Certification — Newbie Nudist Area on True Nudists

Gerry-4Original Poster

May 16, 2010

There is a lot of information concerning certification all over the Froum threads, but it's not all in one same place. Therefore, I'm posting this message to try to get everything in one place as much as possible. Certification is a way to prove that you are who you are. We may not know your real name, but at least we can't say you're hiding behind a fake identity, i.e. a male pretending to be female, etc. While "certification" is not necessarily synonymous with "trustworthy," we tend to more easily trust members who are certified because they took that extra step to show they intend to be genuine. You will be required to submit two photos of yourself to the site administrator for certification purposes. In one photo you must be nude and in the other you must, unfortunately, be clothed. BOTH PHOTOS MUST INCLUDE YOUR FACE. In each you must carry a piece of paper on which your username and "truenudists" can be clearly seen. THESE ARE FOR CERTIFICATION PURPOSES ONLY. In other words, they do not get posted to your profile unless you post them there yourself. So if you don't want anyone else to see your face except for the site administrator, you can do that. NOTE: Many members here would like to put a face to a member's username, but it's entirely up to you whether you want to show your face or not. Likewise, aside from the nude photo you must send for certification purposes, none of your other photos need ever be nude. It's entirely up to you. When I submitted my photos for certification, I printed out the information needed on a letter-sized sheet of paper to make sure it could be read easily. You can just take a pen or a marker and do the same thing by hand. Whatever you do, DON'T try to photoshop the information afterward. That will result in your attempt at certification being rejected. Also, keep in mind that the photos must conform to the size requirements of the site. Sometimes, changing the format, like from JPEG to Bitmap, will do the trick. Other times, you may have to actually resize your photo, either by cropping it or by using a computer feature to make the photo smaller. The important thing is to keep it below 1 MB. I hope this helps. If any other veterans here have anything to add, please feel free to do so.EDITEDon May 17, 2010, for clarification purposes.EDITED FURTHERon June 4. See message 31 onpage three.

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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
May 17, 2010
Indeed, there are more people here than you think who actually have trouble getting it right. I don't know if the instructions just aren't clear or if it depends on the mood you're in when you read them, but not everybody "gets it," at least not the first time. I know of at least one member who is now certified and who was here a very long time before finally understanding what had to be done to become certified. That person's intelligence is NOT in question. It's just that, for some reason, it was never done right until recently.

We hope that those who don't succeed the first time keep trying. If needed, ask your certified friends for help.
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CO
Curt, or Cowboy
May 17, 2010
Personally, I have some mixed feelings about certification.
Yes, it does "tend to suggest" a genuine person, but it doesn't really prove anything.
For me, it's all about how one conducts themselves "in public." ( meaning chat, forums, and such )
True, we ( OK, me ) have been duped by one or two non-certified individuals in the forums, but since it's
about interaction for me, and I'm not a 20-something female, it's not a problem so much.
Still, it's a really good idea.
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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
May 17, 2010
You're not the only one who has been "duped," Curt. I've lost a few "friends" who were outed when someone somewhere noticed they looked a lot like a famous Italian actress or other person of note. In some cases (though not all), I hope they come back as themselves, since aside from not being who they claimed they were, they weren't otherwise disrupting the site or causing trouble.
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ME
Member
May 17, 2010
[quote]You're not the only one who has been "duped," Curt. I've lost a few "friends" who were outed when someone somewhere noticed they looked a lot like a famous Italian actress or other person of note. In some cases (though not all), I hope they come back as themselves, since aside from not being who they claimed they were, they weren't otherwise disrupting the site or causing trouble.[/quote] LOL, Curt and Gerry...you guys just proved the certification point altogether. Curt, I know a few of the profiles you've been duped by...one of them got me. Gerry, I'm pretty sure I know which profile you are referring to. None of them were certified members. How can you be when you can't provide a picture in a similar setting-one nude/one clothed, each holding the same sign? To reiterate what several have already said - certification does not mean one is a nice person, it simply means that one has proven to site admin that they are the person in the pics that are being posted.
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ME
Member
May 17, 2010
[quote]I'd just like to add my $0.02 - the fact that someone does not get certified straight away needn't mean they're a bad person, it could just be that they have misgivings about sending a nude pic to someone they know nothing about, who for all they know might be planning to post it on a porn site or send it to their boss ... So please be tolerant of people who don't take the plunge right away; if you make them feel comfortable and welcome, they're more likely to trust the process.[/quote] Very well said, Freedom, thank you! We were on the site for about a month before we decided to become certified. Steve waited until I felt comfortable enough with the site amd the process. Jen
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CD
Cheri Donna Dawson
May 18, 2010
[quote][quote]You're not the only one who has been "duped," Curt. I've lost a few "friends" who were outed when someone somewhere noticed they looked a lot like a famous Italian actress or other person of note. In some cases (though not all), I hope they come back as themselves, since aside from not being who they claimed they were, they weren't otherwise disrupting the site or causing trouble.[/quote] LOL, Curt and Gerry...you guys just proved the certification point altogether. Curt, I know a few of the profiles you've been duped by...one of them got me. Gerry, I'm pretty sure I know which profile you are referring to. None of them were certified members. How can you be when you can't provide a picture in a similar setting-one nude/one clothed, each holding the same sign? To reiterate what several have already said - certification does not mean one is a nice person, it simply means that one has proven to site admin that they are the person in the pics that are being posted.[/quote] It takes a little effort, but it is worth it. IMHO
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ME
Member
May 18, 2010
[quote]I'd just like to add my $0.02 - the fact that someone does not get certified straight away needn't mean they're a bad person, it could just be that they have misgivings about sending a nude pic to someone they know nothing about, who for all they know might be planning to post it on a porn site or send it to their boss ... So please be tolerant of people who don't take the plunge right away; if you make them feel comfortable and welcome, they're more likely to trust the process.[/quote] It's not just the site or admin here I don't trust. I don't trust any of the ten+ ISPs that the picture will travel through to get to TN's server, or any of the other snoops along the way. I study internet security, so you could call it "educated paranoia". You can all trust that I am not claiming to be someone that I'm not, because I am not claiming to be anyone at all.
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CO
Curt, or Cowboy
May 18, 2010
[quote][quote][/quote]It's not just the site or admin here I don't trust. I don't trust any of the ten+ ISPs that the picture will travel through to get to TN's server, or any of the other snoops along the way.[/quote] Then, you don't really know how routing works, do you ? Site submission is not e-mail. [quote]I study internet security, so you could call it "educated paranoia". You can all trust that I am not claiming to be someone that I'm not, because I am not claiming to be anyone at all. [/quote] Well, I wrote some of it. Yes, it's "theoretically" possible to capture the wire, and later decode. The likelihood, unless someone is REALLY out to get you, is pretty close to zero. "Internet security" is really not a valid excuse to not certify. It's quite a valid excuse to not e-mail credit card numbers, but this is a whole 'nother thing.
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CO
Curt, or Cowboy
May 18, 2010
[quote][quote][/quote]LOL, Curt and Gerry...you guys just proved the certification point altogether. [/quote] Doffs hat and takes a bow....
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ME
Member
May 18, 2010
[quote]Then, you don't really know how routing works, do you ?[/quote] ? lets see. traceroute? 31 hops outside my network. Sorry I seem to have under guesstimated. That is how it works Not that I would do it through a "safer" encrypted tunnel either. "not a good reason?" Good enough for me. Like I said I'm paranoid. What is theoretical today is an iPhone app tomorrow.
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ME
Member
May 18, 2010
WOW. (EDIT- to remove the sarcasm) Good thing I didn't spell something wrong.
A simple rule is "if you don't want to see it on the front page of tomorrows news paper, don't send it over the internet without encryption."
Back on topic please..
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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
May 19, 2010
In my opinion (which is worth about two cents, I guess), there's nothing wrong with going "off-topic" if it leads to useful information. And while some Internet dangers may be overrated, it's never a bad idea to follow a few safety guidelines.

That said, my goal was to help people who WANT to be certified succeed in doing so. There are people here who aren't certified, and never will be, but are probably nice people all the same. I like to give the benefit of the doubt, even if I get burned now and then, rather than risk being inordinately suspicious.
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CO
Curt, or Cowboy
May 19, 2010
[quote]A simple rule is "if you don't want to see it on the front page of tomorrows news paper, don't send it over the internet without encryption." [/quote] I'd go a step further, and include ANY wireless medium, such as cell phone photo's, but still, the ORIGINAL intent of the thread was the value of certification, and how that is accomplished. Fear of internet is not a good reason, or even excuse, when taken alone, to not certify. Your personal situation may be slightly different. *IF* certification was by e-mail, then my stance would be different, as I alluded to in my first.
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ME
Member
May 19, 2010
...double post
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ME
Member
May 19, 2010
[quote] My previous post addressed a lack of understanding of the nature of the Internet. Whether you would prefer to remain unaware of the facts is irrelevant.[/quote] Your previous post was answering mine and my post was simply expanding on the one immediately prior. I at the time didn't get in to all the details of how the internet works. So, we have established that yes- internet traffic passes through many routers (in packets). I never said otherwise- no misunderstanding there. [quote] The forum has many readers amongst our members and lurkers. They are entitled to have the information necessary to make an informed decision. [/quote] I'm sure they appreciate the lesson. [quote]Paranoia is counterproductive. [/quote] True. But that was my way of saying "I understand this is my issue. You don't need to follow my lead." Please everyone choose your own level of trust. [quote] IAC, I seriously doubt that the network news or the New York Times has any interest in TN's certification photos.[/quote] I don't care if it's the Berkshire Eagle. That is just a simple reality check I use when sending information. [quote]Fear of internet is not a good reason, or even excuse, WHEN TAKEN ALONE, to not certify[/quote] I don't think fear was ever the issue. I don't TRUST certain aspects of the internet. Once again, there was a miscommunication. This is not MY reason not to certify either, but it would be a good enough reason. I simply can't think of a reason I'd want to get certified.
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ME
Member
May 19, 2010
Certified or not, We for one (ummm...two?) are looking forward to the opportunity to meeting you in June. Sure hope that comes to pass!
Jen and Steve
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ME
Member
May 19, 2010
[quote]Certified or not, We for one (ummm...two?) are looking forward to the opportunity to meeting you in June. Sure hope that comes to pass! Jen and Steve[/quote] Thank you so much. I just hope I don't have to work that day. Seems every time I make plans on the weekend I get called in. (imagines Bill Lumburg- we're going to need you on Saterday...) Looking forward to meeting you both and anyone else from here that joins in.
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IV
IvanMatos
May 29, 2010
[quote][quote]I'd just like to add my $0.02 - the fact that someone does not get certified straight away needn't mean they're a bad person, it could just be that they have misgivings about sending a nude pic to someone they know nothing about, who for all they know might be planning to post it on a porn site or send it to their boss ... So please be tolerant of people who don't take the plunge right away; if you make them feel comfortable and welcome, they're more likely to trust the process.[/quote] It's not just the site or admin here I don't trust. I don't trust any of the ten+ ISPs that the picture will travel through to get to TN's server, or any of the other snoops along the way. I study internet security, so you could call it "educated paranoia". You can all trust that I am not claiming to be someone that I'm not, because I am not claiming to be anyone at all. [/quote] my $0.02 if you are worried of someone seeing you naked... why are you a nudist? or in this site? I've never had a nude picture before but the fact that is required and the way it works insures me that is safe. I'm also IT and if you like porn just google it! I'm new here and feel comfortable with the place! a clean respectful place for the nude people not a porn site in disguise! just a tough...
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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
May 30, 2010
Whether we like it or not, the Internet age has blown almost everything entirely open. You have a right to privacy, but you may have to temper your expectations more than you did in, say, the 1980s. Either that or live in total isolation. Life's too short for that.

Besides, if a door closes, chances are another one will open somewhere else. Just don't burn too many bridges along the way. So far, that's worked for me.
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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
Jun 4, 2010
Other links worth checking: TN Photos 101:http://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=6863TN Certification Photos 101:http://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=8257Frequently Asked Questions:http://www.truenudists.com/forum/viewthread.php?id=7109
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ME
Member
Jun 20, 2010
Thanks FreedomRider, I have a very valid reason for not trying for for certification, a friend has borrowed my camera to go on holiday with, so have to wait now for its return.
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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
Jun 25, 2010
Bump -- in case someone still doesn't know.
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CA
caster1
Jul 1, 2010
[quote][quote][/quote] my $0.02 if you are worried of someone seeing you naked... why are you a nudist? or in this site? I've never had a nude picture before but the fact that is required and the way it works insures me that is safe. [/quote] I don't consider posting nude pictures of myself or my wife as part of being a nudist. True, I do not care who sees me nude in person but posting pictures on the internet isn't for me. That borders on exhibitionism IMHO. Sharing pictures with each other from an outting is no different than any other situation, but not live on the web. Digital media is a double edge sword and too easy to exploit. I rarely post any pictures of myself on other forums I use. So we'll just have to meet up with some of you to verify/certify we're real and who we say we are. Sorry.
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GE
Gerry-4Original Poster
Jul 4, 2010
Time for a bump.
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