal or moral obligation to.

I don't necessarily support this application but I do support peoples' right to chose what they want to do. The rights of the (now) 181,850 people using this application, many of them apparently loving it, are worth far more than the few people here who think it is the spawn of the devil.

Protect your children by educating them about the dangers of the internet, how to make themselves less of a target for bullies, and about not bullying others.

nok replied on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 4:11 PM

nok — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:11:20 GMT

After reading through the comments I think its interesting that anyone could possibly get upset over this. I have to agree with those that say - if you don't like it - REMOVE THE APP!

If this application is a problem is there also a problem with poking because of its sexual overtones? should the Likeness quizzes also be removed because they compare users to celebrities?

if your energy flows where attention goes might i suggest developing an app that would develop someone's confidence?

jan59 replied on Friday, May 09, 2008 at 4:29 PM

jan59 — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:29:06 GMT

I only just read about yesterdays agreement. Does this mean the campaign is over?

petro replied on Friday, May 09, 2008 at 4:13 PM

petro — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:13:51 GMT

Hey I guess you're doing something about it. Good on you.

mand93 replied on Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 6:07 PM

mand93 — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:07:53 GMT

see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seOQyMvG99w

hillsy replied on Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:33 AM

hillsy — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:33:51 GMT

Facebook is so hot right now. Just remember hot can soon become cold!

phil55 replied on Thursday, May 08, 2008 at 11:06 AM

phil55 — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:06:19 GMT

fao: Mark Zuckerberg

As a teacher I am well aware of online bullying and the harm it can cause.

May I suggest that you flex some muscle and do your bit to help make the internet a safer place for all. I do think removing the Honesty Box would be a positive step.

Thanks for listening.

Phil

curlyk replied on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 12:13 PM

curlyk — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:13:20 GMT

I've been having a read of some of the comments left and think it's a really interesting topic. On the one hand facebook could be accused of allowing cyber bullies to roam and post potentially harmful comments to individuals. You could say then that it's the administrator's responsibilty to not allow applications such as this to be accessible on the network.

On the other hand it really is up to the individuals who upload this application to use it wisely and understand what exactly it is that they are uploading. If they are children then it's understandable how they could be opening themselves up to being victims of this sort of behaviour.

Generally I don't see how this application can serve any worthwhile purpose, the same goes for most of the time wasting applications that are available on facebook... but particularly those who cause unnecessary fear or sadness.

Good on you Richard for putting this in the public eye and good luck!

beenabluebell replied on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 at 12:10 PM

beenabluebell — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:10:11 GMT

I doubt whether Facebook give a toss about our comments.

libertad replied on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 1:06 PM

libertad — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:06:18 GMT

Because cyberbullies can't see their victims they can't see the pain it's causing.

anon22 replied on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 12:45 PM

anon22 — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:45:45 GMT

Mark you're a genius right! Doesn't take a genius to figure out Honesty Box needs to go!
ps I still love Facebook x

valeter80 replied on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 12:27 PM

valeter80 — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:27:00 GMT

If Mark was bullied as a kid I bet he would do something about it.

7laudette7 replied on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 at 10:21 AM

7laudette7 — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:21:35 GMT

My 13 year old daughter is being bullied at school. Okay so its not cyber-bullying but I'll support anyone taking a stand against any form of bullying. Well done Reallyworried.

juicykid replied on Monday, May 05, 2008 at 11:48 AM

juicykid — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:48:16 GMT

I love going on Facebook but some people say nasty things in Honesty box so I think Facebook shouldn't allow it to be downloaded anymore.

fay replied on Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 2:36 PM

fay — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:36:53 GMT

WELL MARK HAS NOW DONE THE RIGHT THING!!!!!!!!!. BUT WHY DID IT TAKE HIM SO LONG TO REMOVE THE OFFENDING THING FROM HIS SITE? CAN ANYONE ACTUALLY CONFIRM THAT HE HAS ACTUALLY TAKEN THAT STEP YET OR WAS IT JUST HOT AIR?

SR200861 replied on Sunday, May 04, 2008 at 12:31 PM

SR200861 — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:31:38 GMT

Dear Mark Zuckerberg,

After last weeks security fiasco I think you could do with some good PR. Here's a great opportunity.

You should release a statement saying something like.

CYBERBULLYING

In light of recent criticism, we wish to make our position clear how Facebook feel about this unacceptable form of online behaviour.

Facebook do not condone cyberbullying, quite the contrary. After reviewing the Honesty Box application, I have decided to remove it off our site with immediate effect.

Kindest Regards, Mark.

RichBB replied on Friday, May 02, 2008 at 3:19 PM

RichBB — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:19:38 GMT

We know bullies can use social networking sites such as Facebook, and their many applications, as tools for targeting other users. Most users don't, but a minority are always finding new ways, and methods, to bully others.

Facebook, like all SNS, must have a duty to protect the interests of its users, and so really should be more vigilant about what applications they allow to be uploaded onto their platform. As a minimum, Facebook surely shouldn't host any applications that promote or encourage bullying, or even just make it easier for users to bully others.

zeppi replied on Friday, May 02, 2008 at 11:19 AM

zeppi — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:19:52 GMT

Hi Comfort Zone. If this is what's happening on Facebook now, I can't imagine what it'll be like by the time my three year old is old enough to go online.

zuggsxx replied on Friday, May 02, 2008 at 10:19 AM

zuggsxx — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:19:05 GMT

Mark if you were bullied i bet you'd remove it

daffodil replied on Friday, May 02, 2008 at 10:15 AM

daffodil — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:15:35 GMT

Maybe asking for it to be removed is a bit extreme. Are their not other simple measures that can be introduced that might help?

fay replied on Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 1:43 PM

fay — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:43:46 GMT

HE IS AWARE BUT WON'T DO NOTHING.

millsy replied on Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 1:36 PM

millsy — Thu, 01 May 2008 13:36:16 GMT

If Mark is aware of all the problems it's creating I'm sure he won't hesitate to act responsibly.

fay replied on Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 11:24 AM

fay — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:24:28 GMT

HAS ANYONE ELSE READ TODAY'S PENMAN AND SOMMERLAD'S PAGE IN TODAYS MIRROR??? FACEBOOK AND MYSPACE, QUOTE, FIRST SENTENCE "FRAUDSTERS HAVE FOUND A FRESH HUNTING GROUND-ONLINE NETWORKING SITES" IT GOES ON TO SAY RIPE PICKINGS FOR CANNY CONMEN WHO SAY THEY HAVE SEEN SOMEONES PICTURE ON THE SITE PLUS OF COURSE THEIR PROFILE AND YOU GET CONTACTED TO SAY YOU ARE PERFECT FOR A CAREER IN MODELLING OR ACTING, AND THE SCAM IS YOU GET A CHEQUE WHICH YOU ARE TOLD TO PAY IN AT ONCE AND TAKE YOUR 20% FEE AND SEND THE REST TO SOMEWHERE ELSE. OF COURSE THE CHEQUE IS NOT A VALID ONE WHICH IS HOW THE SCAM WORKS. THE NAME OF THE SCAM FIRM IS TRIDENT INCORPORATED AND THEY HAVE SCAMMED THOUSANDS OF POUNDS ALREADY.

cols replied on Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 10:53 AM

cols — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:53:44 GMT

Maybe it should carry a warning message 'Honesty Box can seriously damage your health.'

trinz replied on Thursday, May 01, 2008 at 8:55 AM

trinz — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:55:49 GMT

Dear Mr Zuckerberg

Fourteen year old Tiana Barbaza-Cousineau's Facebook 'friends' wrote on her Honesty Box: "You're a slut, you're a whore, you're fat, you don't deserve to be alive. Just stop talking already...no one wants to hear you."

Any comment Mark?

Have a good day.

fay replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 6:48 PM

fay — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:48:46 GMT

IF HE HAD BEEN BULLIED HE WOULD NOT HAVE THIS ATTACHEMENT , INSTEAD WOULD HAVE SAID HIS BIT . MONEY IS ALL THAT 23 YEAR OLD CARES ABOUT AND HE IS A VERY RICH YOUNG MAN AND THAT SAYS IT ALL.

tony30 replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 6:04 PM

tony30 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:04:21 GMT

Mark were you ever bullied as a kid?

karlo replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 5:58 PM

karlo — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:58:16 GMT

You justgot yourself another supporter. Go for 'em Richard

bellflowers replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 5:33 PM

bellflowers — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:33:06 GMT

It's the people who have been bullied that'll be your biggest supporters. I'm in!

sim009x replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 8:55 AM

sim009x — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:55:28 GMT

Hey Mark you ever heard of Stephanie Burlingham?

Net Bullies drove girl to death
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article1087688.ece

bigmax replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 8:39 AM

bigmax — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:39:11 GMT

Richard, the other day I said you're wasting your time. I didn't mean give up, I meant you need to get some real muscle behind you if you expect Facebook to back down and remove it. I first found out about Reallyworried when I saw you on BBC1 Breakfast have you tried talking with them. Maybe they'd give you another 5 minutes on the sofa. That's what you need. I'm sure you'd get the publics support. DON'T GIVE UP RICHARD

tan80x replied on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7:05 AM

tan80x — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:05:22 GMT

Bebo DO NOT have Honesty Box on their site.

millie20 replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 8:57 PM

millie20 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:57:37 GMT

Its not just facebook its bebo 2 and that site is more 4 kids so why just have a go at facebook?! I see no problems with facebook at all and if a chiled is silly enouth to add the app and get upset about it they shouldnt be using the site! applications dont just get added on there own people add them.

kassy replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 6:15 PM

kassy — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:15:11 GMT

facebook need to take some responsibility for this !!!

Patrick5132 replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:16 PM

Patrick5132 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:16:52 GMT

It's not Facebook, nor the developers of Honesty Box(s) fault, educate your children.Click the blue X in the top right hand of the corner of honesty box, and lo and behold goodbye problem. Teach your kids instead of yelling

Phobiac replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:16 PM

Phobiac — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:16:45 GMT

Another responsible adult, thank you denis1942.

denis1942 replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:11 PM

denis1942 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:11:43 GMT

Cyberbullies must have thought it was Christmas day when that came out! If I find out my grandchildren are using the Honesty Box I'll personally remove it.

Phobiac replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:11 PM

Phobiac — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:11:19 GMT

The only way to get rid of anonymous bullying in this day and age is to remove all avenues of communication, something which is impossible to do. I can send anonymous letters, text messages, emails, and instant messages. I can make anonymous phone calls, notes, and even start rumors that will never lead back to me. Getting rid of the HB application will NOT get rid of the problem. The only way to get rid of bullying, cyber or otherwise, is to TREAT THE CAUSE. You people are watching a house burn down and saying we should get rid of houses, when what we really need to do is educate people on how not to burn their house down. Teach kids how not to be bullies, not to be affected by bullies, or to stand up for themselves instead of making an attempt to stop them from being talked to. Emilyjane is the only responsible parent I've seen in this so far, instead of expecting Facebook to ban freedom of speech and choice on their website, she talked with her child about why she doesn't like HB.

jeanjeanie replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 5:06 PM

jeanjeanie — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:06:02 GMT

Facebook should be doing everything within its power to fight cyberbullying.

Patrick5132 replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 4:45 PM

Patrick5132 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:45:40 GMT

"Facebook allows its users to add an application, Honesty Box, to send and receive untraceable messages. This provides cyberbullies an opportunity to prey on their victims anonymously." (taken from "Really Worried" section)

The key words in this statement is "Allows its user to add...." Therefore they can take it off should they want to, its not a mandatory thing that they (the peers) have to use or even look at the messages sent by Honesty Box. Another thing is Honesty box is not owned or managed or developed by the people who bring us Facebook, it is a third-party application that is either acceptable or declineable at any given time. Facebook and the developers and Mark Zuckerberg have nothing to do with Honesty Box.

Patrick5132 replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 4:45 PM

Patrick5132 — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:45:30 GMT

kimbola replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 3:39 PM

kimbola — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:39:45 GMT

My turn again. I found this from New York Times March 17 2008

Some critics also believe it has become another weapon in the cyberbully’s arsenal. There have been reports at a high school in Palo Alto, Calif., of Honesty Box’s being used to slur male students because of their sexuality or to spread rumors about a female student.

Even more devastating, according to Michael Bloch, a junior at Palo Alto High School and the editor of the school Web site, was this message from one student to a classmate: “You should kill yourself. No one likes you.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/17/business/media/17honesty.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

kimbola replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 3:07 PM

kimbola — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:07:23 GMT

Well spotted dogsbody. I hope Zuckerberg see that one.

dogsbody replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 2:47 PM

dogsbody — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:47:15 GMT

Try this link
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?inarticleid=561796&inpageid=1770

dogsbody replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 2:43 PM

dogsbody — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:43:06 GMT

Girl, 14, hanged herself after she was the victim of relentless cyber-bullying for being bright
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/text/article.html?inarticleid=561796&inpageid=1770&inmainsection=&insubsection=&inchnid=

dogsbody replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 2:41 PM

dogsbody — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:41:16 GMT

Girl killed herself after bullying on internet
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/04/25/nbully125.xml

fay replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 12:30 PM

fay — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:30:34 GMT

I agree with you whole heartedly. Face Book should be policing it's site at 23 (the same age as my youngest son who got bullied at school I might , not now at 6! 2!!). he's so rich he does not give a damm, only the money matters to him as it would appear that MONEY IS GOD NOWADAYS AND PECESSIONS, MUST HAVE SOCIETY IF IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THE CASH TO BUY THEM WITH, people do not take responsibilties for anything today like when I was younger, At 66 and in a wheelchair I dare not go out at night because of all the kids hanging around which is rather threatning in their hoods and their parents dont care less either.

Welshcat replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 11:00 AM

Welshcat — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:13 GMT

ReallyWorried here's another website for you to look into http://www.RateMyTeachers.co.uk/

See what you make of that!!!!!

kimbola replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 10:22 AM

kimbola — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:22:02 GMT

You can withhold your phone number what's the difference!

Mrjones replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 10:12 AM

Mrjones — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:12:56 GMT

If you were aware of Facebooks policy why did you get User Operations to point it out? Did you not wish to be quote unquoted?

trinz replied on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 9:36 AM

trinz — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:36:25 GMT

Why would Mark be really worried? He's a 23 year old multi billionaire. He must know what's right and wrong!

RosieRach replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 8:26 PM

RosieRach — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:26:47 GMT

Even though I'm a Facebook addict - I do think it should take responsibility for cyberbullying.

If Facebook just took accountability - and traced users who abused the application - perhaps it would not need to be banned. But it is currently unacceptable that Facebook isn't taking responsiblity for people violating its site - when all it would need to do is warn that people who abuse the application will receive simliar action to those who make open threats etc.

Although Facebook says the Honesty Box is not their application - it's just someone else's application on their website - surely it is their problem too?

It's sad that people abuse what should just be a bit of fun though.

I really hope Facebook take notice Richard - I've been such a loyal fan of this website for a long time now and I feel like a hypocrite supporting something that cannot take responsibility for something that would make such a difference in the world of cyberbullying.

anon1959 replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 8:13 PM

anon1959 — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:13:34 GMT

Richard is only trying to make Facebook a safer environment for the children using it. I support that policy.

tellyman replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 7:55 PM

tellyman — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:55:20 GMT

WE KNOW ITS NOT THE CAUSE. NO ONES ARGUING THAT. THE FACT IS THE HB APPLICATION HELPS CYBERBULLIES DISH IT OUT ANONYMOUSLY AND THATS IRRESPONSIBLE OF FACEBOOK TO ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN ON THEIR SITE WHICH THEY KNOW KIDS POPULATE

I looked at that link, the creator of Honesty Box said "Honesty Box is a tool, but it’s people’s friends that use it. Blame your friends for being bullies, not the tool."

Not what I'd call the an appropriate response!

noworriezaga replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 7:33 PM

noworriezaga — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:33:08 GMT

1000 characters really isn't much....

Do read the article at http://www.allfacebook.com/2008/04/honesty-box-blamed-for-bullying/ for a more balanced and reasoned take on all of this.

By all means comment if you feel the need. Free speech and all :) Did I mention that I'm somewhat of a fan?

Once more I AM NOT CONDONING BULLYING NOR AM I MOCKING PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN BULLIED Bullying is a real problem! This application is not the cause of it, nor even a serious avenue for it. Banning it would prove nothing and solve nothing, but would probably cause more outrage and possible retribution than many of you realise.

You guys have the bull by the tiny hair on it's tail, not by the horns. Save some dignity and get on with your lives. There are issues out there worthy of attention, battles worth fighting...

noworriezaga replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 7:19 PM

noworriezaga — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:19:49 GMT

bigmax, this is not a Brits vs facebook issue, or Brits vs anything issue.

It is turning into a debate (I'm using the word loosely) between the follow-the-leader, scared-of-their-own-shadow, victims-of-life, irrational people who can't keep up with a basic common sense debate "team" vs Facebook + the developer + the 160 THOUSAND PLUS USERS of the application + the well adjusted normal folk who know this "issue" isn't. Blame? Responsibility? Establish that this application is a real problem, then prove censorship is the only solution first! If anyone thinks they have done either - think again!

Critical mass of support on this site (even if there was) is far from a slam dank in the real world!

I'm NOT condoning bullying. I empathise with those who are victims past and present.

I just do not believe that banning this application will make one iota of real difference. Yes a bully may abuse it. If you ban it, will that stop him? What next? Turn the internet off? Mail? Phones?

fay replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 6:47 PM

fay — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:47:20 GMT

obviously you condone bullying. The person behind it knew exactly what would happen therefore should not have invented in the first place. There are so many horrible people in the world whose only pleasure is to make other peoples life hell. At 66 I have been going thru 3 years of hell from a stalker, I dont respond to her emails or letters(no address) but they still keep coming because there is no way of stopping her. Block all her email addresses but she just gets new ones. I am severely disabled in a wheelchair as well as being 66 and she is making me ill. She is bullying me even though she does not know if I get the emails but she knows the letters arrie as they are posted, pity the post office dont lose them amongst all the other letters they lose. So I can sympaphise with the people some of which are kids as to what they are going thru. It is horrible. I just hope you are never on the recieving end one day then you will know just how distressing it all is.

thediana replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 5:46 PM

thediana — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:46:36 GMT

Honesty Box, Facebook, Zuckerberg, Rubin, applications, third parties, developers and anyone else concerned. Listen up.

I know what it's like to be bullied. I remember the shit I went through as a kid. I know what it's like to be too scared to go to school. I know what it's like to want to kill yourself.

Someone needs to listen up and do something about Honesty Box.

bigmax replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 5:27 PM

bigmax — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:27:23 GMT

Why would the big cheese at Facebook be worried about what a few of us Brits think about the Honesty Box. Richard I agree with you but you're wasting your time. Like you're fighting spirit though.

nixi replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 4:25 PM

nixi — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:25:35 GMT

I get bullied at times I wish I were dead

Mike1963 replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 4:13 PM

Mike1963 — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:13:51 GMT

Get rid of the app get rid of the problem.

millie20 replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 4:11 PM

millie20 — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:11:27 GMT

ok so i dont think is a good app at all but its is also up to the user if they have it on there profile or not

Phobiac replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 3:56 PM

Phobiac — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:56:29 GMT

Emilyjane, thank you for being a responsible parent and actually talking to your child about this instead of expecting Facebook to parent for you.

Phobiac replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 3:53 PM

Phobiac — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:53:10 GMT

I can't believe you're still arguing this. This shows me exactly what kind of person you are, one who can make advice but refuses to receive it. I'd love to go into a long winded explanation of exactly what Facebook is trying to explain to you, but you seem to not want to hear it. You're right and every one else is wrong.

Yes, Facebook could do something about this. Should they though? If Facebook starts removing the ability to add certain applications there will be nothing but backlash from the community. Instead of turning Facebook into a nanny state why don't parents just educate their children? Instead of going on a crusade against something that is harmless for most people, why not explain to your kids exactly what this application is and why you don't like it? You (as a parent) can stop your children from using it in the first place, or help them remove it if you so desire. Instead of having Facebook parent your kids for you, do it yourself.

fay replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 3:45 PM

fay — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:45:08 GMT

Thanks for the warning about my space. I log in from time to time and getting caught up in this attachement at 66.

emilyjane replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 3:07 PM

emilyjane — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:07:28 GMT

My 12 year old is always on Facebook so we discussed this Honesty Box thing. Shall we say she's no longer going to be using it!

zuggsxx replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 2:49 PM

zuggsxx — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:49:15 GMT

i know a girl at college who got some gross comment in her HB and she was dead upset.

noworriezaga replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 2:05 PM

noworriezaga — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:05:03 GMT

Well this "issue" seems to have predictably fizzled into nothing. Honesty Box survives, common sense prevails. I wonder if Mark lost any sleep over this one, if indeed he does stoop to answering his own email from complete strangers - highly unlikely.

Of the thousand ways one person could bully another person, anonymously or otherwise, this one would have to be one of the most harmless AND most avoidable. Think it through.

One could argue just as convincingly that this is a revolutionary idea, the value of which far exceeds the potential for harm.

What about the rights of the people ACTIVELY SEEKING positive and/or negative feedback? - ie the SAME people who purposefully INSTALLED the application for this very reason? What other avenues do they have to say to people "hey I'm prepared to listen to criticism/praise, have your say!". Very few, certainly if the people expected to give that honest feedback are not assured of anonymity.

Live your life people! Move along now.....

fay replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 1:02 PM

fay — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:02:20 GMT

You may only wind your mates up, but there are others out there who are making other lives hell. Think about that. Libel is wrong and is illegal so lies about someone are an offence in law. So I would be careful what you write in future.

leisha replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 12:04 PM

leisha — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:04:18 GMT

i use it to wind up my mates. it s a laugh.

kerenthom88 replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 10:50 AM

kerenthom88 — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:50:15 GMT

If someone wants to say something, say it to my face instead of hiding behind the anonymity.

ambalilly replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 10:45 AM

ambalilly — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:45:09 GMT

Could there be an age restriction on it?

SalParadise replied on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 4:06 AM

SalParadise — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:06:15 GMT

THIS "CAMPAIGN" MAKES NO SENSE.

"Honesty Box" is an optional application. YOU DON'T HAVE TO ADD IT.

If people "bully" using the Honesty Box, it is NOT the fault of the creators of the application!

This is the SAME as saying, if someone receives an unpleasant letter, that it is the fault of the person who manufactured the letterbox!

Informing kids of the potential dangers of Honesty Box is one thing. Saying that it should be REMOVED altogether as an application is utterly ridiculous.

After all, if you get bullied on Honesty Box, you can REMOVE IT. It takes LESS THAN A MINUTE to do so. This will end the bullying COMPLETELY.

WHY SPEND YOUR TIME WORRYING ABOUT A FORM OF BULLYING WHICH GIVES THE VICTIM COMPLETE CONTROL?

I'll tell you why. Because Facebook is a big website, and by attacking it, the guy behind this website gets some great publicity for his 'Really Worried' site. Think about it.

I'm "Really Worried" about this sneaky little campaign. Stick that in your Honesty Box.

motherofpearl replied on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 7:08 PM

motherofpearl — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:08:11 GMT

I'm sure he doesn't condone cyberbullying. However I do feel he should do everything in his power to make Facebook a safe site for all. The Honesty Box application is not going to help him achieve this. So if ever you read my comment Mark, listen to us and remove it.

fay replied on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 3:03 PM

fay — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:03:33 GMT

I HAVE TRIED UNSUBSCRIBING TO THINGS I NEVER EVEN SUBSCRIBED TO IN THE FIRST PLACE, ALSO SENT THEM EMAILS TO UNSUBSCRIBE ME TO NO EFFECT. JUST CLICKING ON UNSUBSCRIBE DOES NOT GET YOU UNSUBSCRIBED, HAVE YOU THOUGHT THAT THIS MAY BE THE CASE WITH THIS INSIDIOUS ATTACHEMENT, THAT YOU CANT GET RID OF IT????? TRY GETTING RID OF MEDICATION SITES TRYING TO FLOG VIAGRA AND DESPITE BEING TOLD THAT I AM SEVERELY DISABLED , IN A WHEELCHAIR, DONT HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT OR CREDIT CARD HAVE JUST HAD THE CHEEK TO SEND ME YET ANOTHER EMAIL AFTER UNSUBSCRIBING 8 TIMES, SAID I HAD ORDERED SOMETHING 2 MONTHS AGO WHEN I DID NOT AND WHY WOULD I AS AT MY AGE 65+ I DONT PAY FOR MY MEDICATION SO WHY WOULD I EVEN WANT TO PAY LET ALONE BUY VIAGRA WHEN MY HUSBAND AT 69 IS INCAPABLE OF SEX AND WITH SPINAL DAMAGE I CANT HAVE SEX, TRYING TO GET COMFORTABLE TO SLEEP AT NIGHT IS DIFFERCULT LET ALONE ATTEMPT SEX, BUT OF COURSE THIS JUST GOES TO PROVE THAT EVEN AFTER 15 YEARS OF NO SEX LOVE KEEPS US TOGETHER NOT SEX.

corri replied on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 12:56 PM

corri — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 12:56:07 GMT

ps It's also available in My Space!

Yanster replied on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 10:11 AM

Yanster — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:11:49 GMT

I don't condone any form of bullying. Bullying doesn't stop when you leave school, it can happen and does happen in the workplace. I'm not into facebook but I get the impression that people have lost the true meaning of what a friend is. People on facebook love themselves and want to show they are popular by accepting anyone as a friend. I work in an office where no one really likes eachother, where friendships/cliques are based on a common dislike of another person and where bullying is rife. You hear people bitch about people behind their backs and then to their face they act totally different. These are people who seem to have no life outside of work and hate to see other people happy. Instead of sorting out the problems in their own lives they make themselves feel better by making someone else's life a misery or try to. I had a look at facebook and most of these people are on it, friends with people they dislike! My point is sites like this attract bullies in the first place.

Morry replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 6:10 PM

Morry — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:10:01 GMT

I don't understand why Facebook allowed this on their site in the first place. Surely they must have foreseen a potential problem. I agree with Reallyworried, Facebook have a duty to remove it.

teachersupportnetwor replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 1:53 PM

teachersupportnetwor — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:53:41 GMT

Cyberbulling is a real problem around schools in the UK. Any use of mobile phones, social networking sites or other technology to deliver such messages can have terrible effects on both children and adults.

A survey conducted last year by Teacher Support Network and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers revealed that 17 per cent of respondents had experienced this type of abuse.

Only eight percent of those questioned said that they knew the school had a code of conduct relating to cyberbullying, with 19 percent of this group saying it was ineffectively enforced.

fay replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:46 PM

fay — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:46:32 GMT

SEE MY REPLY IN SIDE BOX NO 3 THE ONLY REPLY. DO YOU AGREE WITH MY MESSAGE TO THAT MARK???

jezz replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM

jezz — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:10:33 GMT

I found another comment by Dan Peguine the Honesty Box creator. Here's the link.

http://www.allfacebook.com/2008/04/honesty-box-blamed-for-bullying/

He said "we argue that Honesty Box is safer than sketchy anonymous notes people get in their bags or on their lockers.”

I hadn't heard of Honesty Box before this kicked off but I do agree it could encourage cyber bullying.

jewelz replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 10:57 AM

jewelz — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:57:06 GMT

This happened to a friend of mine but I think it was on Myspace.

jon32 replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 9:13 AM

jon32 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:13:51 GMT

Hi Richard, I think this might interest you. I've found a post on a site called allfacebook.com written by Dan Peguine the Honesty Box creator.

http://www.allfacebook.com/2008/04/honesty-box-blamed-for-bullying/#comments

He said "blame your friends for being bullies, not the tool."

It seems no one wants to accept responsibilty! This is getting very interesting.

kls08 replied on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 7:56 AM

kls08 — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:56:45 GMT

I think its Facebooks responsibilty not the developers. I'd have thought that Facebook wouldn't argue with that.

dantheman replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 8:55 PM

dantheman — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:55:47 GMT

Hey Mark why put yourself in the firing line. If you're aware of the problems it's creating then help be the one to solve them. Isn't it a no brainer?

MikeJ98 replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 8:08 PM

MikeJ98 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:08:41 GMT

You don't need to "remove" it, since it's not there when you get your account.

The only way you get an Honesty Box is if you yourself put it there, and it takes a lot of clicks to do so. Removing it takes just one or two clicks.

MikeJ98 replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 8:06 PM

MikeJ98 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:06:21 GMT

I'm sorry, but are you kidding? The "Honesty Box" is something you yourself put on your Facebook page. It takes half a dozen clicks and several "do you want to do this?" style questions to do it.

If you don't want people to send you anonymous messages, simply don't put it there.

Anybody who wants to send anonymous messages to someone else can do so simply by using any of a number of on-line E-mail services.

jan59 replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 3:37 PM

jan59 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:37:43 GMT

Sounds like the modern day poison pen letter. I'm sure Facebook will take this down when they realise the ramifications.

kiki replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 3:37 PM

kiki — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:37:19 GMT

The argument about removing the honesty box doesn't stand up - not when 10 year girls are receiving threatening messages and sending them thinking it is some kind of game and too afraid to tell their parents.

Come on Mark remove Honesty Box

kiki

Pickles replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 1:12 PM

Pickles — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:12:26 GMT

The Honesty Box - either one choses to add it to Facebook or not. So if one does not add it one does not receive messages?
Remove Honesty Box and don't get bullied.
Or did I misunderstand how it works?

fay replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 11:33 AM

fay — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:33:19 GMT

It is not just kids that are on the recieving end, adults as well. As a result of a chat room I have been stalked by a woman in Hungary for 3 years and I am 66 severely disabled and in a wheelchair. She even sends letters thru the post no address so cannot stop it, changes emails as fast as you block them.

mk29 replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 9:24 AM

mk29 — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:24:01 GMT

Richard's right. Would you allow your kids to have it? I doubt it very much.

marco replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 9:10 AM

marco — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:10:44 GMT

I saw this is the Londonpaper yesterday. You're quite right it is a dangerous application and I'm surprised Facebook allow it. Strange!

marco replied on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 9:10 AM

marco — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:10:41 GMT

I saw this is the Londonpaper yesterday. You're quite right it is a dangerous application and I'm surprised Facebook allow it. Strange!

tony30 replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 8:34 PM

tony30 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:34:50 GMT

They've got to concede if you get the support. Even without it their guilty.

aquarius08 replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 5:00 PM

aquarius08 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:00:49 GMT

I agree with Richard. Facebook should take responsibilty.

trinz replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 4:27 PM

trinz — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:27:15 GMT

Anything that encourages bullying should be stopped. If Facebook know this is going on on their site why don't they stop it.

trinz replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 4:26 PM

trinz — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:26:01 GMT

Anything that encourages bullying should be stopped.

xowainx replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 3:07 PM

xowainx — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:07:02 GMT

This is an utterly ridiculous non-issue. The honesty box is an OPT-IN application that users of Facebook have to CHOOSE to add to their page. You are not forced to use it, and if you have installed it, you can remove it at the simple click of a button. If people are worried about comments that could be left via it, simply DON'T PUT IT ON YOUR PAGE IN THE FIRST PLACE. If you have it on your page and have been left an abusive comment by it that has hurt you, REMOVE IT TO STOP IT HAPPENING AGAIN. If it happens repeatedly and you fail to remove it, you are making yourself the victim by leaving this avenue open and it is not the fault of Mark Zuckenberg if you choose to do this.

As I said, a ridiculous campaign. Spend your time and effort on something worthwhile.

jenzmum replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 1:12 PM

jenzmum — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:12:12 GMT

I just found out. Did you see my worry Richard. God bless you, you're a star. You can count me in, Love Jen x

Mike1963 replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 1:09 PM

Mike1963 — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:09:50 GMT

You got no chance of them pulling it! They have big bucks and POWER

Mishki replied on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 1:07 PM

Mishki — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:07:18 GMT

It never crossed my mind b4. Good point tho xxxx

Penny26 replied on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 3:03 PM

Penny26 — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:03:52 GMT

With regard to the Facebook "Honesty Box". I whole-heartedly agree that this should be removed from the site regardless of whether it is run by a third party. At 26 I've been through my fair share of insecure especially in my teens and am glad this did not exist when I was in the trenches! If your "friends" have something they honestly what to say about you to you, to should be said to your face. The whole thing is a receipe for disaster and it is sending kids/ teens the wrong message of how to interacte with your peers. Actually the more I write the more angry I am getting about this...I think I might send my own complaint to Facebook!!!