Some information for those who worry about such things...
IP Address Recording
Almost every web-site you "visit" will record your IP address, the pages you look at and the time of your visit. This is nothing to worry about. It does not mean that "anyone" can find out who you are, what your name is or where you live (though in a few cases it is possible).
Make sure your results COUNT...
Some perfectly honest folks use a proxy server to maintain their anonymity on the Internet. If you don't know what this is then the chances are you are not using one. If you do... please do NOT use a proxy to access the survey - if you DO then your results may not count. The plan is to run the final survey results through a filter to remove entries submitted through known proxy servers. We may also filter out results that come from IP addresses registered to firms of solicitors.
Your e-mail address
This is the only personal information we ask you for. We will not share this with anyone else and we will not SPAM you. When the survey closes (in 2009) we will delete all email addresses unless you specifically "opt-in" - i.e. because you want to hear from us.
Cookies and Java Script
The only cookies we use are harmless. Most sites use them ... even the official LCS site, it seems - click here (new window). Cookies and Java Script can help improve your Internet experience and also help to prevent abuse of the survey.
How we use this Information
Your email address is used to send you a confirmation email containing a 6 digit "code". This code provides a simple validation for your survey results. A copy of your email address will be kept in a separate file which only we can link to your survey results. Automatic tools will check for multiple uses of the same email address, they will also check logged IP addresses and any cookies. These checks are purely to prevent the survey from being abused.
We will stop anything the tools regard as suspicious. In some circumstances you may see a message rejecting your survey. If you do, and it is because the tools are "over zealous", please accept our apologies and please click the link to email us so that your results COUNT. Beyond the initial confirmation email, we will only contact you again if you contact us first.
We will delete your email when the survey closes. If you decide to "opt-in" then there may be circumstances where we might wish to contact you again - an example might be if the survey results show multiple similar complaints against the same law firm or individual. By comparing notes a group of complainants might stand more chance of having the problems addressed. We will not do anything without your consent and support. Feel free to email US if you spot any "interesting" results or trends.
Any further questions? Please ask?