I STRONGLY DISAGREE
...w/ utmost respect for @Juniko's idea
If this were implemented, MDL would loose it's special quality .... It would become just another database w/ random ratings and random reviews and comments!!! (Like IMDB, AsianWiki, Viki, etc... Their ratings are meaningless)
1) MDL is Not just a place to list my dramas -- A spreadsheet or notebook can do the same !!! (I had such a list before I joined)!
2) MDL is a place where I come to get Recommendations and Suggestions from people in whose taste and opinions I trust! ....
3) MDL is a place I come to share my views and see other people's views, and in the process find people who have similar taste so we can fangirl together, release frustration over a plot, or discuss differing POVs ... sometimes I am enlightened to see a new perspective, and learn in the process!
--->>> The above is only possible if there are NO viewing constraints issued (I don't use "privacy" b/c I believe it has nothing to do w/ it)
-- A random comment on a page or a review mean nothing if I don't know about the writer! Therefore, I want to be able to see the profile of the reviewer, see their list, see their ratings .... because that is how I determine the taste of the reviewer and whether to trust in their opinions or not!!!
-- Often, I receive friend requests from people who saw my watch list and they befriend me because we have similar taste ... or they want to know more about a comment I wrote somewhere .....and Vice Versa. I have sent out requests after reading a review and reviewing that person's lists and ratings!!! ...
-- I used to refuse friend requests after checking out requester's feeds and seeing a lot of senseless posts .... Helped me judged whether we have things in common or whether they were going to clutter my feeds.
-- just a few examples of the usefulness of being able to see a random person's list, feeds, etc...
--->>> Also,why limit Private messaging? .... If a message is Offensive or Spam, report it to Administration because the issue is larger than who can send you a PM .... Otherwise, this suggestion can constraint options of users!!
-- Benefits of being able to PM whomever you want:
- example 1: Users I never heard of have randomly sent me a PM to discuss a clarification on an opinion, or ask for recommendations...but they don't necessarily want to be friends, or discuss controversial opinions publicly.
- example 2: I have sent a PM after reading a concerning comment from someone with whom I had only interacted once .... I knew that the person may be offended if I offered my help publicly, and it turns out they appreciated a hand reaching out to them privately and they spilled their guts to me ... and this person is usually so private and introverted, I am certain if they had the option, they would not accept random PMs.
--->>> Why limit who can see ur friends?... what's the point? .... Everybody is anonymous anyway .... Therefore Privacy is already implemented .... some people don't want to be anonymous and they use their Real Names or show photos of themselves .... this is not facebook where most would probably know you IRL anyway so you need privacy! .....
Not much effect on users whether implemented or not .... except for those who use a friend's friend list to make more friends.
--->>> Finally, if this were implemented it would DO a Lot More HARM than Good :
-- This would allow for more trolls to hide and do damage! .... They can leave random comments, absurd reviews, etc... A recent stalker/Troll was discovered only b/c other users were able to see his lists, compare them to his banned profile, and gather evidence that he's same person.
-- Most important for drama viewers: this would make reviews and ratings more useless!!!
Already:
* We cannot prevent Trolls and/or Fangirls from rating a drama 1 or 10 w/ out basis
* We cannot see the "Unhelpful" votes on a review
If I also am unable to see a writer's list, ratings, and/or feeds, how would I be able to assess their Taste and Judgement!!! ....
I repeat: For me, that is the only thing that makes MDL unique!