I belong to it and its quite useful. I didn't use my eal name though and only my road name shows. I don't get emails either. You only get emails regarding threads that you have commented on and a simple click turns off the notifications to those - its not difficult.
I was interested because it kept you up to date with your local area , I never commented but found people asking inane questions like Who’s the best window cleaner a bit tedious but each to their own
Well, that's so people can PM you if they want some more details, like your mobile number etc.
I don't post my email address on the site itself, nor my mobile, nor my address.
I have had absolutely no problems with anyone I've dealt with but then I think I have a good 'weirdo/ not quite right' alarm. There are over 2000 people on my local site and never has there been a problem but each to their own. If you don't feel safe using it, then don't. I like it and find it invaluable.
I dont bother clicking on those. You can search the site for stuff though without asking a question. I found my bouler man, garden fence man and the funeral director for my mum's funeral through there. A few people have found their lost pets on our's as well. Its very useful
Someone posted a video from their ring doorbell of a guy who was trying to open car doors in themiddle of the night on our Nextdoor. The police arrested someone as a nextdoor user recognised the guy so its quite usedul for crime stuff as well.