Real Names

[Peter D Evans]

I actually think that the use of sensible nicknames can work, as long as there is a section within the individual’s public profile where a real name can be added.

To play devils advocate, if a message board were to insist on the use of real names when members join, who can be sure that the individual uses their real name? It would just be as easy for me to have joined using Richard Smith, but does that make the questions or answers I post any more relevant than if I were to use my real name?

Cheers,

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

[sveahk]

Actually,I don't mind changing to my real name, it's not a big deal. My nickname was chosen at a time way back, when it was almost like a fashion to post a more or less cool pseudonym - "sveahk" means I'm from Sweden and hk means Hans Krensler, perhaps not a very inventive one, still it stuck...
So, a practical question Ruy, I just edit my User name and everything else stays the same...right?

Hans

[Ruy Horta]

Hans,

You can't edit your login id* as a member.

I think we should split this discussion in two parts:

1. signature
2. login id

I'm still open minded about the actual login id, but would welcome (and invite) everyone to include his (or her) real name in his (or her) signature.

*as admin I can make any change, so it is no problem, just ask me to change it for you.

[Alex Smart]

Hi,

A friend of mine some time ago was refused permission to use his real name.

His first name is Allen, his last name is Cock.

so he was refused, not alowd to use the name as A.Cock.

We had a laugh about it and he now uses a false ID which was accepted with out question.

Not this site I hasten to add.

Alex

[Adam]

I don't thnk posting under your real name would change anything per se, however I think it would help new people to the forum better understand and identify people/authors/researchers to whom they could direct specific enquiries. Likewise IDs such as "Seaplanes", to use one example, are also okay as they help identify the particular area of interest/speciality of the member.

I do agree though that a forum such as this with its knowledge base and respected member list should impose some sort of ID standard (unless specific circumstances make such things impossible).

I only post under my christian name for no other reason than laziness, but would be quite happy to have my login ID changed to my full name: Adam Thompson

[Carl Schwamberger]

Some people have legitimate reasons for wanting privacy. It also possible to spot faster the immature, trolls, and the light weights by their choice of nickname.

[Ruy Horta]

I don't want to force people to use their real names.

However I have now turned membership moderation on in attempt to curb the latest spam attack.

[dna9656]

Being a new guy here I'm somewhat reluctant to be expressing my opinion when nobody even know me (although 17 of you have read my "new guy" post) but I will anyway!
Nick names could be shown under an avatar or actual picture of the poster. Real names could be posted in the profiles and show user names on the posts; it could be totally optional or as the moderators/owners, their lawyers, or membership decide.