Hey Everyone,
First of all, we can't start this discussion without a word from good ol' Gandalf --
"You Shall Not Pass!" -- Sometimes it certainly feels that way.
This thread is inspired by the fact that I am constantly having to open new online accounts (most often medical,) make up new passwords, and then somehow keep track of them all while maintaining their security. I have finally gotten to a point where I have to use an online password service that will generate, store, and fill out passwords automatically instead of me having to look them up every time.
I understand that a lot of people avoid a lot of online accounts, and I think that's wonderful for those who can manage it. I resisted online accounts for a very long time, but then realized I was going to be spending $15 a month on stamps to mail in bills, and I no longer trust the postal system for doing so.
I've been a loyal United States Postal Customer all my life, sending written letters and packages since I was a kid -- but the past few years have been terrible. My letters have been long-delayed, crinkled or damaged (one arrived with half the envelope torn off,) and some never arrived at all. It's gotten to a point where I have to text my friends when I send them something so they actively know to look for it. Mail theft has also gotten so bad that the last time I read, even the postal service itself tells you not to send checks through the mail!
I've listened to YouTube videos about how it is virtually impossible to keep your information offline unless you don't have a phone number, don't have any kind of accounts, and never apply for anything. I know a few people who don't have any crucial accounts online but they generally don't have many bills or are able to pay in person, never go to the doctor (so no medical accounts needed,) and don't have jobs that require them logging into a system.
I grew up in an era where every year, the phone company dumped a humongous directory on your driveway of everyone's name, phone number, and address (and I've seen some places that still do this.) But now we all try to protect our personal information -- even though it gets recorded, sold, and put online whenever we're forced to fill out a form.
How do you manage your passwords, security, and privacy, especially online?
* Do you come up with new passwords by yourself? How do you keep track of them all?
* Do you have any tips for keeping your number of online accounts to a minimum and protecting your private information?
* Do you pay bills through the mail rather than online? Have you had any problems with payments being late or never getting there?
For myself, I never fill out anything on a form that isn't required (if it says "optional", I always leave it blank,) and I never fill out my social security number unless it's absolutely necessary.
How about all of you?
I would really like to know how other people are dealing with this.
First of all, we can't start this discussion without a word from good ol' Gandalf --
"You Shall Not Pass!" -- Sometimes it certainly feels that way.
This thread is inspired by the fact that I am constantly having to open new online accounts (most often medical,) make up new passwords, and then somehow keep track of them all while maintaining their security. I have finally gotten to a point where I have to use an online password service that will generate, store, and fill out passwords automatically instead of me having to look them up every time.
I understand that a lot of people avoid a lot of online accounts, and I think that's wonderful for those who can manage it. I resisted online accounts for a very long time, but then realized I was going to be spending $15 a month on stamps to mail in bills, and I no longer trust the postal system for doing so.
I've been a loyal United States Postal Customer all my life, sending written letters and packages since I was a kid -- but the past few years have been terrible. My letters have been long-delayed, crinkled or damaged (one arrived with half the envelope torn off,) and some never arrived at all. It's gotten to a point where I have to text my friends when I send them something so they actively know to look for it. Mail theft has also gotten so bad that the last time I read, even the postal service itself tells you not to send checks through the mail!
I've listened to YouTube videos about how it is virtually impossible to keep your information offline unless you don't have a phone number, don't have any kind of accounts, and never apply for anything. I know a few people who don't have any crucial accounts online but they generally don't have many bills or are able to pay in person, never go to the doctor (so no medical accounts needed,) and don't have jobs that require them logging into a system.
I grew up in an era where every year, the phone company dumped a humongous directory on your driveway of everyone's name, phone number, and address (and I've seen some places that still do this.) But now we all try to protect our personal information -- even though it gets recorded, sold, and put online whenever we're forced to fill out a form.
How do you manage your passwords, security, and privacy, especially online?
* Do you come up with new passwords by yourself? How do you keep track of them all?
* Do you have any tips for keeping your number of online accounts to a minimum and protecting your private information?
* Do you pay bills through the mail rather than online? Have you had any problems with payments being late or never getting there?
For myself, I never fill out anything on a form that isn't required (if it says "optional", I always leave it blank,) and I never fill out my social security number unless it's absolutely necessary.
How about all of you?
I would really like to know how other people are dealing with this.
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