"Forum" Topic: Real Moniker

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/21/2004, 4:59 AM

Yeah! Now we can look people up and send them threating letters! :)

just kidding.

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 5:13 AM

LOL -- or send Luca Brasi over to "talk" to them!

Jay

cbrillow wrote on 6/21/2004, 6:05 AM

I'm with you, Jay, nee videocurmudgeon. I've never been big on handles.

On the Studio 9 forum this past weekend, a newcomer posted an informative message about his experience editing uin Studio and burning a DVD with Sonic MyDVD. He was immediately pounced upon, discounted and ridiculed by a Pinnacle butt-boy cheerleader/apologist because of a somewhat silly-sounding "real name" that he put into his profile. Ridiculous.

From my perspective, my "handle" is based upon my real name. I believe in what I think and say and try to keep differences of opinion respectful. I also provide a legitimate email address, despite attracting a huge amount of annoying, often malicious, spam. I visit these forums to learn and to help others, always respond honestly and earnestly, and have no problem with my identity being available.

It's a somewhat different story on www.I'minlovewithabigblacksheep.com, though.... ;>)

BillyBoy wrote on 6/21/2004, 6:51 AM

I can't for the life of me see what a few make a fuss about posting under a handle or nick. Many forums have a provision for showing your real name under profile.

Then again there is the unintended consequences of forcing people to use their real names. Check out this funny site for some far out names taken from phone books. http://www.funnyname.com/

I still remember my mother telling me when she was growing up there used to a Funeral Home called Catchm & Killem.

Spot|DSE wrote on 6/21/2004, 7:04 AM

I'd be happy to use mine, but "Douglas Spotted Eagle" doesn't fit into the name field. But I could be Douglas SE, I guess.
Names tend to help avoid the anonymous, and therefore often curb the kinds of behaviours we occasionally see here because the person on the other end acts more responsibly towards a real person vs a handle. Real names would also preclude someone from posting under several names, as we know sometimes happens.

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 8:03 AM

Thank you, Kevin.

Jay

dvdude wrote on 6/21/2004, 8:08 AM

That seems to suggest that people may be hiding behind their tags - even if they are though, that doesn't mean they're doing it to protect themselves from other forum members.

"Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean someone isn't out to get you".

Frankly, the software used for this forum is, I think, lacking. A couple of the other forums I'm members of (AVS and TiVoCommunity) have great features that I think would be useful here. Private messaging being one of 'em, use of VB another. Thread subsription, alerts, 't's all good.

I've no problem revealing my identity to anyone who asks, but there are real reasons why I may not want to do so in a very public place.

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 8:28 AM

I can't for the life of me see what a few make a fuss about posting under a handle or nick.

Bill, no one is making a "fuss."

Then again there is the unintended consequences of forcing people to use their real names.

If you go back re-read this entire thread, you'll see that no one said anything about "forcing" anyone to do anything, especially use their real name. All I did was extend an "invitation to those who agreed with Matt."

Jay

Chanimal wrote on 6/21/2004, 9:06 AM

Jay,

"Now" you decide to change your name? This means I will have to search forVideocumgeon AND Jay_Gladwell if I want to see any of your comments. :-) I often look up different members, knowing their specialty.

Actually, I'm wrong--I just checked and noticed that your previous postings have been changed to Jay_Gladwell. Was this automatic?

Regardless, I don't see any reason to change, since someone can click on your name and view your profile anyway. If you've included your real name and Website (i.e., mine says Ted Finch, www.videobackstage.com (my nickname is from my "big" industry website "Chanimal.com"), then you're incented to respond curteously anyway.

I also think it might get confusing. I've posted here for over two years, as have many of you. It is because we start to recognize the names (BillyBoy, Spot, Gracie, VicMilt (a friend of mine), TheHappyFriar, Stonewell (new but I like his work), Zippy...) that we develop the sense of community. If I didn't see this thread (and I don't check every thread), I wouldn't have known that you changed your name and would have thought that you stopped posting.

Perhaps you should issue a forum press release ;-) I don't even know why I clicked on this thread--the title didn't say that you were changing your name (and I certianly didn't recognize the name "Jay"). You've already developed brand equity, now you're willling to throw it away without so much as an official notice?

I suggest we keep our names (real or nickname), and just make sure our profiles list our current name and e-mail or website. Besides, unless using your real name is included in the forum sign-up instructions, it won't be the default and new commers (which will eventually become part of the full-time community over time) will just continue to use handles (do we want them to change back, once they've been here awhile--and then loose all their identity).

I don't see the value in what is proposed--certianly not for existing long-time users who are already known.

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 9:08 AM

Regardless, I don't see any reason to change, since someone can click on your name and view your profile anyway.

Ted, I understand your reasoning and sustain you in your decision 100% (my right hand is raised). ;o)

Jay

Chanimal wrote on 6/21/2004, 9:20 AM

Sounds like requiring new converts to be circumcised--without the value. Are we Peter or Paul--anyone seen a sheet filled with unclean food ;-)

By the way, you responded to my comments above, after I posted them and was in the process of re-editing them to add the branding comment and correct my horrible spelling (now that's a feature I would value). A fast movin' forum.

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 9:38 AM

. . . anyone seen a sheet filled with unclean food. . .

LOL -- that was good!

Maybe I'll use the handle Cornelius!

Jay

Matt_Iserman wrote on 6/21/2004, 9:39 AM

Hi Jay,

I agree completely. It appeals to my generally libertarian nature that people have the option to use a handle; however, as Douglas pointed out, using our actual names does seem to have a positive impact on the discourse.

(Considering that someone actually listened to me... I figured I better follow suit and come out from behind my super-anonymous "miserman" handle.)

Matt

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 9:44 AM

It appeals to my generally libertarian nature. . .

I'm right there with you, Matt. Perhaps more than you realize!

Jay
(Libertarian)

BillyBoy wrote on 6/21/2004, 11:38 AM

Maybe Sony can just assign us all a number to post under

I got first dibs on 666.

LOL!

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 11:49 AM

Okay, I have to admit, Bill, that made me laugh.

Jay

Cheesehole wrote on 6/21/2004, 11:54 AM

Okay maybe now I'll finally get some respect around here...

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 12:41 PM

Wha'd ya mean? Ben, you are already respected around here!

Jay

Randy Brown wrote on 6/21/2004, 1:43 PM

What does the "J" stand for Cheese...or is it Mr. Hole?

Gregory Randall Brown

dvdude wrote on 6/21/2004, 1:47 PM

That's too funny.....

TheHappyFriar wrote on 6/21/2004, 2:37 PM

Ok.. i'l admit it (just so I don't have to change my name). I'm a secret under cover agent for the Polish Mofia. :) We go around bullying nobody around. The Happy Friar was invented because I work for priests on the side (Polish ones... they like in the "secret hideout."). THF is my "code name" for use when we're compromised.

Well, part of that is true. :)

But, what would stop someone from putting in a false name?

Jay Gladwell wrote on 6/21/2004, 2:45 PM

. . . what would stop someone from putting in a false name?

Nothing.

Jay

Randy Brown wrote on 6/21/2004, 2:51 PM

This is a perfect example for me The Happy Friar : )
I would be happy if guys like you and chienworks would at least sign the post even if it is a false name. I happen to know chienworks is actually named Kelly so I use that whenever referring to him but I can never remember your name....and I feel impersonal and almost rude if I refer to you as The Happy Friar....ya know? However if your mama gave you a bad or silly name (ie Buford or Wilbur...or GREGORY) then I understand : )
Your pal,
Randy

BillyBoy wrote on 6/21/2004, 2:54 PM

File under interesting but useless information:

The interstate highway system started under Eisenhower requires that one-mile in every five must be straight. The straight sections are meant to be usable as airstrips in times of war or other emergencies.