Poll: Should non-anonymous posters be allowed usernames which are not their full names?
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Yes
44.00%
11 44.00%
No
56.00%
14 56.00%
Total 25 vote(s) 100%
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Username Discussion
#21
Initials wouldn't bother me as long as those who use their initials made it clear in their signature who they were.

My proposal (using JR as an example - sorry Joe ;P) :

I'm not too fussed about format of the names.

- If JR as username; make it clear in the signature who you are, by the following:
- JoeR, JRedpath, JoeRedpath, RedpathJoe (or a combination of these with spaces/underscores/hyphens/proper case, as username), or in case of those using initials this goes in signature.

As has been stated, none of the guys who are argueing for initials seem bothered that people actually know who they are, so I think this is a fair compromise. Those who want their username anything they like can have that, those who want to know who's speaking can have that, and me and Andy don't need to keep track of everything and waste time that we could be using for other things.

Thoughts?
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#22
I have already banned two IPs who have been spamming the board. Their names were easy to spot because most names on here are names I recognise, or make sense. If everyone starts doing silly things with their usernames, then expect tons of viagra adverts from China, or a slow moderated registration process.
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#23
Andrew,
Actually when I used to commute there were people I did converse with on a very regular basis and never found out their surnames, and sometimes not even first names. Indeed it was possible to have quite personal discussions exactly because we did not know names but had gotten to know each other over an extended period. In a simlar way you get to know posters through the posts and jusge them accordingly.

Similarly at Uni. I had quite a few conversational friends whose surname one only found out on graduation day!

You still have not explained why your desire to know the full name is more important than another's desire not to be easily identified for the reasons previously given). In fact you have not actually explained why knowing the name is so essential, beyond being nice.
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#24
Whenever I have ever been on a train or a bus, hardly anyone says anything to anyone. They are all busy texting or listening to music. One of the first things I do when I meet someone new is introduce myself, I have always thought it to be courteous.

I don't think it's essential, just desirable. It brings clarity. You wouldn't go to a meeting and have a proposal by Pikachu, and seconded by SmellyFrog, would you? The names are always made clear at the top of the minutes, and initials are often used as abreviations in the text, in order to avoid needles repetition of the names.
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#25
George Thomson Wrote:One reason could be that if JR insults someone or calls them a liar on this noticeboard (this has happened :\ :\ , not by JR though) and this someone grabs his shot gun and shoots J Robertson or J Rowson then an innocent victim may suffer for someone elses disrespect Big Grin Big Grin .

Who would want to shoot JR?

dallas.cs
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#26
Quote:don't think it's essential, just desirable. It brings clarity. You wouldn't go to a meeting and have a proposal by Pikachu, and seconded by SmellyFrog, would you? The names are always made clear at the top of the minutes, and initials are often used as abreviations in the text, in order to avoid needles repetition of the names.

No argument there but that is for some kind of formal meeting where minutes are being taken. You are surely not suggesting that the same standards should be applied to the noticeboard discussion as to the AGM?

The former is meant to be informal and fun!

By the way with regards to discussions when commuting you are clearly forgetting my age which allows me to remember pre-walkman UK!
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#27
Well I'm not sure really Mike, perhaps not quite as official. I mean we discuss some informal things on the forum, but we also discuss some very formal matters too. Look at the discussion about GM Turner, for instance, where Mr Muir and others were discussing the precise wording of the official proposed motion. =|
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#28
Andrew McHarg Wrote:I have already banned two IPs who have been spamming the board. Their names were easy to spot because most names on here are names I recognise, or make sense. If everyone starts doing silly things with their usernames, then expect tons of viagra adverts from China, or a slow moderated registration process.

And this is the key point.

We are deleting usernames as fast as we see them when they are not firstname lastname or initials. If we go back to anon then we are going to have to go back to slow moderated registration again
"How sad to see, what used to be, a model of decorum and tranquility become like any other sport, a battleground for rival ideologies to slug it out with glee"
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#29
George Thomson Wrote:
J*R Wrote:The identity of those with initials has already been revealed so you know who you are talking!

Cany anyone else give a valid reason why initials should not be used, I am still yet to hear one.
One reason could be that if JR insults someone or calls them a liar on this noticeboard (this has happened :\ :\ , not by JR though) and this someone grabs his shot gun and shoots J Robertson or J Rowson then an innocent victim may suffer for someone elses disrespect Big Grin Big Grin .
Another problem in my opinion was that if someone crossed the line of decency admin would refuse to reveal who the scoundrel was which is unfair.

We already have a topic to reveal the identity of posters with initials. When a new user registers with initials they should be told to add their name to the list or else, if they refuse to do this, then an admin should do it for them. I notice there have been a few more posters with initials registered in the past few days who need to be added to the list! (MWT, Arf, judith)

I really can't remember a single time when I think someone on the noticeboard has crossed the line in the past 4 years. Even if someone insulted me on the noticeboard I really couldn't care less, it's not real life Big Grin
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#30
After consulting Douglas Bryson and Andy Howie, a final decision on this will be made this weekend.
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