Thread: SearchBBM.com

While talking with some people at the BlackBerry Beta Zone today, someone mentioned a site called SearchBBM.com which has apparently been getting a lot of attention the past couple of days. The site's look is super clean and sharp. It actually looks like it could be growing and be the real deal.

As the URL name clearly states, this site aims to allow users of our favorite instant messaging platform to search for others' PINs and add them to BBM via the means of a search-engine-like interface. Which begs the question, does this site have some way of accessing our PINs without us knowing and connecting them to some searchable criteria?

How It Works

I tried typing a couple of friends' names that I know have BBM to see if the site did what it promised. I even tried typing my own name out to see if I was searchable and both times I got the "Nothing found in this criteria" message after I hit Search.

Then I noticed a little box in the corner urging me to "Connect" with either Facebook, Twitter, or by just registering. That's when it all made sense.

Upon connecting with either account the user is:

• Prompted to enter their PIN
• Asked to choose between 3 levels of privacy (Everyone, Social Friends, Require Approval)
• Asked to enter their email and cellphone number (A small note below states the user's number will not posted anywhere on the site)

For many this may actually be an awesome way to share their PINs and connect with either old buddies or new friends. If you don't believe me just search on twitter as a lot of people don't mind giving away their PIN to complete strangers. "It's just instant messaging."

For others like myself this may be a little too much. I like having control over who knows my PIN and who doesn't so at least I personally wont be joining this site. Yes, I know there's an ignore and block feature in BBM but in a time when too many people hide behind their digital screens (laptop, pc, or smartphone) and pretend to be something they're not it's a little scary to add strangers that could seem friendly at first. A little paranoid? Maybe but to each his/her own.

Let's hear what you think. Will you be joining SearchBBM.com? Why or why not?

So the site relies on everyone to register their PIN before it can become any fun to search?

And the reward would be to be able to have someone find you on their network. In the meantime, the site now has all your personal information. No thanks for me.

I wont be registering my PIN anytime soon!

Hey Joe

If you are so afraid to provide your details to an internet site, than you should; Delete your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Myspace, Friendster, Youtube, Gmail, or any other account you have online. Even here!

Look, I've looked at SearchBBM and it looks like a serious website. If some Hacker will want to get your PIN, they will get it. I suggest you check it out, and worst case scenerio, delete your profile.

Have a good and un-paranoid day man

Originally Posted by BBKingOFChat

Hey Joe

If you are so afraid to provide your details to an internet site, than you should; Delete your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Myspace, Friendster, Youtube, Gmail, or any other account you have online. Even here!

Look, I've looked at SearchBBM and it looks like a serious website. If some Hacker will want to get your PIN, they will get it. I suggest you check it out, and worst case scenerio, delete your profile.

Have a good and un-paranoid day man

He's not talking about Hacking or anything. What he's saying is that your PIN is available to anyone. Would you like it if someone started spamming your BBM by inviting you a billion times a day?

The problem with this site is that it makes sure that your PIN is up there 24/7, to everyone. With Social Networking sites, you can set it to show only to a couple friends, but with searchbbm.com, its there for everyone.

He's not being paranoid, he's being sensible.

Originally Posted by BBKingOFChat

Hey Joe

If you are so afraid to provide your details to an internet site, than you should; Delete your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Myspace, Friendster, Youtube, Gmail, or any other account you have online. Even here!

Look, I've looked at SearchBBM and it looks like a serious website. If some Hacker will want to get your PIN, they will get it. I suggest you check it out, and worst case scenerio, delete your profile.

Have a good and un-paranoid day man

If they had the option to choose whether or not you want your pin displayed then I might think about it. Here users are not forced to display their pin, its an option.

Originally Posted by BBKingOFChat

Hey Joe

If you are so afraid to provide your details to an internet site, than you should; Delete your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Myspace, Friendster, Youtube, Gmail, or any other account you have online. Even here!

Look, I've looked at SearchBBM and it looks like a serious website. If some Hacker will want to get your PIN, they will get it. I suggest you check it out, and worst case scenerio, delete your profile.

Have a good and un-paranoid day man

Are you from the site?

Originally Posted by Joe Jerde

Are you from the site?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
The BEST answer anyone could EVER have given

Originally Posted by sabisgeek

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
The BEST answer anyone could EVER have given

He is their mascote... lol ::elmo::