Anonymity on the Message Board

[Gordon Kumpuris]

A recent post reminded me of a personal ACC Message Board peeve I have long had. Anonymity on the message board is annoying. I don't frequent the board often any longer and when I do I don't know who anyone is. Dozens of times Ive met people on the river who are regular users of this board who weeks or months later I finally put two and two together. It sure would be nice to be able to put a real face with a real name. I think it would strengthen the intimacy so to speak of the ACC community if we actually knew who we were conversing with. It would also I think help to self police the site since people would think twice about posting garbage if they could not do so anonymously. When the Internet was younger and this message board was a newer medium I think it made more sense to be prudent and think twice before opening up personal information. I think security still should be a priority but I don't think a name is a big security deal. I would not mind requiring a first name, last name and town too by the way...

I've heard all of the arguments about personal privacy blah blah blah. I bet you that about every single person who posts regularly on the message board also has a personal Facebook page where they share tons of personal information. And yes I know much of that could be hidden but I feel the comparison is still valid. I wanted to take the opportunity to raise this question again in hopes that the ACC Board would take steps at the next Board meeting to REQUIRE real first and last names or at least real first and last initials on the page. Just my two cents...

[Don Harwood]

I must say that I do agree.
It would be nice to know someone by their name and not some "handle".

[okieboater]

Sorry Boys, but I been okieboater on this msg board since before most of you young folks were born. And will remain okieboater till I sign off for the big river.

However my real name is not a secret and is in my signature line.

[Shep]

A reasonable point. I have been on several other boards where online communication was so much more frequent than in-person meetings that you just naturally introduced yourself by your handle. I have added my name to my signature to make it clearer.

[SteveGabbard]

Ain't no way i'm gonna use my real name, location, or picture! I just ain't not gonna do it....period

[lbaker]

I think adding your name to your signature would be a great way to solve the problem. That way those who've been using a "handle" could continue, but at the same time letting everyone relate a real name to it. And it wouldn't require a lot of effort changing names....can a user name even be changed without starting a new user "account "? I started out using my last name with first name initial, because it's what I've always used at work, but I'd be happy to use my first name. I very seldom leave off my name on a post anyway.
Just my two cents worth.
Leigh

[GN YAKN]

Let's see how this works.....

Looking forward to paddling with all you yahoos in 2011

Works good. Added name to signature line. Like it.

Dang, now I have to be nice when I post. Gonna be hard to do!

[Roger]

As the greats go by one name, Michael, Tiger, Pele,The Babe, etc., I will continue to go by Roger. :roll: Have fun with this!

[Sasquatch]

No one shall ever know my true identity, Muooahha ha ha

[Roger]

No one shall ever know my true identity, Muooahha ha ha

LOL! We've got plastercasts of your feets and hair samples for DNA testing! You will soon be outed!!

[Gordon Kumpuris]

I would be totally OK with requiring the name in a signature line if that could technically be required. I do like some of the creative user names. Just don't like anonymity on the board.

[okieboater]

Here is my take on anonymous message board names. For what it is worth.

As long as people are not taking advantage of others and are polite with their posts, I do not care if they post their real names or not. In fact, I get a kick out of all the "handles" people come up with. There are a bunch of us Dave's and David's on the board and the "handles" might help tell us apart.

I am at the stage in life where as long as there is no damage going on, I feel the less rules the better.

I think Gordon's post will get those of us who want to put our real names in our signature lines is all that is required. The ones that do not want to use their real names will find some way to get by some restrictive rule anyway. Those of you who were fortunate or smart enough to register with your real name - I salute you. I did not think of that or I would have put a lock on "Dave Reid".

I do not think the board admins want to have to do a name and home check on every one who signs up. Just more work. That is the problem I have with unnecessary rules, IE most of the time they take a lot of work to enforce if they are to be followed.

This is a very good message board and real popular. The less rules except for being polite to our fellow boaters and posters the better I think it is.

[Gordon Kumpuris]

How about this...... Can all of youse guys PLEEEEEEEESE add your name to your signature line if it is NOT your primary name. Pleeeeeese...Pretty please!!!!! I would like to know who I'm insulting on the message board so I can avoid you in person if I see you on the river and keep from getting

[okieboater]

Now Gordo, that is a request I can support!

[Shep]

As the greats go by one name, Michael, Tiger, Pele,The Babe, etc., I will continue to go by Roger. :roll: Have fun with this!

Napoleon... Brutus... Voldemort...

:twisted: