Online predators are everywhere; no matter where you go, you will always take the risk of running into one.  The threat is very real.  These facts/tips will help you protect yourself against predators:

1.  How much information would you want a stranger to know about you?  Would you want just anybody to know where you live?  Of course not!  This is the first thing to consider, especially if you are just now creating an account; how much information do you want the average stranger to know about you?  Let's face it, if you're going to make a profile and submit art/literature, strangers are going to pop in to look at it.  Not all of them are bad, but there's always the chance someone bad WILL invade your page.  Therefore, only post information you're comfortable to share with the average stranger.
2.  Don't share personal information.  This is similar to rule one, only here's some specifics:    A.  Never reveal the address of your house, or the city you live in, as well as zip codes.   B.  Never reveal your phone number.   C.  If you must have an e-mail address for the site, make a new one; that way, if someone untrustworthy starts to e-mail you, you can delete the address.Slipping on these factors can cause pedofiles to find you, so be careful!
3.  NEVER meet anybody in real life, ESPECIALLY if they ask you too.  Anybody can hide their true identity online; therefore, it's dangerous to meet them, because they may not be who you think they are.
4.  Watch for the signs.  What are the signs?  Well, for one thing, obsession; if someone make poems and art about you every day, obsesses over the smallest things about you, and treats you like a god/goddess, that's a good sign he's a pedofile.  If he asks to meet you in real life, that's another great sign.  The average person should know that meeting others in real life is dangerous; and should, therefore, not ask others to do so, simply because the knowledge exists.  Also, if he switches accounts often without logical reasons, writes major love letters about you after knowing you only a short while, those are more signs.  If anybody makes you uncomfortable, block them immediately.
5.  Sad fact: ANYBODY can be a victim.  In fact, the most common victims aren't young children, but teenage women.  HOWEVER, males are also at risk; don't think your age or gender matters.  Again, anybody can be a victim.
That should cover the basics of protection; please spread the word to help others stay safe.