Danger in [Social Media] clubs

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The more things change, the more they stay the same. The following comes verbatim from Bob Mizer's AMG Physique Pictorial (vol.10 #2, p.21) which sports a photo of John Tristram posing poolside. Note how generalizable Mizer's 1960s 'public announcement' is to our present age of dominant social media and how...far(?) common-sense has come in forty odd years. Highlights added by author:

THERE'S DANGER IN PEN-PAL CLUBS!
Many of our readers have pleaded with us to provide a name-exchange service for the enthusiasts of physical culture who may be lonely and eager to share their enthusiasm with others, seek work-out partners, etc. We wish this were possible because under proper conditions such new associations could greatly enrich the lives of both. However, past experience has proven to us that the dangers and misfortunes which come out of correspondence clubs often for exceed the pleasure they may give. Essentially, the pen pal is a stranger, and any wise person will be cautious with strangers.

Among the correspondents may be "con-artists" who can cleverly work their way into your life, rob from you, or defraud you. You might, as have some, find on meeting your "letter-buddy" that he is a dangerous psychopath. (One man we knew met his death indirectly through just such an association.) Some zealous police provacateurs have gotten into such correspondence groups and then after inducing their innocent correspondent to break a morals law, have arrested him.

John Tristram 1935-1985

Being lonely is a sad thing, but not the most terrible thing in the world, (being dead or in jail would be much worse, don't you agree?) It is natural to want to meet new people who share our interests, but this must always be done with extreme caution. Make yourself a pleasant, helpful person who can be part of a well established group, that invites new members with discretion and makes them prove themselves before they are put in a position of trust. Every area has such groups, and by inquiring enough you are certain to find them.