jeash, well we aren't talking about a commandment

"basically if you wouldn't want it repeated, don't say it." That's so perfect and it allows one to maintain integrity at the same time.

I am not sure of the legalities...but morally its a highly questionable act and I would think the conditions would have to be sincerely considered. There are many gray areas. Friends, clients and opponents would all be different. Posting personal info would be defamatory and inappropriate in almost all cases, yet posting another's personal response to a public posting would most likely be fair.

Don't try to make my post private when it is already public, don't say anything to me you that you wouldn't say in public. If it's that much of a secret it's probably a lie anyways.

I work under client confidentiality so for me to disclose personal info about others would be detrimental to me and my business. There is a world of difference between open discussion, private discussion, public discussion and making a point, manipulation, coercion, defamation of character, gossip and slander. Whats viewed as private information is very situational and subject to interpretation. People in public positions have less privacy, thats a no brainer. The Royals, politicians, stars, etc.

I have had some small people attempt to take a discussion off the board and have it "privately" or have sent me messages about a post in a passive aggressive attempt to "derail" my post/point/or what have you. Often this is a very adversarial approach.

I know one moderator who saw no limits in her attempt to get me to alter my postings to conform to her ideals and sent me multiple emails. (Note: Posts were on topic and non offensive.) There is a genuine lack of integrity when a moderator says things privately to a member that they don't want the public to view or are afraid to admit.

intelligence would dictate that when being adversarial, adversaries will use what ever they can against you, especially your own words...

I would say, adjust your tactics accordingly.