Real Name vs User Name

[mysterium]

Hi!!!

On a number of forums I sign on with the User Name "Mysterium" which is the name of my sailboat.  Mysterium is a Karl Jung term meaning "when an invisible force takes control".  The invisible force in the case of my sailboat is the wind.

For example; on Saw Mill Creek the rules requires me to use my Real Name "Jim Dailey".  On Woodnet I  sign on with a User Name "Mysterium".  Although I have over 600 posts on Woodnet I almost quit posting entirely because of some of the attitutes of posters.  Some not all.  Thus I post very selectively; when I feel I can "help" someone or add something "constructive" to the discussion I'll "post".  I try to maintain the same civil attitude wether logged on as  Mysterium or Jim Dailey.

On this forum Matt suggested we sign on with our Real Names.  I feel this should be made mandatory.  I have watched objectively using the same two forums and found that Saw Mill Creek is more civil, thus more positive. 

Again to be civil, I also noted that Matt stated in the Rules for the FOG, discussions of EZ Smart should go in the Off Topic section.  As Lou Miller has already pointed out this subject of EZ Smart has gotten "Ugly" on other forums.  But regardless EZ Smart has already been brought up in the main forum by an individual, using part of his Real Name, who has been at the source of the "Ugly" on other forums.  Thus even thou you have "rules", some feel they don't "apply" to them regardless of Real Name or User Name.

As I stated I feel Real Name sign on's should be mandatory, however I am only one person.

I really like what Matt has done here.  I appreciate his huge effort.  And the input from other members shaping this forum.  The forum looks & feels great.  I want this positive "feel" to remain.

What I suggest is discussion on the subject, and a pole to the members of Real Name vs User Name. 

jim....  aka "Mysterium".... aka Jim Dailey 

 

[Lou Miller]

Obviously I use my real name on all the forums I post on. However, I don't quite understand what difference it makes whether you use your real name or a screen name. Either way, people end up knowing who you are.

The stuff that happens at Woodnet doesn't really bother me. I just try to skip on by it most times. I'd prefer to see everyone get along, but that's not reality when it comes to message boards like this. More often than not, if the trouble makers are ignored, the trouble goes away. People have a hard time just ignoring stuff though, myself included. Is there a gump button here? I try to just gump the people that I find are tough to read (only a handful). I'd encourage anyone that finds me tough to read to do the same as well.

FWIW, you should post more on Woodnet Jim.

 

[Dan Clark]

IMO, people tend to be a bit more civil when they post under their own names.  I think it should be mandatory too.  OTOH, there's nothing to keep me from signing up as "Jim Dailey" either. 

Dan.

 

[mstens]

I've used the same user name everywhere else I'm registered.  Woodnet, knots, here, etc.  I've seen one too many internet squabbles result in real life trauma so I do not register places that require a real name, period. 

 

[Lou Miller]

I've used the same user name everywhere else I'm registered.  Woodnet, knots, here, etc.  I've seen one too many internet squabbles result in real life trauma so I do not register places that require a real name, period. 

I guess I'm just too arrogant to care if an argument on a message board were to spill over into real life trauma. If someone needs to go to that extent over something on a message board, they need professional help, IMO.

 

[mstens]

I agree, but I'm not the one that called someones boss and got em fired either 

 

[Lou Miller]

I agree, but I'm not the one that called someones boss and got em fired either 

Someone got fired over a message board??? That's ridiculous. Anyone can feel free to call my boss at anytime. I don't think you'll have much luck with him though being that I'm self-employed.

 

[mstens]

Indeed!  There seem to be plenty of people who are far more petty than I would have imagined on the Internet  ;D

Fortunately, I'm normally a pretty laid back kind of guy 

 

[Dan Clark]

I thought about this some more...  I changed my opinion a bit.  I think using one's real name should be recommended, not mandatory. 

Each person has their own security issues and tolerance for risk.  We need to respect that.  In addition, we need to be sensitive to one group especially - women.

Women typically are more concerned about security than men (probably because they tend to be the victims of violence). And, I suspect that some women won't feel comfortable admitting their gender in a male-dominated forum about tools, woodworking, and other "manly" pursuits.    We need to be sensitive to and respect this.

In general, this forum is populated with very intelligent people who respect others and their opinions.  With the exception of the occasional Troll that wanders in, I have seen very little evidence that this forum has or will degrade. 

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Tinker]

I agree, but I'm not the one that called someones boss and got em fired either 

Someone got fired over a message board??? That's ridiculous. Anyone can feel free to call my boss at anytime. I don't think you'll have much luck with him though being that I'm self-employed.

I am also self employed.  That means my boss is THE BOSS and I would dare anybody to call her to get me fired.  They would have a very tough row to hoe there ;-)
Tinker

 

[Daviddubya]

I have no problem with using a real name or a nickname.  Why not have it both ways - I use my alias as my sign-on name and I include my real name in the signature at the bottom of my posts.

I do have a problem with Woodnet.  That forum got so nasty, I simply stopped going there.  FOG, Sawmill Creek and Wood have managed a way to keep things civil.  Can't we all just get along?

ps - Nobody can get me fired - I'm retired!!!  Smile.

 

[Dan Clark]

Segueing off of David's post...

In the John Bridge forum (great for for tiling DIYers), they don't care about login name, but very strongly encourage you to put at least your first name in your signature.  That way you have some security, but are still on first name basis with other posters.

It's much more comfortable for me to respond to an individual and not a meaningless entity.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[TomCrawford]

I like real names also, to me it adds a friendly atmosphere.  One other think I like is to know where the poster is located. I've always added my town and state on my posts to the old Yahoo board.  By doing that I was able to meet Jerry Work as his studio is only eight miles from my house - I would have not known that otherwise as he also adds his location.  It got more interesting after I went down there to meet him and discovered we graduated from the same high school one year appart.

Tom Crawford
Selma, Oregon

 

[David Figueroa]

I agree with real names, I just deleted my registration for a new one using my real name.

regards,

dave

 

[woodshopdemos]

Real name - yes.

 

[greg mann]

Real name - yes.

Woodshopdemos,

I'm confused. All this time I thought your name was John Lucas!

Greg

 

[Bob Marino]

I don't mind one way or the other, but my preference would be for real names.

Bob

 

[rollincrafts]

I usually use Rollincrafts, which is the name of my little part-time business, on boards such as this, but I have no objection to members knowing my name...... its Bud Christiansen. 8)

 

[Frank Pellow]

I always use my real name and I prefer that others do the same.

 

[Dave Rudy]

I always use my real name and I prefer that others do the same.

What is your real name, Frank?
(just kidding)