Should forums like this use real names?

[markgoodrich]

I've used several secret identities on forums over the years, starting way back at the dawn of such things, when I just assumed, for no good reason, that one needed a secret identity. Nowadays, with the ubiquity of "places" like Facebook, which do require real names, the secret identity seems rather quaint...and pointless. I thought about this at the UnRally last month; even with name tags and smaller-type forum names, it was hard to keep track of everyone. I met a lot of new folks, learned their real names, but often didn't connect them to their user names here.

 

So what do you think? Should forums such as this switch to real names, perhaps in addition to the user names we chose? If your answer is "keep the secret identities," I'd be curious to hear your arguments for doing so.

[Selden]

Perhaps because I've never been an online gamer, I have never understood the whole "handle" culture. I am who I am. About the only reason I can see for an unreal name here is if you have a common name, such as "John Smith." While growing up (pre-internet days), I blamed my parents for giving me a unique name; now, I appreciate the novelty.

[Glenn Reed]

I was on here for some time before I started learning the member's "real" names as opposed to their screen names, and even thought about starting a cross reference.

 

In my case, I thought I was signing up using my usual username, based on my email address, but didn't actually read the form correctly, so this is the only place where my real name is displayed, and it hasn't been an issue.

 

It does slow things down at get togethers, especially for those showing up for the first time, and having to start correlating the screen names to the real ones, I definitely have gone through that.

[upflying]

Why bother making it easier to learn my true name? There are a multitude of other sources that know all about me. There is no privacy anymore, not even here.

[markgoodrich]

Bob, doesn't your comment beg the question "why get on a public forum if you desire privacy?" I am not being snide or sarcastic.

 

[Albert]

Who are you again?

[David13]

It don't matter to me. I use my real name, but not all of it. There is a security issue, not a privacy issue, but it's probably not secure anyway.

I have noticed that those who do use their real name, all or part of it, have far more legitimate, rational and reasoned posts.

The alter ego thing seems conducive to a lot of sloppy, weird or unreasoned posts.

Ergo ...

dc

[Mike]

I don't go to extraordinary efforts to hide my full name, but I don't publicize it either. Truthfully, my approach may be a little careless since there are any number of people who will try to misuse anything they can find on line. In a nicer world, I'd prefer that we know everyone's full name. However, the world isn't all that nice.

[Albert]

I don't go to extraordinary efforts to hide my full name, but I don't publicize it either. Truthfully, my approach may be a little careless since there are any number of people who will try to misuse anything they can find on line. In a nicer world, I'd prefer that we know everyone's full name. However, the world isn't all that nice.

 

And here I thought your last name was "the Administrator". I just figured it was French or Italian.

[Boffin]

I have used 'Boffin', or derivatives, for many years now on many forums - but I am the kind of guy that ends up with nick-names. In the RAF I was 'Edgar' - even my squadron badge had it on instead of my Rank + Surname.

 

I have however, included my real name in my signature for most of that time, at least post Usenet days.

 

Andy

[12R12RT]

I'm the opposite of Boffin. Never have been given a nickname. Well, I figure "Stinky" and "Lardbutt" don't count as they must have been terms of endearment.

 

Early on, in usenet, I made up a handle but it was lame. A few years ago I just decided to go by my real name. I suppose there are security issues; they don't overly concern me. I think the worst that could happen from a forum is that someone could figure out where I live and come kick my butt. If they do, I probably deserve it. To that end I try to be nice.

 

On another forum I'm 12R12RT, but that was because I screwed up the registration...

 

Tom

[Kathy R]

When I originally signed on here in 2001 I put my last initial there, so as to distinguish myself from all the other Kathy's.

[eddd]

I don't use my real name because I don't want people to know that I associate with Mark and some of the other riff raff that frequent this site.

[mbelectric]

Bob, doesn't your comment beg the question "why get on a public forum if you desire privacy?" I am not being snide or sarcastic.

 

Now you've done it, his cover is blown...

 

MB.

[Paul Mihalka]

I somehow never thought of not using my name. My sub-line you can think it is a nickname, but it really is only stating a fact - now some even named a bmwst gathering after it.

[tallman]

What's a real name?

 

Prince?

Even he changed his.

 

If you want privacy stay private.

But we need your real name to send your prize.

[upflying]

Bob, doesn't your comment beg the question "why get on a public forum if you desire privacy?" I am not being snide or sarcastic.

 

Now you've done it, his cover is blown...

 

MB.

If it helps any, I do not have a Facebook account.

[ERdok]

Nothing to do with not wanting to use my real name - just wanted to have a clever (IMO anyway) forum name. As an ER Physician Assistant, I'm often referred to as "doc", therefore "ERDok" (the "k" instead of a "c" for a more German flare)...

 

BTW, my real name is John Doe

 

 

[Bill_Walker]

I've never been good at coming up with "screen names" for myself. So I don't. Luckily, my name is so common that it's not much of a security issue.

[Paul Mihalka]

"If it helps any, I do not have a Facebook account."

Amazing! I thought I'm the only one who doesn't!

[leikam]

I participate in a number of communities; some of them use given names while others tend towards adopted names. In my experience, it doesn't really matter within a community where your name came from. The place where confusion can arise is on the edges. When you follow people between communities where different names are used, you risk not knowing who's who and you do sometimes need to spend time sorting that out. In some game communities, it's not uncommon for people to be called by several, sometimes wildly different, names within the same setting. It's mostly not a problem because multiple names are expected.

 

Going by a pseudonym is not at all pointless or out-dated if it corresponds better to the social world or if being known by your given name puts you at personal or professional risk. As it happens, the social convention in the Facebook community is that people use 'real' names but there's nothing inherently more virtuous about it.

[markgoodrich]

leikam, I see nothing virtuous about using real names...or fakes...I just don't see the point in not using our names here, for instance, perhaps especially here, since we meet in real space on occasion, and for me at least it's a bit confusing to figure out who's who.

 

I'm curious about the comments regarding security or safety. What security, what safety?

[moshe_levy]

Count me among those using their real names. I too hear lots of discussions about privacy and security, but I'm still not clear on how using my name in a forum like this (frequented mainly by middle-aged motorcycle enthusiasts) is a real bona-fide risk.

 

It's my name - same as in the article I publish, same as my Facebook account, etc. etc. It's not like I'm publishing my mother's maiden name or social security number (though I'm sure those skilled enough can mine that data, if they wanted to).

 

-MKL

[Bob Palin]

I don't remember why I didn't use my real name, maybe most of the people on the board back then didn't. I'm known as Killer or variants on many boards and in a large meat space community I used to hang with. I do use my real name on most new places I join.

[Tank]

Well, I thought that Tank, which was my dogs name would be my password and Bill Iffert would be my user name.... in registering I got it A$$backwards.

I have come to like the nickname and have even gotten use to doing tricks for treats

[Couchrocket]

Using a screen name was de rigueur when I first started frequenting MC boards. There was a sense of fun that went with it that I sensed was much like fighter pilot "call-signs." Couchrocket comes from my GL1800 Goldwing days and it just stuck.

 

If anyone prefers to call me "Chief Adams" that would be fine also.

 

[Computerbob]

I used a name that I'm known by on several forums that I picked because many of my friends have been calling me that for years now. There are several Bobs in our group of friends, I got dubbed 'Computerbob' while another is 'Carbob' and another was 'Guitarbob' but has since moved away. Even when the other Bobs aren't around, people call me Computerbob.

 

I would be very happy to see real names here, like in people's signatures (I'm adding mine after this post). I've only been to one gathering and met only a few of you, and have lots of trouble keeping straight who's who. I'm terrible with names of people and objects (I actually have mild Anomic aphasia as a side effect of some medication I take) and any help I can get, I'll take.

 

I have no problem with safety and security in a forum about motorcycles. There's nothing I'm ever going to say here that I wouldn't want people to be able to associate with my name. I can't say the same thing for some of the other forums I frequent, though. A potential employer doing a Google search of my name may toss my resume out because of something I've said somewhere else, but not here. I can't envision any other reason to hide my identity here.

[Bud]

If my user name isn't my given name, I usually post it in the sig line.

 

After a while, people figure out who the "Red X" guy is. It makes it easy for me to quickly spot my posts.

[Albert]

I'm quite security conscious. It turns out I'm 15 years old, female and a high school freshman from Seacaucus New Jersey. And - like - I've never ridden a motorcycle in my life. Ewwwwwwe fur sure.

[Ken H.]

"If it helps any, I do not have a Facebook account."

Amazing! I thought I'm the only one who doesn't!

Hi-jack. I just read an article about how more and more employers are considering job applicants not a having a FB account a negative. The thinking is shifting toward it being a possible indicator of anti-social behavior or someone that is potentially hiding something about themselves. Just goes to show you how truly ingrained FB has become.

[Bob Palin]

"If it helps any, I do not have a Facebook account."

Amazing! I thought I'm the only one who doesn't!

Hi-jack. I just read an article about how more and more employers are considering job applicants not a having a FB account a negative. The thinking is shifting toward it being a possible indicator of anti-social behavior or someone that is potentially hiding something about themselves. Just goes to show you how truly ingrained FB has become.

Like.

[Mister Tee]

I never, ever use my real name on Internet forums. Why? Because the forums are searchable and they are not private. I do NOT want people to be able to causually search my name and know what I'm doing, where I am, who I'm doing, where I'm going, yada yada yada.

 

I'm not paranoid about some member on the site or a mod putting hours of investigative effort to determine who I might be, that's not what I'm worried about. I have friends, contacts, coworkers, etc... that I might NOT want to know about some or all of my personal happenings.

 

Yes I know I have personal information out on the Internet. We all do. I just don't want to volunteer any, that's all.

[Ron_B]

Witness Protection gave me a choice, either Ron B or Bob Palin. The latter sounded kinda silly, so I picked Ron B.

[Albert]

Witness Protection gave me a choice, either Ron B or Bob Palin. The latter sounded kinda silly, so I picked Ron B.

[Bob Palin]

Witness Protection gave me a choice, either Ron B or Bob Palin. The latter sounded kinda silly, so I picked Ron B.

I think it's time for me to open a fake FB profile, let's see, I think I'll use the name Ron B...

 

Bwahahaha

[eddd]

I'm quite security conscious. It turns out I'm 15 years old, female and a high school freshman from Seacaucus New Jersey. And - like - I've never ridden a motorcycle in my life. Ewwwwwwe fur sure.

 

This does explain many of your posts.

 

[markgoodrich]

I'm quite security conscious. It turns out I'm 15 years old, female and a high school freshman from Seacaucus New Jersey. And - like - I've never ridden a motorcycle in my life. Ewwwwwwe fur sure.

 

This does explain many all of your posts.

 

Fixed it for you, Edddddd

[upflying]

"If it helps any, I do not have a Facebook account."

Amazing! I thought I'm the only one who doesn't!

Hi-jack. I just read an article about how more and more employers are considering job applicants not a having a FB account a negative. The thinking is shifting toward it being a possible indicator of anti-social behavior or someone that is potentially hiding something about themselves. Just goes to show you how truly ingrained FB has become.

Quite the opposite. My employer has strict polices about the use of social sites such as FB. Cops rightfully have a lot to hide about themselves. The first thing an attorney does when preparing a defense for his client is to search social media sites of the involved officers. Sharing cop stories and photos will quickly get you fired and will be used against you in court.

If anything, I don't want to make it any easier for bad guys to find me.

[Ken H.]

Quite the opposite. My employer has strict polices about the use of social sites such as FB. Cops rightfully have a lot to hide about themselves. The first thing an attorney does when preparing a defense for his client is to search social media sites of the involved officers. Sharing cop stories and photos will quickly get you fired and will be used against you in court.

If anything, I don't want to make it any easier for bad guys to find me.

Wow. I can kind of see the point, but it does beg the question of where does an employer's right to interfere with your personal life begin and end? To say, ‘you can’t talk about departmental/work stuff on FB’ is one thing. Many companies have such a policy, including the big one I work for. But to say ‘you can’t be on FB at all’ seems to be quite a step from professional life into personal.

 

I mean, I’ve got relatives in various places around the world, as do most of us I suspect. For an employer to say you can’t follow their kids growing up on FB (as an example) seems rather heavy handed. To put it mildly.

 

[Quinn]

I'm hoping that by using a false name on the forum and my real name at gettogethers, the person looking for me will have time to cool off and I may not get punched.

 

My name is unique; only one of us in the Southeast apparently. So it isn't hard to track me down knowing that I have an expensive motorcycle in my garage, an arsenal of assault guns, an extensive Barbie Doll collection, and the other stuff I've made up over the years here on the forum.

 

Guess I'll have to depend on the pack of vicious dogs I keep in the house to stay safe.

 

 

-----

 

 

[leikam]

I see nothing virtuous about using real names...or fakes...I just don't see the point in not using our names here, for instance, perhaps especially here, since we meet in real space on occasion, and for me at least it's a bit confusing to figure out who's who.

 

I'm curious about the comments regarding security or safety. What security, what safety?

 

What's hard about using adopted board names in real space? I don't really see the difficulty in calling Mister Tee "Mister Tee" even though his mother doesn't (right?). It's just another nickname. If someone introduces himself as Mister Tee, I'm happy to play along.

 

As far as safety and security goes, we're a pretty mild bunch here. Most of us are probably not going to post things that would be hard to explain to the kids or that would risk a job or a marriage or a fight if they were easily linked to a given name. If you want something to stay in Vegas, you shouldn't be talking about it on the interwebs but a pseudonymous name goes a long way to keeping separate social circles separate. Privacy still has a place in this world.

 

[Computerbob]

I see nothing virtuous about using real names...or fakes...I just don't see the point in not using our names here, for instance, perhaps especially here, since we meet in real space on occasion, and for me at least it's a bit confusing to figure out who's who.

 

I'm curious about the comments regarding security or safety. What security, what safety?

 

What's hard about using adopted board names in real space? I don't really see the difficulty in calling Mister Tee "Mister Tee" even though his mother doesn't (right?). It's just another nickname. If someone introduces himself as Mister Tee, I'm happy to play along.

 

As far as safety and security goes, we're a pretty mild bunch here. Most of us are probably not going to post things that would be hard to explain to the kids or that would risk a job or a marriage or a fight if they were easily linked to a given name. If you want something to stay in Vegas, you shouldn't be talking about it on the interwebs but a pseudonymous name goes a long way to keeping separate social circles separate. Privacy still has a place in this world.

 

I used to play a game in which I played a Tauren (mix of cow and man) and my character's name was "Smellycow." Everyone in the game called me "Smelly." We met up one time in Chicago for a guild party and when some of us went up to the liquor store to get booze, someone hollered from across the store, "Hey, Smelly, what do you want to drink?!?" The perplexed look on the faces of the rest of the patrons and staff was hilarious.

 

Using pseudonyms are great and all, but only if you choose wisely.

[upflying]

I'm hoping that by using a false name on the forum and my real name at gettogethers, the person looking for me will have time to cool off and I may not get punched.

 

My name is unique; only one of us in the Southeast apparently. So it isn't hard to track me down knowing that I have an expensive motorcycle in my garage, an arsenal of assault guns, an extensive Barbie Doll collection, and the other stuff I've made up over the years here on the forum.

 

Guess I'll have to depend on the pack of vicious dogs I keep in the house to stay safe.

 

 

-----

 

Quinn has a good point. My first and last name is one of only 13 in the state of Ca. Unique is no help to anonymity.

[TyTass]

It seems to me that most people here are only considering online security issues with regard to identity theft.

 

I wouldn't argue that because talented hackers exists that nothing is safe anyway. Keep in mind, one need not sign into this site in order to read it. Using your real name an location on a public forum can help low-tech hackers of meager talents to identify targets. Consider this, we unwittingly give away key bits of information that might allow a person of meager talents a means to figure out our passwords, the answers to our various security questions, etc. Yes ... we do it all the time.

 

However, what I see as the most significant security issue is (as Mister-T touched on) is that we providing our location and/or travel schedules on this site. When you think about, by providing our real name, hometown, and travel schedule ... and we've provided a would-be local burglar with an excellent timeline for hitting your house. On top of that, we often also advertise our level of wealth, discuss potential booty in our homes (motos, jewelry, cash, art, guns, etc.). And yet again, unwittingly we often give enough personal details about ourselves and our trip that a would-be burglar can concoct a very believeble cover story that could easily fool your neighbors.

 

So, does a nickname or screen name completely foil that? No, of course not. However, a screen name is simply that extra layer of protection that make you less easy than those who provide the criminal element the path of least resistance.

[RussL]

You should be just as concerned about your email address and the information attached to it via all the forums, social media sites, etc., in which you publish it. Go out to Google and do a search on your email address. You'll be amazed at what comes back. For instance, if you have a Facebook account and use your your real name and your email address, someone can now attach you to all places on the internet where you use the same email address.

[Mrs. Caddis]

I just googled my hotmail and gmail accounts. Nothing popped up for either and I do have a facebook account.

[MotorinLA]

Quite the opposite. My employer has strict polices about the use of social sites such as FB. Cops rightfully have a lot to hide about themselves. The first thing an attorney does when preparing a defense for his client is to search social media sites of the involved officers. Sharing cop stories and photos will quickly get you fired and will be used against you in court.

If anything, I don't want to make it any easier for bad guys to find me.

Wow. I can kind of see the point, but it does beg the question of where does an employer's right to interfere with your personal life begin and end? To say, ‘you can’t talk about departmental/work stuff on FB’ is one thing. Many companies have such a policy, including the big one I work for. But to say ‘you can’t be on FB at all’ seems to be quite a step from professional life into personal.

 

I mean, I’ve got relatives in various places around the world, as do most of us I suspect. For an employer to say you can’t follow their kids growing up on FB (as an example) seems rather heavy handed. To put it mildly.

 

I don't think Bob was saying that his agency prohibits use of FB, but they do regulate through department policy what you can post. Most departments have a CUBO policy, which stands for Conduct UnBecoming an Officer. This policy usually states that you can be disciplined, up to and including termination, for behaving in certain ways. Posting "inappropriate" stories or pictures on FB, which in turn could reflect negatively on you as a LEO, or on your department, could constitute a CUBO violation.

 

As a LEO I prefer a pseudonym for this very reason. It allows me to discuss certain subject more candidly and also lets me express my personal opinions, without fear of being punished professionally later. Many people have a strong dislike of LEOs in general and would not hesitate to lodge a complaint with an officer's respective department, if they thought that it would somehow get that officer in trouble. While I don't believe that this is a big problem on this particular board, it is a public forum, where ANYONE can observe, participate and interact.

[Albert]

I just googled my hotmail and gmail accounts. Nothing popped up for either and I do have a facebook account.

 

That just means someone else already stole it. Any minute now you'll probably stop getting posts fro______________________________________________

[DiggerJim]

For an employer to say you can’t follow their kids growing up on FB (as an example) seems rather heavy handed. To put it mildly.

Don't work for them. Seems simple. It's (still) a free country. Don't work for people whose rules or values don't match your own. Be a lot less workplace strife if people did that.

 

BTW, my profile name is my backpacking trail name. Came from AT hiking where no one uses their real names - those are given by parents who know nothing about the person you will become; trail (and nick) names are given by people who know the real you and are generally far more descriptive of who you really are or what you really do. (I'm skeered of Killer )

[Bob Palin]

(I'm skeered of Killer )

 

I earned the name, but probably not how you think I did...