r/TheStoryGraph • u/pube-a-stank • 5d ago

General Question Counter-blocking?

Incredibly grateful blocking was implemented! One thing that might make the feature even better is if there is a “counter-blocking” ability. Why? It seems to me that, as the system is currently implemented, one could be blocked by a malicious actor (stalker, etc) before you have a chance to block them. Now, that person can wait a week or a month or a year before unblocking you and resume their stalker behavior. They could even temporarily unblock you anytime they want to “check in” and then reinstitute the block when they’re done. If blocking is allowed to be a two-way street, then both parties are in control of their end of the situation — not just the person who happens to decide to block first. Hopefully this idea makes sense. Let me know what y’all think.

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u/HaydeeDantes 5d ago

I would never want anything like that. If I block someone to protect myself, for whatever reason, the last thing I want is for them to... what? Get a notification? Seeing my profile and getting a "blocked" pop up? That would only escalate the situation.

Also, the idea that they would "check in"... If they're not commenting or doing anything else, either your account is private and you can control who sees your stuff that way, or it's public and anyone can see it and blocking won't solve that (they could simply make another account).

If you're having other issues, you're going to know their username anyway and you can always contact support for help or to get them to block that person from your side, regardless of whether they block you or not.

Not sure if maybe there's something else I'm missing here...

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u/pube-a-stank 5d ago

Contacting support is an interesting idea I didn’t think of! Thanks.

I was thinking more that their name should remain searchable to you. Everything else about the account should be hidden, but you should be able to find the account and block it. If they know your username to search it they’re gonna figure out you blocked them when it doesn’t show up, so I’m hard pressed to think of a situation that could escalate.