Interesting dilemma.

[SeatClutcher]

So, I have this PIN drive.

On this PIN drive, I backed up some files I wouldn't want to lose. Included were a ton of personal - per-son-al - letters and instant message conversations between me & Ian from when he was deployed.

I labeled the folders they were in with things no one would get nosy about, like "Recipes" and "scrapbooking" and "grandma and grandpa."

I brought the PIN drive to a copy center so I could have fliers made, took it with me when I left, and forgot about it for months.

Today I discovered all of my files are gone. GONE. What's left? Some logo for the copy center's CD label.

Now, I could go there and ask that they erase the files, but that would only create interest where there might be none.

It could be they saw what they'd done - "What's with all these folders? Delete!" - and that was the end of that.

But IF someone got nosy, well...ahem. I s'pose they'd have some interesting reading, but should I DO anything?

I was thinking I could write up some lame contract stipulating that if the letters/messages were to appear, say, online, or anywhere else, that Avalon would be subject to providing me with a ridiculous cash award, or something. I would then have a manager or two, maybe an owner, sign it.

Not that it would hold up in court - or would it?

I don't REALLY think it's worth it, but - I mean - there was a year's worth of stuff, much of it personal for more than the *dirty* reasons, in there.

Ack!

[laralen02]

I'm sorry you lost those special things...

I would definately contact them and ask. Even if they WERE recipes, etc, you'd want to know where they were, right?

[SeatClutcher]

I would. I would like to know!

(Thankfully, I didn't lose anything - they were copies for a backup.[Letters sent daily over a year ... it's kind of like a journal.] I would just prefer they're not read. ya know. By strangers. Actually, better strangers read them than someone I know! Ha!)

[laralen02]

Originally Posted by SeatClutcher

Actually, better strangers read them than someone I know! Ha!)

AMEN!

I'm glad you didn't lose them...at least you gave someone a thrill, right? (just kidding)

[MQAAord]

Was there anything personally identifiable in them? First & last names, addresses, phone numbers, anything like that?

If not, really I'd just let it go. Sure, it's highly personal to YOU, but if someone read it who wasn't able to identify an individual, it's never gonna come back to you, ya know?

You said it's been months, has there been any strange behavior noticed? Strange messages on AIM, anyway that you'd think someone had read your stuff?

If it's been this long, as embarassing as it is to think about personal stuff like that being "out there", I think I'd probably just let it go.

[SeatClutcher]

Good question, about important information (numbers, last names, etc.). I'll have to think about that.

Even if there is - it's been long enough.

Yeah. Letting it go.