I met a guy last year who was very aware of the rules about not contacting each other outside of MS. I haven't heard from him in a while, then I got a message that I should come visit him on his website. He seems nice enough, but I'm not sure if this is appropriate. Do you have any guidance? Thanks.

It's a well known fact that not everyone using internet communication represents themselves truthfully or has your best interest in mind when entering into communication with you. The guidelines are there as a means of urging caution when engaging in unmonitored, off site contact. They are not there as a Rule that says all off site contact is forbidden.

As stated in the guidelines we strongly urge participants here to use caution when contemplating or engaging in contact of this nature. It should also be noted that if users do take their communications off site and things go badly the fallout from this relationship is not to be brought back to the forums or the chat room. If you feel there is something the modteam needs to know please contact them privately about your concerns.

OK thanks.

Wow I had no idea we couldn't contact people outside this forum.

Mike,
You can do as you will. The guidelines here are simply safe boundaries in the event someone on this site is here w/o good motives.

That is correct, these are guidelines, safe boundaries, with rules in place to protect the one new beginning recovery, as well as the community.
As we recover, we can struggle with appropriate sharing and access, and can be vulnerable to possible harmful thoughts and behaviors, thus limiting our identity serves to limit that possibility.
I personally have found a strong recovery through limited access, able to share the struggle and recover.

WalkingSouth's guideline quote strongly urges caution when considering outside contact. While doing so may not cause a user to lose this resource, it does open up the possibility to be compromised, reinforcing the abuse. There is little MaleSurvivor can do after a user is uncomfortably compromised.

Consider carefully outside contact, weigh the risks versus the benefits. Why would a user need to contact you directly? PM's immediately go to the provided email address. MaleSurvivor has provided every opportunity to socialize and interact with other survivors.

If you are considering outside contact, or if there is a link to a website and you wish to view it, make sure you have interacted with this anonymous user for several months before considering exposing yourself, your identity, and your family to an unknown stranger.

I am confident you will make the right decision,
Sam

I would say be cautious due to him comming back later on and asking. There is chat and messages here, until you know someone well enough I would be shy about going to their website.

the fact u wrote a post shows u r concerned or not sure

MJ

GHA,

I completely agree with MJ, the fact that you posted the question is a sign that you're unsure if ti would be safe to engage in contact with this person. if you decide to do it, do it cautiously.
Take care!

Good advise MJ and Czaesar

Thanks WalkingSouth!