Require Full Name?

[Kingpatzer]

This is a locked forum only viewable to members.

I appreciate that. There are people on this board who know who I am. There are people who don't. I like being in charge of that choice.

 

[Dive-aholic]

And that's your choice, but you can't expect to get any respect or credibility on the things you post as long as you maintain anonymity.

 

[Tegg]

Who's that? I knew a Tegg who traded diving to be a parent, but I'm unaware of any active divers :-?

Zing.

That stung a little... I haven't sold my gear yet, kiddo...

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

This is a locked forum only viewable to members.

People who send naked pictures of their girlfriend to a couple of buddies think that it's only viewable to those "members" ... 10 minutes later, it's on YouTube ... :shocked2:

As a rule, I figure anything I post on an Internet forum is public knowledge ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[boulderjohn]

As a rule, I figure anything I post on an Internet forum is public knowledge ...

...and a good rule it is.

Since my name is in my signature, I am obviously not opposed to posting it myself. In fact, because I try (but often fail) to avoid posting anything particularly embarrassing, I don't at all mind people associating what I write with who I am. I have the same attitude toward FaceBook and other social media. In the social media associated with my professional life I am quite sure to use my real name, and I am always mindful when posting here that people from my professional life might encounter me here as well and form opinions that could spill over.

I use a different user ID on other forums, but that is because I think I must have been drunk when I chose boulderjohn and regret using it.

On the other hand, I can see why people would have a different attitude toward the same issues I described above, and they may see the wiser course as avoiding using their names. I think it is a legitimate concern, and I see no reason to force them to divulge their real names.

BTW, unless you know the people posting their names personally, how do you know hey are using their real names?

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I once had someone who objected to something I posted on ScubaBoard look up my personal information, based on what he could find out about me here. He then went to the trouble of finding out where I work and contacted my boss to inform him that I was posting during working hours.

Thing is, my boss already knows this ... and as long as I'm getting my work done, doesn't really care. He did, however, want to know why this person was contacting him.

It's stuff like this that makes me leary whenever someone wants more of my personal information posted publicly ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Dive-aholic]

I once had someone who objected to something I posted on ScubaBoard look up my personal information, based on what he could find out about me here. He then went to the trouble of finding out where I work and contacted my boss to inform him that I was posting during working hours.

Thing is, my boss already knows this ... and as long as I'm getting my work done, doesn't really care. He did, however, want to know why this person was contacting him.

It's stuff like this that makes me leary whenever someone wants more of my personal information posted publicly ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Wow! That was ballsy! And very juvenile!

 

[Kingpatzer]

and not an uncommon story. You may choose to not respect me or give me credibility because of the handle I choose rather than the content of my posts. That's your choice. Me, I don't care who someone is if what they're saying makes sense and is backed up by sound reasoning.

 

[Rhone Man]

I don't have a problem giving my real name - it is Colin Riegels. (Anyone can Google it to check against my user picture if they want to verify.)

But even with my full name, I think it is safe to say none of you really know me, or are likely to meet me (although I shook hands once briefly with Bob, but I doubt he remembers).

Nothing says anyone has to give their real name as their real name. And even if they did, it doesn't stop people trolling. Or otherwise not being constructive.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Of course I remember ... we were in Scott's garage ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)