Silk Road forums

Discussion => Security => Topic started by: un1v4c222 on August 12, 2011, 08:31 pm

Title: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: un1v4c222 on August 12, 2011, 08:31 pm
  I've noticed a trend of including handwritten notes in photos of products, vendor name, date etc.  For the uber-paranoid: Why give out a handwriting sample to the world?  Forensic analysis of handwriting is a well developed science,  so it's almost like leaving a finger print in each photo.  A printed note will serve the purpose just as well.
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: streetpharmacy on August 15, 2011, 10:34 pm
Handwriting analysis is never going to be approved as hard evidence, but i guess this depends on the jurisdiction in your country. However, I think it is a big no-no!
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: Kind Bud on August 16, 2011, 03:35 pm
Handwriting is much more difficult to photoshop onto paper of a picture. Anyone can post a great generic picture of bud but the handwritten name date is pretty good evidence that the real person/group posted the photo.

It is a small security risk to the vendor, but it is good evidence of legitimacy and is a good thing for buyers to check for. It lessens the chance you are dealing with LE or a scam because at least the the vendor has the product.
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: happytree on August 17, 2011, 04:57 pm
OH- EM - GEE, I was just going to write a new thread on this! You guys read my mind.

Sellers, DO NOT USE YOUR OWN HAND-WRITING ON YOUR PHOTOS! While most sellers print shipping labels, any LE could compare a hand-written one to that of a photo. Come on guys, use yer noggins.

Just print on a MS Word document, and print it or something. For that matter, there isn't even a reason to write on the product. The product is associated with your listing. So, when the potential buyer clicks on image, it goes directly to listing/seller. No need to write on there.

Just my two Euros.
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: Raffael on August 17, 2011, 07:16 pm
I do my proof pics handwritten. I just use different writing styles than my real one.
Using special artistic pens such as ones with shining specks and such will make it even more authentic looking in 7MP photos.
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: myolddutch on August 17, 2011, 09:03 pm
For that matter, there isn't even a reason to write on the product. The product is associated with your listing. So, when the potential buyer clicks on image, it goes directly to listing/seller. No need to write on there.

Well it's about proving that the item in the photo is the actual item the buyer will receive, rather than advertising whose product it is.

I don't see a problem. I don't think handwriting analysis is anything like as sophisticated as OP believes. At least, not from a low-res shot of 2 or 3 written words anyway.

Or, if you are worried, write in plain block caps or with the pen in your left hand or something.
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: un1v4c222 on August 18, 2011, 12:57 am
@ streetpharmacy
Quote
Handwriting analysis is never going to be approved as hard evidence

I'm  thinking more at the level of building suspicion during an investigation.

@ myolddutch
Quote
I don't think handwriting analysis is anything like as sophisticated as OP believes.

I wouldn't jump to that conclusion, but your tips are helpful.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Handwritten Notes in Photos
Post by: Roger67 on August 18, 2011, 07:48 pm
I heard the LAPD consults handwriting specialists with 50% accuracy.