Ad Hominem/Personal Attacks: a poll

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by John Bear, Feb 16, 2010.

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What if you were required to use your real name in order to post here?

  1. I use my real name now.

    73.0%
  2. I don't use my real name now, but I would.

    5.4%
  3. I don't use my real name now, but I might.

    8.1%
  4. Would no longer post if I had to use my real name.

    13.5%
  1. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Quite a few years ago, I posted a poll, asking how people would react if this forum required posting under ones real name. I am curious as to whether things (or people) have changed.
     
  2. cdhale

    cdhale Member

    My screen name is not my legal name (but includes my first initial and last name). I usually sign my posts with my real name.

    clint
     
  3. Tireman 44444

    Tireman 44444 Well-Known Member

    I have always used my name.
     
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I would add another response: "I post with my real name but would prefer to post anonymously."
     
  5. This whole area might be complicated by the fact that some people (including myself) use one or more pen-names which are employed legitimately when writing in different specialties. That would also complicate enofrcement, I would imagine.
     
  6. Maryland Mom

    Maryland Mom New Member

    I would not post if I had to use my real name because I do not want everyone to know all about me. I am looking for a very cheap online masters degree in psychology because I don't have much money. I also barely scaped by and received my BA many years ago because I worked full time. My past grades and financial situation are troubling for me and having anonimity has allowed me to ask for some advice here. Thanks.
     
  7. simon

    simon New Member

    Maryland Mom, I agree with your exercising caution in not revealing your personal identity or any information pertaining to your personal or professional life (ie, place of employment, residence, etc) on any forum in cyberspace. In this regard, I recall a couple of instances where heated exchanges extended beyond the boundaries of the forum into the private life of posters! In one particularly glaring situation, two posters were engaged in a heated exchange resulting in one of these posters taking their vehement disagreement to the other poster's state professional board which I found to be a reprehensible and vicious act. This and other such violations of good faith, no matter how heated a disagreement may be, left an indelible reminder that resulted in my not revealing ANY personal information on any forum/chatroom. In fact we never know who is lurking on these boards or to what extent certain posters will escalate their grievances in order to vent their anger and to obtain "satisfaction".
     
  8. perrymk

    perrymk Member

    In my line of work (forensics) a person may try to dig up dirt on me if for no other reason other than to embarrass or fluster me while testifying on the stand. I don't recall posting anything revealing here, but words get taken out of context all the time. Thus preserving my privacy is important to me.

    I'm sure a determined person/hacker could learn identities, at least mine.
     
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    In defense of anonymity, once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away I was once attacked, defamed and otherwise harrassed by some crazoid posters on a board not too much different than this simply because I held an opposing viewpoint. I was threatened and it was more than suggested that I should be in fear for my life. All for an argument. Nothing is worth that. So now I'm anonymous.

    Most posters post opinions. If you just want to express your opinion then it shouldn't matter to you if someone else disagrees. If you can't support your opinion with facts then your argument fails, regardless of whether you're anonymous or "real." If the facts support your argument then it doesn't matter if you're real or anonymous, you win. If it's just your opinion then you need to let others express theirs as well.

    The fact is that some people come to the internet looking for a fight. It doesn't matter if they're real or anonymous. That's their real motivation. They want to fight.

    Who threw the first punch? Who made the provocative gesture/comment? Who curled their hand into a fist without speaking? Whose tone of voice incited? Who deliberately pressed a nerve? Let me tell you something. I probably spend more time on this board than virtually anyone else (excepting other Admins). I don't have the time to trace back every little squabble that occurs so that I can try to determine "who started it."

    "WHO STARTED IT?" Are you kidding me? Isn't that some sort of little kids thing? Control yourselves! If you don't want to be in an argument then don't get into an argument. If you find yourself in an argument that's turning nasty then just walk away. If it gets nasty then I don't care who started it. You'll ALL go into time out.
    (mutter, mutter, kids these days)
     
  10. perrymk

    perrymk Member

    The real, 3D potential of getting ones backside kicked for being a numbskull often helps keep errant behaviour in check. The internet removes this mechanism of instant feedback.

    OK, so I don't really agree with violence in most situations but hopefully you see my point. I believe most people behave in a more brash (putting it mildly) manner online than in 3D. I've heard this referred to as "phone cahonies" when people are brave on the telephone, but not so much face-to-face.

    Then again the internet opens up the playing field for the real wackos.
     
  11. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    No, no one's kidding you. It's not about "tracing back every little squabble." It's about dealing with posters who habitually engage in this stuff. And since you've chosen a sarcastic tone, let me respond without one and suggest that the role of moderator, while thankless, is necessary. If one occupies it, one should perform it.

    So, here's one more exercise in self control.....
     
  12. mingan

    mingan New Member

    When I was new to discussion boards I used my real name. Now I have learned what can occur and I do not.

    As an aside, this brings to light how important our Admin/ Moderators are.

    A thank you to Kizmet, Bruce, Chip and Randell! :)
     
  13. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'm sure I speak for all the Admins on the board when I say that I appreciate your support of our efforts. Plus, I'd like to assure you of my renewed intention to decisively deal with all members who get out of line.
     
  14. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    In return, I'd like to thank you and the others for your efforts.
     
  15. Woho

    Woho New Member

    and
    "I don't care. If you force me to, I would just make one up" :rolleyes:
    (I think this forum is extremely civil and well behaved. And people attacking each other (personally) occurs on and off-line. It somewhat demonstrates that we are all humans and not emotional free robots.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 18, 2010
  16. Bill Huffman

    Bill Huffman Well-Known Member

    I too appreciate the Admins and Chip for the board.

    Just to not be too boring and predictable, though, I would like to record a personal attack against everyone that might be wearing a green paisley patterned shirt today. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paisley_(design) It's ugly, take that forty year old shirt off right now and throw it in the trash where it belongs. And to all of you wearing red paisley ties, very nice!
     
  17. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'm afraid to ask but, what about plaid?
    ;)
     
  18. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    I prefer to remain anonymous. I don't like posting anything about myself on the internet. No facebook account. No personal details. Nothing. Nadda. Zip. Someone once said, "Pray that you never become famous." Fame without fortune will come soon enough. :eek:

    I've been posting on the internet for a decade now -- and with my anonymity, I can simply withdraw and nobody will ever notice. POOF! He's gone! Who was he? Nobody knows and nobody cares. :)
     
  19. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    My life is an open book; if anyone wants to take a peek, then enjoy the show. Just be prepared to be bored to tears.

    Some people know. ;)
     
  20. The idea that I may have already given enough information about myself so that one could discern my identity does make me nervous. I am wary about it when I post. Now, I have nothing at all to hide... :D... however, posts on this site are never deleted, and the threads here often show up in popular search engine queries.

    If I were to have a bad day and say something uncharacteristic of myself (which happens from time to time on the internet, ironically, because of the anonymity factor), my reputation as an individual very well may be harmed.

    Also, I have caught myself a few times *ALMOST* posting rants about the profession of sign language interpreting, the monopoly of a single professional organization that looks over all, the lack of credible, consistent professional credentials and quality assurance, etc, etc, etc. The interpreter community, just like the Deaf community, is rather small, and if I were to ever NOT stop myself from posting about these issues, I may burn some bridges... possibly even as I am walking across one :(.
     

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