A Little Time and a Keyboard: Classmates.com, does everyone really need to see my yearbook?

Classmates.com, does everyone really need to see my yearbook?

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

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Whenever you open your email, you find little surprises. Whether it be news from a friend, information about yet another activity for your child, worked-related chatter, a sale ad for your favorite store, or that spam from a list you swear you have already removed yourself from, you always find something new morning, noon, and night. A couple of days ago, I received a real treat. A treat as in like why on Earth am I being sent this information and honestly it turns me off from your site treat.

My treat was a little email from Classmates. com asking me: "Is that you on page blah-blah-blah of your high school yearbook?" I mean seriously, you are pointing to me specifically in my yearbook. Well, of course, I had to see this. Sure enough, Classmates.com had identified me on a page of my yearbook and from a page where I am not identified in the photo nonetheless. How did that happen? A little creepy, don't you think?

I am not very comfortable with the fact that Classmates.com is identifying pictures of me. Really, do people need to be seeing pictures of me from a decade--ok, almost two--ago? Those are my pictures and mine to share. Yes, it is fun to reminisce and look at myself and my friends back in the day. (I went to high school with Kal Penn, so it can be neat to look through my yearbook. Don't worry, Kal! I won't post your pictures!) But, do those pictures really need to be so accessible on the internet?

Hmmmmm........


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Am I totally mad at Classmates.com for trying to be innovative? No, not really. But, I am wondering how many people are thrilled that their yearbook photos are so easily viewable. When we took those photos, we had no idea that they would end up in so public of forums. We had no concept not only because we were young but because the internet was not as pervasive as it is today. Sharing of information can be quite positive (as evidenced by so many wonderful sources that inform us about neat products, activities, attractions, etc.). However, sometimes the sharing is in overdrive. Seriously, are these yearbook photos adding to society?

I just marvel at the fact of how much there is out there that we do not know about. Thank goodness I have never done anything truly scandalous! Well, maybe I just haven't read about it yet.....

8 comments

  1. I wouldn't like it either. Like you said, it's creepy.

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    1. It's creepy--and I don't get who wants to see it anyway!

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  2. A lot creepy, if you ask me. I also think it's creepy when I get spam specific to my city. It makes my feel stalked.

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    1. That is creepy, too. Also, some sites can accurately link you to random friends that you knew long ago.

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  3. I guess they're trying to find some way to stay in business since Facebook took over the world. I have no need to see my yearbooks online - because I have them all in my basement. Nice try classmates.com

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    1. You are probably right. I am really surprised anyone still uses them. But, every now and then I receive an email that someone else from my class has joined. I haven't used it since I signed up probably 10 years ago.

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  4. I didn't know that classmates.com was still going. I assumed Facebook put them out of business. I'm with you though, I hate it when my Facebook friends post old pictures of me without my approval. Here I am trying to put forth a completely ideal version of myself and they're ruining it with proof of my adolescent coke bottle glasses and bad feathered haircut. I will not have it, I say! :)

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    1. I am surprised they are still around, too. I am there with you on the feathered hair. I totally don't want anyone to see that incriminating haircut!

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