Would you post here if real names were required?

This topic intrigues me. I hope the poll will be well attended.

 

I use my real name now. Although at times I felt like I should have used Jean Val Jean with the few "Javerts" posting on here.

 

I use my real name right now, and assassination attempts have stayed at a tolerable level.

 

I use my name now, and I am open about where I work and what schools I have applied (and what schools I have attended). Probably too open, but it has not hurt me before......

I would like to know who voted that they would stop posting.... and why.... I don't get it.

 

If the forum required the use of one's real name, hmmm, I think I would.

 

Clarification:

• Real first and last names or just first names?

After the clarification, I'll cast a vote.

 

Yes. Why not?

Ejike (Ike) Okonkwo, PhD

 

No biggy!

 

If a person becomes famous in any way, then whatever they have posted can be used against them in a political way, depending on what kind of notoriety one gains. If one becomes a political or a religious figure, then oftentimes the opponents use anything and everything to discredit the celebrity. Consequently, anonymity can be nice.

Having said the above: I am not famous.

Yet.

 

The "Max Jackson" scenario. I sometimes wonder whether Max is here incognito.

I voted that I would continue posting, since most of what I post is uncontroversial. I would need to stop making remarks about cheating, exams, etc. since there are already enough people pissed at me for going on and on about those issues in "real life."

 

The only result of using my real name is that I've apparently got DWCox doing google searches on me
Otherwise there have been no known negatives. In a previous discussion on this topic it was stated that there's no reliable way to determine if the name a person is using is in reality their real name. If this is the case then it would seem to be a moot point. If it could be reliably confirmed in some way then I would be more interested in resuming the debate regarding anonymous posting.
Jack

 

The only result of using my real name is that I've apparently got DWCox doing google searches on me
Otherwise there have been no known negatives. In a previous discussion on this topic it was stated that there's no reliable way to determine if the name a person is using is in reality their real name. If this is the case then it would seem to be a moot point. If it could be reliably confirmed in some way then I would be more interested in resuming the debate regarding anonymous posting.
Jack

 

I started posting back on various BBS's back in the early 80's, typing away on a 8088 with a 300 baud modem. And from that time up to and including the present, I have always made Web and Usenet postings under my own name.

Other than a few people sending me flaming emails, I have not had a problem. Although a couple of times, I had my identity spoofed and others were making postings using my name. Kind of odd, I thought, since I am not famous, but do enjoy some professional repute in my field.

I have gotten emails as well asking if I am another Michael Lloyd. Googling my name reveals many such people, a few of whom are famous: a basketball player and a record producer. Alas, I am but the simple malpractice expert.

Regards,

Michael Lloyd
Mill Creek, Washington USA

 

I use my real name. I don't like hiding behind a "nick name" or a pseudonym.

 

I would hate for someone to use my user-name e.g. me again.

 

How about a nom de plume

Sorry, couldn't resist. Am working on a CCHS paper and needed a break and to do something silly, ha!

 

The use of a real name doesn't really matter because with all the super sleuths in the forum that would be divulged in a day. I choose either to use a name that is reflective of my secular profession (gymnastics instructor) or my faith (stayblessed) until I feel like giving up my real name. Since I have done this on every forum that I can think of except one post from home that would not let me change my user name e-mail, I have not acted any differently in this forum.

After surviving the Degree Info inititation period I now post when I personally feel strong enough about an issue to speak on, since my opinion is in the vast minority in this forum, or as a humorous reply that has nothing to do with DL. However the learning experience and the laughs have been wonderful.

 

My signon name is my first initial and last name and I sign my postings Tom, which doesn't leave too much in question. However, I'm not sure this is the brightest thing to do.

Tom

 

I would not. My real name is not nearly as cool sounding as is the name Bill Grover..

 

I use my real name and I think others should as well. Having said that, I've had a minor cyberstalking situation on the old AED where a psycho was calling my employer, my department chair, etc. Thankfully, emotionally unstable such as this eventually wander off. So, I do understand why some choose not to do so.

I confess, though, that I give less credibility to those folks who do not. Nor do I give much to the ones who are using "real" names, but which are obviously not their own.

I'm a little more careful with personal information now, but it really doesn't matter. If they want to find you, with the advent of the Internet, they will find you.



Tom Nixon