Why can't I log out???

[Sooz]

One of my favorite boards is over at http://www.gingerstamp.com/bboard/board_home/
 -- it's a board for card crafting and rubber stamping and I've been a member for many years (decades!).

It used to be that, after I registered, I'd log in, type in my PW, then I could gain access to the stamping board, and then when I quite Safari, all would close...and next time, I'd have to repeat the process to log in.  There is no logout button.

Lately, I'm always signed in, no matter what. I've tried clearing my cache, clearing cookies, clearing history, and even restarting my computer.

I do not ever opt for "save password for this site" on my iMac.

I posted this question over at the stamping board itself, but only received one reply from a member who asked "How do you stay logged in? I have to add my email and password every time I come to the board."

Thanks for any help! 
Smiles,
Sooz 

[Xairbusdriver]

That is one stubborn link! It appears to really want to see a cookie before even opening the sign-in page.

I finally just went to the 'home' page: http://www.gingerstamp.com

My first suggestion/question: Have you tried a different browser or device?
Secondly, how have you been deleting cookies or emptying the browser's cache?
Do you have Cocktail installed? (note: be sure to install the version for your OS [10.10, 11, 12, 13 or 14]) You can run it in Demo mode up to 10 times and it is only $19 for a full license. ( can't remember the last time I paid for an update. )
Lastly, does that site have a setting in your Profile that allows you to sign-in automatically? This would be separate from the checkbox on the sign-in dialog.

[jchuzi]

I had a related problem with one site. Now, whenever I access it, I open a private window. In Safari, you can do this by going to File > New Private Window. You may have an older version of Safari that doesn't do this, but other browsers may be so equipped. In Private mode, cookies and other cached data are automatically removed when you close the window.

[Sooz]

Ok, helpful people!

I tried this on Firefox and had to do a login. I didn't login just in case the website would keep my info and I'd be in the same place as I am now.   I opened a private window in Safari, and yup, again, i was asked to login on that website. I didn't login.

I am pretty sure I've been deleting both cookies and the browser's cache, but did it again--and went to the website and still had the auto login already done!

And it's still puzzling how the login became automatic!

Gosh, I've never heard of Cocktail, but thanks for the suggestion!

Smiles,
Sooz

[Xairbusdriver]

You had to log in when you used Foxfire, because you had not ever visited using it. Therefore, there was no cookie to use. Probably the same logic applies to Private window in Safari.

So...
  1. Please go back to FF and actually log in.
  2. Quit FF.
  3. Open FF and go back to the site and see if you have to log-in or if it logs you in automatically.

Repeat those three steps in Safari using the Private window and see how that goes.

Please report back on which, if any, of these two 3-step methods automatically logged you in.

Cocktail may have a better, more 'persuasive' Cookie disposal method.

[kimmer]

Have you tried looking at your profile/account settings at the board itself? Many boards allow you to remain logged in, and maybe you need to make sure that isn't turned on. I really don't know, and don't want to sign up for the board to look at the settings.

I'd also suggest contacting an admin of that board for help.

[Sooz]

Okay, Jim, here's what I did--
1. Went to FF and logged in
2. Quit FF
3. Went back to FF and Yes, I had to log in all over again...it did NOT log me in automatically.

Went to Safari and used the Private window:
1. Logged in
2. Quit Safari
3. Went back to Safari and Yes, I had to log in all over again.... it did NOT log me in automatically using the Private window

Kimmer, I can't really find where my profile or account settings are on the board. I don't even remember having any such thing!  I know over a decade ago, I changed my login email address, and notified the website person so I could get my "info" updated for logins, but nothing was ever done so I just log in with that old, unused email addy.  I'll have to try and find an admin for that board. The only person I know of for contacting is the person in charge of the Random Acts of Kindness list for birthdays and such.  Cross your fingers!  If everything fails, and if you're willing, I'll send you my login and PW to see what magic you might be able to do!

Smiles,
Sooz

[Xairbusdriver]

Most forums have some kind of menu, usually on every page, either along one side or along the top. Of course, a simple, one-topic board may have nothing but a list of topics. Is there any kind of menu when you get to an actual board? A screen shot might help. Of course, there is an email link on the home page, but you haven't had much luck with that method in the past...

[Sooz]

Here are two screenshots -- one of the top of the board's page--you can see my inquiry about logging out... Velda's reply said she always has to login every time.

The other screenshot is of the bottom of the page. Everything in between has posts and responses.

My options are to use FF, or use private browsing with Safari, or attempt once more to use the email contact button.

Thanks!!!!!
Sooz

[Xairbusdriver]

Doesn't look like you have any other real options. Looks like a pretty bare-bones "forum" and there probably aren't any controls, settings, etc. for a user to create. It may be so bare-bones that it doesn't actually protect any of your input or info from anyone. I doubt it even uses 'cookies'. It may be relying on what your computer sends on any call for a page. And that info may be different when you use private browsing. The part that identifies the browser (Safari, Foxfire, Opera, whatever Windows now has, etc.) probably explains why you still need to log in from FF.

Your best hope is that the database containing your name and any other personal info is well encrypted. Just don't post personal info that could ever be used to lead back to you. Of course, it is more and more likely that any two pieces of personal info can eventually be traced back to you and most of your other details. The web has replaced the physical bulletin boards we used to see at the local grocery store... the big difference is it won't be your friends who will see and be collecting that info.

It's a Jungle Out There!

[Sooz]

Hi, Jim, and thanks again for ringing in here - yeah, it seems I have no real options, but I'm going to try to contact whomever again and hope for the best!

Happy weekend!
Smiles,
Sooz

[Xairbusdriver]

Many of us enjoy automatically signing in. Just lazy I guess.