How about we abide by the commonly accepted definition of the word "doxxing", as per the world's major English language dictionaries. That way if you've got a problem with the definition you can send them an email and explain to them how wrong they are.
Search for and publish private or identifying information about (a particular individual) on the Internet, typically with malicious intent.
to publicly identify or publish private information about (someone) especially as a form of punishment or revenge
To publicly disclose the identity, address, or other personal details of (someone), especially as a form of online harassment.
to publish personal information about (a person) on the internet
Which is to say, they're all over the place. And lack specificity. Which is why things like standards
organizations come into play. As (presumably) an engineer, you and odeon both should understand
this. While sometimes standards cause problems with commonly used words, formal dictionaries
are actually liable to be WORSE in cases of technical terms entering the language.
We had the NIST definition already, but a better one are those closer to the internet usage:
the Internet-based practice of researching and broadcasting private or identifiable information (especially personally identifiable information) about an individual or organization
a technique of tracing someone or gather information about an individual using sources on the internet.
The notable thing here (and in the OED for what it matters) is that simply publishing information isn't sufficient. It has to be actively researched. It is neither something handed off via a trust
relationship, nor merely linking a name (perhaps via guesswork?).
What does that all mean? While there are more acceptable versions of the term than others
(and notably, the definition you've rallied to in order to please your source of tongue feces
is fairly weakly used, even in the least connected sources: dictionaries), it is understandable
that you, dunc, odeon, and others might make this mistake. All the more reason to SPECIFY
the term clearly, rather than just throwing it around, and assuming everyone can read
the site owner's mind.
In this though, Odeon is right - I haven't changed. I do believe that, in order to avoid future
problems, things (like the rules of the democracy, or a TOS) should be spelled out as clearly
and completely as possible.
