Real Names Vs. Anonymous Screen Names

[Sky]

From the “Internet Anti-Mormonism” thread, page 7 and post #126, rcrocket posted a response to me about why he thinks it is better to post using our real name as opposed to an anonymous screen name. I thought this would be a good topic for a separate thread. Obviously most of us here post with a screen name. Does this somehow make us less courageous and more likely to say things we wouldn’t otherwise say? Do our comments not carry as much weight as if we were to post with our real names? Is our time automatically wasted to some degree? What are the compelling reasons for and against both ways?

[Ron Beron]

From the “Internet Anti-Mormonism” thread, page 7 and post #126, rcrocket posted a response to me about why he thinks it is better to post using our real name as opposed to an anonymous screen name. I thought this would be a good topic for a separate thread. Obviously most of us here post with a screen name. Does this somehow make us less courageous and more likely to say things we wouldn’t otherwise say? Do our comments not carry as much weight as if we were to post with our real names? Is our time automatically wasted to some degree? What are the compelling reasons for and against both ways?

I used my real name because I want people to know that a real individual stands behind his comments.

[kolipoki09]

From the “Internet Anti-Mormonism” thread, page 7 and post #126, rcrocket posted a response to me about why he thinks it is better to post using our real name as opposed to an anonymous screen name. I thought this would be a good topic for a separate thread. Obviously most of us here post with a screen name. Does this somehow make us less courageous and more likely to say things we wouldn’t otherwise say? Do our comments not carry as much weight as if we were to post with our real names? Is our time automatically wasted to some degree? What are the compelling reasons for and against both ways?

Had I known I could have posted under my real name when I first created an account here, I would have gladly done so. Unfortunately, I didn't know much about Internet forums in general at the time. It's easy to hide behind a screen name and make ridiculous claims. Others however, are genuinely sincere and I've seen nothing but good things come from them.

Needless to say, I've opted to post my real name and personal website in my sig line for the very purpose of being accountable for the things I've said here.

[Bob Crockett]

I think that when Christ gave the apostolic mandate to preach to all the world He would not have thought it possible that a testiimony of His divinity could be witnessed by an anonymous person. Anonymous witnesses are not permitted under Jewish law.

I think that when the Brethren created the I am a Mormon campaign they did not contemplate anonymous entries.

I think that when Elder Ballard urged us to get involved in a positive way he did not imply anonymous hit pieces.

No less than Adam Smith wrote that anonymity encouraged aberrant behavior.

[Stargazer]

Had I known I could have posted under my real name when I first created an account here, I would have gladly done so. Unfortunately, I didn't know much about Internet forums in general at the time. It's easy to hide behind a screen name and make ridiculous claims. Others however, are genuinely sincere and I've seen nothing but good things come from them.

Needless to say, I've opted to post my real name and personal website in my sig line for the very purpose of being accountable for the things I've said here.

What!!??? kolipoki09 isn't your real name?? My world is shattered, truly...

I do the same as you. The rules suggest only four links should be in sigs, but I could put more in there.

My real name is Mike Clark. It is so darned common that in my semi-rural county there are at least three others with that name. One of them used to be in my ward! So, which "Mike Clark" are you?" could be a genuine question. I understand that if you look at a Manhattan telephone book you will find literally pages of Mike Clarks. There is no way my real name would uniquely identify me.

Outside of this forum, I more commonly use "Cyberherbalist". This is a word I coined many years ago when tryinig to start an online encyclopedia of herbal medicines. Unfortunately, this didn't work out and I inadvertantly lost the domain name.

Edited December 8, 2011 by Stargazer

[Freedom]

I did not use my real name when I first started posting here some 10 years ago because of my calling in the church. I didn't want members to read my posts here and feel concerned about my interpretation of doctrine when I sat in council. I have continued to conceal my name for business reasons. I don't mind people knowing I am mormon, but many get very uncomfortable if you appear to be publicly dogmatic. Also, I am mostly here for the entertainment so my anonymity allows me to have more fun. On many political sights, I use my real name but I find that I am much more reserved and do not really speak my mind for fear of having repercussions with my clients. I have many gay, socialist, athiests, catholic ect clients that prefer that I am neutral. But if you really want to know my name it is Freedom. Not like the waving flag, more like the wondering stream.

[Calm]

Since I am not a public figure in any way in real life, it makes more sense now to go by the online variation of my name when online because that is how I am known.

I was going to put my real name in my sig anyway just on principle but my daughter asked me not to and since she still lives with me and would have to live with any fallout that might occur (though I highly doubt it ever would), I figure she has a greater call on me than any strangers on an Internet who would judge me differently solely based on what I call myself rather than how and what I've written over the years.

If the content of my contributions changed to more original information that someone might care to challenge or I was publicly taking political or other controversial stands and expecting people to judge my comments based in part on my personal character, educational background, or experience where knowing my irl history might have an effect, then I would switch to being consistent in name usage, but at this point in this context what people judge me by is my posting history so it isn't the same thing IMO.....and by the time that ever happened my daughter will have hopefully moved out.....

Edited December 8, 2011 by calmoriah

[kolipoki09]

What!!??? kolipoki09 isn't your real name?? My world is shattered, truly...

The funny thing is, I've met people in real life or interacted with others through Facebook whom I had no idea posted here. That's sort of how things went down when I first encountered Anijen outside the board. Heck of a nice guy!

There are a few dozen here that I've interacted with outside the board. Every time my wife and I head down to Texas, we make sure to look up WalkerW. Gohan is a fellow BYU-Idaho student that we've had in our home several times. Who'da thunk I'd meet another Civil War buff?

Good people though. They all are.

[Storm Rider]

I see pros and cons to both sides. I use the same moniker on Wikipedia, but have not been very active there in months. My name is Michael Barnes who used to live in Bellevue, Washington and now lives in Abu Dhabi, UAE. I have met a few crazy people on the internet who I have felt I was glad they did not know my real name. If I had my d'rathers, I would prefer to have no personal recognition on the internet i.e. no way to connect me to my internet in any way. I like the privacy of being a person who is known face-to-face rather than being known simply by my name. But, on here it is not a big concern. I am a Latter-day Saint and have been for a long time. Being known as a LDS is not an issue for me.

[TAO]

I prefer using this monkier for several reasons.

1) I don't want people to bother me in real life about my monkier life.

2) I like privacy. I want my real life to be private and personal.

3) I have created a personality with this monkier. It is slightly different than my real life personality (only slightly).

4) Super easy and much funner to say than real name.

5) I don't have to be so concerned about what I say so much (sort of a repeat of #1), if hey don't like what I say.

[Garden Girl]

You can call me paranoid (no, no, that's not my real name ) but I'm very careful about my identity because of my living alone, being older, etc etc. You should hear me answer the phone... I gruff up my voice and simply say, Yes? when caller ID is not a recognizable number. I suppose that's somewhat over the top, but I'm just cautious. I started using my Avatar when I first joined the board and haven't changed. When I send/receive a PM, I'll usually sign at least my first name but most times my full name. It's just on the open board that I'm more careful.

And I never open the door unless I'm familiar with the person. Otherwise I'll just ask who is it and ask them to step out where I can see them through the side glass. I talk through the door and don't open.

This may seem paranoid to some, but too many things happen every day in this crazy world that I don't take a chance.

GG

[Libs]

It doesn't sound paranoid to me, GG. It sounds very sensible, all things considered.

I have used Libs or Libby for the entire time I've been posting on the internet. It is not my real name. I do, sometimes give my real name to people I have known online for awhile, but I don't like using it on public boards, because I guess I am a little paranoid.

[Calm]

My experience is that women carry over the sense of caution that they have irl to online. I can't remember if this was a study or a simple observation, but it is certainly consistent from what I've seen over the years....men's worse fear with a woman is that she will laugh at him, women's worse fear is that he will kill her (though nowadays perhaps false accusations might rate high with men, I don't know if such a fear is so constant as physical vulnerability is for most women). Being able to post anonymously probably allows women one of the very few times in life without a sense of vulnerability.

Having said that, if any woman uses that as an excuse to be nasty, etc., then it is a misuse of the freedom and totally inappropriate. I can see using anonymity to be more open, etc. as a positive thing; turning it around and using anonymity to hide behind is wrong.

Edited December 8, 2011 by calmoriah

[CV75]

From the “Internet Anti-Mormonism” thread, page 7 and post #126, rcrocket posted a response to me about why he thinks it is better to post using our real name as opposed to an anonymous screen name. I thought this would be a good topic for a separate thread. Obviously most of us here post with a screen name. Does this somehow make us less courageous and more likely to say things we wouldn’t otherwise say? Do our comments not carry as much weight as if we were to post with our real names? Is our time automatically wasted to some degree? What are the compelling reasons for and against both ways?

My anonymity is strictly for on-line security purposes. My profile has my real name for the board administrators' requirements.

Where I am discussing and not testifying, I am comfortable with using my screen name. Where I am on "I Am A Mormon" I am comfortable using my first (nick-) name and photograph. I used to post here with my photo as an avatar, but with most posts, I didn't feel my facial expression matched the content, so I removed it.

I believe my on-line posts are generally better thought-out than my face-to-face remarks in real life. In either case i try to put my best foot forward (yes, I know that's scary!).

[Nofear]

In many, if not most ways, people are just as anonymous with their real names as with their avatar names. Ron Beron is just as abstract to me as say Libs (random choices).

[rodheadlee]

I use my real name because I don't have any job or security problems.

[thesometimesaint]

My on line name matches my persona. I keep it very real in my responses That is the extent that I want to be known. Kinda like all male missionaries have the first same name Elder, and the ladies have Sister.

Edited December 8, 2011 by thesometimesaint

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Using your real name is over rated, unless you are Dr Peterson, but even then I am sure there are times when even he would not want to use his real name.

I am a no body so using my real name is just as pointless as my current name.

[Nemesis]

I wouldn't use my real name on this board, the posters at MDB are way to creepy. I could just imagine what damage they would try to do if they knew my identity. I suggest you think about safety of your family first then decide if you want your identity known to other anonymous posters not just here but anyone with access to a search engine. Another thing you must consider is that what is written or put on the internet is never erased and sometimes what is written is taken out of context as a weapon.

Think safety,

Nemesis

[Sky]

I wouldn't use my real name on this board, the posters at MDB are way to creepy.

Well, I hope I'm not one of those creepy posters!!!

But thanks for the good advice.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Well, I hope I'm not one of those creepy posters!!!

But thanks for the good advice.

Oh no, he is talking about me. Lol. But I agree with what Nemesis said and that is really the ultimate purpose why I chose not to use my real name.

Edited December 8, 2011 by Mola Ram Suda Ram

[William Schryver]

I wouldn't use my real name on this board, the posters at MDB are way to creepy. I could just imagine what damage they would try to do if they knew my identity. I suggest you think about safety of your family first then decide if you want your identity known to other anonymous posters not just here but anyone with access to a search engine. Another thing you must consider is that what is written or put on the internet is never erased and sometimes what is written is taken out of context as a weapon.

Think safety,

Nemesis

<sigh>

Good advice. Unfortunately, it's too late in my case.

[Sky]

I found some good reading material for anybody interested...

The administrator will not allow me to link to this webpage, so you will have to find it on your own.

Go to abine.com and the article is titled:

To be (anonymous) or not to be: Should you use your real name on the internet?

[bluebell]

I don't use my real name because i don't think it would be very smart, safety-wise. My friends know my first name, which i'm perfectly fine with.

[Stargazer]

I wouldn't use my real name on this board, the posters at MDB are way to creepy. I could just imagine what damage they would try to do if they knew my identity. I suggest you think about safety of your family first then decide if you want your identity known to other anonymous posters not just here but anyone with access to a search engine. Another thing you must consider is that what is written or put on the internet is never erased and sometimes what is written is taken out of context as a weapon.

Think safety,

Nemesis

I sometimes wonder if the mods are people with two "hats", as it were, if they are regular posters under one screen name, and under another screen name are Ominipotent dividers between Good and Evil.. .