A couple of days ago, I was invited to test a beta version of a customized social networking community on the web. I agreed to check it out albeit somewhat apprehensively because … well, my hermit-like lifestyle could go out the door. But because I have participated in this community in some other capacity, I said OK. Besides, it’s in beta. How bad could it be?
As I created my profile, I dutifully answered the questions posed before me (Big mistake No. 1!). I could feel my insides churn as I submitted the information for ‘membership.’ Sure enough, when I clicked on my profile, it is there for the world to see. Holy Molly! Did I have a mini-freak out! First thing I did was look for the word ‘edit.’ I deleted some things I could, but some personal stuff are still there. Thankfully, when I uploaded a photo, it comes out black! I was thinking the universe out there is looking out after me. But of course when you click on the black frame, you will see my face.
Sigh.
I took a deep breath. I chilled. I emailed the administrator of the site. He said he’ll activate the privacy feature. I asked him to make everything I wrote private. After all, I only signed up to try and crash the program. Basically doing QA. To identify the bugs. So far, everything is working. And everything I’ve done is still plastered all over. I think the administrator of the site is getting ready to launch it. He did a good job. I’m sure people will love the feature, but frankly, I am not sure it is for me. Here’s why:
Thanks to Happyslip, who eloquently captured how I feel. 
From HappySlip
Meanwhile, I am waiting for the administrator to tell me how to turn on the Privacy feature of the program. Or for that matter, where to find it on the site! I scoured that site with my squinting eyes looking for the word ’settings’ or ‘privacy’ and could not find it. Tip: When given the chance to configure settings as you sign up, DO NOT SKIP the step. It’ll save you a bit of trouble later.
To all my nieces/nephews and friends who have invited me to join some version of this social networking stuff on the web before, know that I agreed to test, OK. That’s it! Yes, I know that your invitations have languished in my inbox never to be retrieved. And that’s final!
