Usage pics of strangers kids..

I am not trying to make any trouble. I am not picking on any one person. But this practice bothers me so much. Whether it is a picture or a link, I don't think it matters.

I feel like this is supposed to be a place of help and support. And when I see people posting pictures of other peoples kids and criticizing their usage or seat choice, I just feel like it is bad form. It seems contrary to this sites purpose.

Just because someone posts something online does not mean we should use a picture of a child they love, As a chance to pick them apart. Why not send them a message, with a link to here and tips on proper usage.

This place is amazing. I have learned so much and feel so much better about how I restrain my kids in the car and keep them as safe as I can. I share the link to this site with many people.

I just really feel like it is such bad form to continue this practice here. That this place is so much more than this. I can not help but wonder what it would feel like to come here, get comfy and become part of the community and then stumble across a picture of my child, and all the comments of my past usage.

I hope this is coming across as intended. Not a rebuke, or slam, but maybe a chance to help and bridge the distance.

If a blog or facebook page is public where everyone can view them, those links are generally allowed in the private Community Member Chat area of the forum. Pictures copied from private facebook pages or uploaded pictures of children that are not your own are generally not allowed.

When someone posts a picture in a public location such as a blog, facebook, or craigslist, those pictures are opened up to a wide audience. People need to be cautious anytime they post a picture up of their child. Many of those images go on to be searchable via google images.

As for a person coming here and stumbling across one of their own pictures of misuse, it can happen. We allow the discussions in the private forums though as it can be a learning tool to help people understand misuse or possibly realize that the seat may realy be used correctly. I remember a few years back, someone had posted a link to a blog with a picture of the sit & stroll carseat. They were all set to send a nasty e-mails regarding it being used incorrectly. Some people familiar with that seat though replied that the seat was installed correctly even though it looks strange.

Thanks for the explanation of the rules and guidelines. I guess my feelings are more about other peoples feelings. I don't like to see people embarrassed or made to feel badly over past mistakes.