Whenever I find out something interesting, useful or informative related to blogging, I like to write a post about it and put it in my "Blogging 101" category. Because I figure, if I don't know about this then a lot of other people might not know this either.
This one came up recently during my major error of judgement when I deleted my domain name. When I was trying to work out what was going on with my domain, I was directed to a place where I could type in my url and it would give me details on how long it would be until my domain expired, and was released into the wild.
So I went along to this website called Whois. Typed in my domain name, and low and behold there was my (old) home address, full name and phone number. Out there for the world to see, and find.
Obviously I have been wary of late about too many of my details getting out there after that incident with the super creepy guy. And here is all my freaking details. So readily available.
I was mortified! Domain Privacy is an option when signing up for a domain, but at the time I was just thinking, oh yeah, just another added cost for whatever.
I had no idea what I was doing!
Do You Need Domain Privacy?
I searched the domains of 10 bloggers that I follow, and here are the results.
- REMOVED FOR PRIVACY REASONS (no duh)
I'm sorry to freak you ladies out right now. But 7 out of 10 blogs I just checked, have all their details out there. Which i'm sure is news to you.
What Can You Do?
Domain Privacy is an option available on all Domain Registries. It should only cost you about $9.95 a year to have. Which I can now stress is totally worth it. As all your details are out there. Even if you change your details to something more anonymous, all your previous changes show up as well.
There you go. This has been a Public Service Announcement for all my blogger babes out there.
Stay safe!
Cya! xx
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16 comments
Ah that's actually quite scary!!
ReplyDeleteCandice | Beauty Candy Loves
That is quite scary. Fortunately, mine is private and only the details of my host are there. Apparently, I'm Utah based! :D
ReplyDeleteI herd about this, i totally changed my address and details and everything!!! Its good that you wrote a post on this!!
ReplyDeleteThis Damsel Loves Blog
This is so scary! I'm totally securing my domain. Thanks for the tip x
ReplyDeleteOh my days this is scary, I've just checked mine and ALL my details are there! Sheesh, definitely getting that sorted ASAP!
ReplyDelete--
Pretty Mad Things .. xo
I can't remember if when I registered my domain, if I hid my details (even though it was only late July I done it, I know...my memory is terrible!) But just checked on Whois and thank god, I chose to have my address omitted! I was really panicking for a moment.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, this post - I'll definitely share it!!
Meg | A Little Twist Of…
Brilliant post, though mine seems to be more difficult to sort out than yours was. There definitely needs to be more awareness of this!
ReplyDeleteMegan | Lazy Thoughts
Eek, this is crazy scary, thanks for the heads up, Tegan! I haven'y gotten my own domain yet though I'll definitely keep this in mind when I do!
ReplyDeleteMay | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'
Holy shit this is so scary! x
ReplyDeletepoundingyounghearts.blogspot.com
I checked it out and I think mine are all private and safe thank god!! Thanks for posting this, how scary!
ReplyDeleteOh.My.God. As IF I didn't already know/think about this how stupid do I feel right now. Girl...
ReplyDeleteKindly,
Sheree
OH SHIT. When you showed the site, I literally freaked the eff out. Until I realized I bought the GoDaddy package with privacy. Phew...OR IS IT?!
ReplyDeletexx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin'
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMine is on Namecheap and they provided free WHOISGUARD for a year, I didn't know that they could see your details if you didn't but when I searched my domain it just had a lot ow "WHOISGUARD" written in and some other stuff I didn't understand, phew! Also good luck with your domain <3
ReplyDeleteThe Quirky Queer
It's so scary that this information is available to anyone and personally I don't think you should have to pay to be secure. Ugh super creepy! Thanks for sharing Tegan!
ReplyDeletewww.sophieslittlesecrets.co.uk
Wow, thanks so much for this post! I've been considering purchasing my own domain name for awhile now, but I had no idea that all this info could be out in the open. Thanks for the warning!
ReplyDeleteEmily // Lynde Avenue
Thanks so much for commenting everyone! I read and appreciate every single one of your comments! xx