Question For Administrator..

[Anonymous]

I posted an ad in "Nannies Looking for Jobs" awhile back. Someone responded to my ad but didn't leave any contact information. Someone else then posted asking for their phone number. I realize there is probably no rule against this, but it is a little strange. Since the person who replied to my ad was talking to me (my ad contained a bit of personal information) is this person going to pretend to work where I work, be the same age as me, essentially pretend to be me? Am I reading too far into this?
Anyways, I was just wondering if there is a certain etiquette to follow, or if anything could be done about this.

[jsteele]

Without seeing the messages in question, my first reaction is that the third poster may have been asking for your phone number. Even if you included your phone number, I would not be surprised if someone was asking for it.

But, assuming your interpretation is correct, it is certainly inconsiderate and I would encourage you to post a follow-up pointing out that someone was trying to hijack not only your message thread, but a potential employer.

I see a number of strange behaviors on this website, especially by nannies looking for jobs. Much of that may be due to language difficulties or lack of familiarity with the Internet. So, its possible someone was responding in what they believed to be an acceptable manner. Its really hard to say.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your response. This is the ad I posted-
http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/602.page

I think if the person leaves their phone number I will call and explain the situation.
I figure there's not much point in being confrontational in an anonymous online forum.

[jsteele]

After reading the messages, it does appear that another nanny was trying to steal your potential employer. I had an idea that might be helpful. Since you didn't leave your own phone number or email, I assume you are understandably concerned about giving out private information on the Internet. Potential employers might share a similar concern, so you could have no way to get in touch with each other. Or, if someone left their info, other nannies could respond to it as well (as your current experience illustrates). However, if you establish an account on this website and login, you have a "private message" option. In that case, you can request people send you a private message. Nobody will know your real email address, but you will get email notifications when you get a pm. That might work better for you.