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Celtic Radio Community > Retro Computers > Tracking Forum Post

Posted by: Monarchs Own 13-May-2007, 11:58 PM

I have to start with a short story and then I will come to my question.

I am in a forum where german military wives are talking about a various of things. Now a short while ago a new member joined. After some discussion (I don't know the exact details) she left and joined another Forum. This new forum considers themself Pro USA and some of our members went over there to straighten facts out regarding the new member which told very big lies about our forum.

Now this forum started threatening some of our members and even went so far that they said they will find out exactly where those members are and take steps. Whatever that means.

Is it possible to track a post on a forum to an IP address? I know you can with an e-mail.

Since I just joined to read the issue to get a clearer picture I don't think it is a problem for me but I am worried about some of the others - which left quite some posts to defend either the US, the Military or themselves.

I am so glad that I we are a nice family here and don't have such issues.

If somebody could answer my question - that would be great. Thanks for the time and effort from any who takes time to read this.

Posted by: Macfive 14-May-2007, 04:58 AM

If you are the forum administrator you can see the IP addresses of the members.

This will allow you to track possibly who their ISP is. However, there are so many reassignments of IP #s and companies involved that it is sometimes a daunting task.

People also don't have a static IP address (meaning it stays the same). Some have a dynamic IP address which changes all the time.

The bottom line: No, even with a IP address they can not find out where you live unless the person is in law enforcement and does something illegal to track you. Even then, they would have to go to your ISP and get your address information and ISP's do not release this information to anyone without a court order.

Now the other item to be concerned with is what have you released about yourself on the internet? It is possible they could find a post or address that you made and track the IP address that way.

I'm so glad we are not plagued by people like you described. If they show up I wll just delete them...........

Someone give me my eraser!

Posted by: Monarchs Own 14-May-2007, 05:07 AM

Thanks MacFive - I didn't post anything about me. I was just wondering since some of the member of the german forum did. And they were threatned by some administrators that they have their address and know where they live.

I thought so myself that it couldn't be that easy but you never know.

I really appreciate your answer.