Members and Names

[chc]

Just wondering, what determines whether or not a person's real name is listed along with their posts?

I thought it was mandatory for everyone who registered since a certain date.

Just curious! :)

[fishmaven]

The screen name vs real name has been discussed several times. Many indicated they wanted to use their real name yet use a screen name instead. Some of us, with a relatively common name, prefer using a screen name to make ourselves more unique. Early on, even the ACA felt that Dan Martin was too common and started using my middle initial on the mailer to make the distinction between me and any other Dan Martin that might want to join. It's also felt that some wish to remain anonymous while here so that they can lurk without bringing any attention to the fact they've been here. Of course, if they post or reply, eventually they'll be found out.

Right now members have to go to their profile to make their real name appear anywhere unless they chose to use that on sign-in or within the text of their post. While visiting their profile they can tell us where they live, add a photo, make a custom signature and allow themselves to be contacted by email by other ACA or ACA Forum members. Some have never made the extra effort.

Many of us have adopted using both by adding our name to our signature or within our profile.

At some time there may be a "how-to-do-that" added to the initial instructions by one of our moderators.
Dan

[aquamojo]

I'm registered on dozens of forums and it's never discussed there. You get to know folks by interaction. I like finding out who I am talking to..like Chris. And we would always ask folks to do it. But I don't see it being something really needed.

Personal opinion.

[Dean Hougen]

I've always used my real name in online interactions, long before the invention of the world wide web or web forums. I guess I'm lucky that my name is unique so I don't feel the need to use anything else to distinguish myself, although I used to add "cichlidiot" after my name many years ago in Usenet Newsgroups to help people recognize my interest.

One thing I have noticed is that people who get out of control in online interactions tend to be those using pseudonyms. Maybe they feel that if their behavior doesn't link directly back to them, they don't have to worry as much about what behavior is appropriate. This correlation isn't particularly strong, though. Certainly I have seen people using their real names go out of control.

Regarding Mo's comment about other forums, Juan Miguel encourages (but does not require) people on his forum to use their real names. He sees it as giving a more adult/professional feel to the forum. I agree.


Dean

[glaive]

One thing I have noticed is that people who get out of control in online interactions tend to be those using pseudonyms. Maybe they feel that if their behavior doesn't link directly back to them, they don't have to worry as much about what behavior is appropriate. This correlation isn't particularly strong, though. Certainly I have seen people using their real names go out of control.


I was going to say In all of my years I would have to counter and state that I have seen behavior be about equal. I stick with Glaive but include my real name in my signature. My reasoning is that more people know me as glaive internet wide than those who know my real name. Going with my real name would supply more anonymity after 18 years as glaive.

Online communities feed from the top on down, you will see the occasional aberration , but for the most part enforcing certain behavioral rules equally will result in that becoming the norm.

[buntbarsch]

I don't have a problem with screen names as long as the real name appears somewhere, preferably it in the signature or at least in your profile. Personally I find it very rude to publicize anything without adding your name to it. I do respect Juan Miguel's wishes though. His website is the only one where I do not use a screen name. But it is not just the name. I also find it very important to add your general location to your profile. It is absolutely beyond me why people don't give that information. Nobody is asking for the exact address and phone # but a general location would make a lot of sense to me.

[jb1edlover]

I think a screen name is a cool thing, but I also agree a real name and general location is a good idea. There are folks that choose to hide behind a screen name sorta like an alter ego thing. I have a funny..... about screen names. When I first joined/met some of the Hillcountrycichlidfolks I opened my mouth and inserted foot. See I had been lurking on the site for a few months and decided to join and go to an auction. Well one of the leadership group Dave Hansen (a.k.a. MULLET) and I had chatted online so I was going to make it a point to speak with him. So I walk into the auction and see this guy with a giant "Mullet" hair cut, so being the cool cat that I am walk up to him and said, "You must be "Mullet".... he replied, "Nope, Im Nick Andreola..that's mullet over there!" Talk about making a first impression! All jokes aside real names actually makes it feel more friendly. I guess that's why they use name tags at ACA conventions!

[chc]

Hi Mullet!

(great story!)