Other members talked him down, but I wanted verification from any friends. I had his IP and his service provider and was ready to call the provider and contact the authorities, but his friend verified he was ok and the member sent me a text. Did I handle this correctly?
I think you did a great job. Iguess there's always the chance that he's only seeking attention, but the consequence of that is wasted time or being fooled. That's much better situation than not doing anything and wondering if the people around did enough.
Good point. I guess I'm looking at the "what if." Is there a procedure I should have in place for such an instance in case they try to go through with something like this?
That was my concern. If he wants to be a drama queen, that's on him, but I do not intend to take any chances.
I have no experience running a mb. However, if someone is threatening suicide, I think you should do everything in your power to try to prevent it...so you did the right thing
Whether he is a drama queen or not you did the right thing to talk him down. In a situation like this its probably be better to err on the side of caution. One thing that worries me about online communities is that it seems like some people come to look at them as important or even more than real life communities and just like as people will crave physical attention some crave it online. With something as limited as a BBS there are real problems misreading people.
I say call the authorities on him anyways, just to be safe. What do you have to lose? At worst, he will learn his lesson not to joke about suicide. Trust me, a visit from the authorities will set him straight.
Either way, you'd sleep better w/ a lived drama queen. (that sounded weird) You did a great job FT! If a body catch a body...
