[tony]

We have a thread going here about authors concealing their identity.

We do that here, don't we?

I belong to a forum where all are required to register and use their real first and last names in every post. Everybody there does.

One result: The posts are quite civil and courteous. Some disagree quite strongly, but not viciously or discourteously.

No, there are no plans here for requiring real names that I know of. I am just curious.

How do you feel about using real names on a forum?

Originally Posted by tony

We have a thread going here about authors concealing their identity.

We do that here, don't we?

I belong to a forum where all are required to register and use their real first and last names in every post. Everybody there does.

One result: The posts are quite civil and courteous. Some disagree quite strongly, but not viciously or discourteously.

No, there are no plans here for requiring real names that I know of. I am just curious.

How do you feel about using real names on a forum?

Against it. You should require an actual working e-mail address even if those are easy to get through AOL, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.

You as Administrators can remove posts you feel are libelous towards other posters or in some other way cross the lines of decency and online etiquette.

[redwitch]

I think it's a dangerous idea on an open forum. As it is, here we give out where we live, the type of pets we have, what cars we drive, our present and former professions. If we add our full names to the mix, we're leaving ourselves open to identity theft.

I would be hesitant to join a forum, even a "closed" one, that would require full names. It may make people more "real" but it just gives too much information to a hacker.

[Frangyomory]

I have always used my real name and have had only one incident where a person actually got my phone number at work. Other than that, no problem.

[JohnN]

John N *scratches my head* well this is my name, so must be ok by me.
Last name wouldn't matter either, however most forums use handles.

[villager99]

i use my real name on other lists but camouflage my residence.
since our residences are clear here along with many of our preferred activities i'd have to think twice about registering with my real name . i imagine other women living alone might feel the same way.

[SteveZ]

Let's see....

Would I put my full name and photo on a billboard on RT 441, I-75 and perhaps along I-95, along with any comments I have on things? Doubt it!

It's one thing if you're talking about an "https" site that has stringently controlled access. It's another thing on a site that's open to every woofer in the world.

I don't have a problem providing full name, etc. via a private email to someone who reciprocates. Other than that, can't see the value...

[nhsnowbird]

We talk about being away from home ... if we used our names wouldn't that be an invitation to someone to come look through my house while I'm away. Just one for instance. Another one ... someone already mentioned ladies alone ... no, no need to use full names.

[The Great Fumar]

I will admit that I was leaning strongly for a YES ......
Then someone mentioned that some have home's up north and Ladies that live alone .....Now I don't think its a good idea.........COUNT ME A NO !!!!!!

The ever changing fumar

[MMC24]

I agree. Let's continue to protect one of our last bastions of our privacy. No names... 8)

[beady]

My vote is no.
I prefer to choose who I give my information to.

[Hyacinth Bucket]

I vote no.

I like my privacy, but I agree with Witch, you slowly give out info about yourself.

Hyacinth Bucket

[SteveFromNY]

I'm a strong no.

Too easy to figure out who people are, where they live, and then whether they are home or away thru them posting their plans. Easy for a bad person to figure out how to do harm.

[ouma1938]

No names.

[punkpup]

As much as I'd like to say yes I feel quite strongly about protecting my identity. Sadly it is not only children who are vulnerable so I'd rather be safe than sorry.