Why hide behind a Alias?

[mabrungard]

I've noticed that a lot of participants on this list hide behind an alias and they don't reveal who they are.  As far as I'm concerned, I don't feel that anyone that can't reveal their name can expect to be taken seriously.  Why would a reader assume that if someone is not willing to stand behind what they say, that they should be believed or taken seriously?  On top of this, I think that when you know that others know who you are, you're probably not going to act like an a$$ on the list. 

This is sort of along the lines that created the Rennerian coordinates on Homebrew Digest.  I believe it came from an attempt by Jeff Renner to get participants in that list to identify themselves and improve the factuality and civility of that list.  Fortunately, I haven't noted any uncivil manners on this list.  But it sure would be nice to know who my fellow list mates are. 

Stand up and let the world know who you are.  Put your name in your signature line and stand behind what you say!  You would not be alone.  The folks who only ADD content to this forum let you know who they are.
 

[beersk]

Are you mad about something man?  Did someone bully you?  I'm Jesse F*cking Stika, okay?  Big deal.  What's in a name?  More importantly, it's what's in a person.  Not a name.

[weithman5]

my name is listed. that said, i could just as easily make up a name and still act like an asshole. i actually enjoy most of the "handles"  but I do like seeing some link in that as to who they are. or the name and something about them in the posts.

[theDarkSide]

Maybe some of us are in hiding from the governement for a crime we didn't commit.

So you can't take anyone serious unless you know their name, even if the information they give is sound?  I've had my first name and last initial in for over a year when someone else asked about this...can't guarantee the whole not acting like an ass thing however  

[Kit B]

Kit B. aka Kit Butterfield
But, it will remain omitted from my signature.
If anyone wants to know, they can ask me politely.
I prefer that course, rather than someone demanding to see my papers.

[bo]

Are you mad about something man?  Did someone bully you?  I'm Jesse F*cking Stika, okay?  Big deal.  What's in a name?  More importantly, it's what's in a person.  Not a name.

+1000

[mabrungard]

Nope! Nobody has bullied or spoken harshly up until you folks in this post.  Kind of sad I mentioned it.  Very disappointing.

[weithman5]

.  Kind of sad I mentioned it.  Very disappointing.

nothing to be sad about. as a mentioned. i tend to agree it is nice to at least have a first name. i just don't know it will modify anyones behavior. although i am more likely to be politer to people i think i know...

Maybe some of us are in hiding from the governement for a crime we didn't commit.

um yeah, didn't commit, ...

[narvin]

Just seems like sound practice on the internet, where everything is archived for life and searchable.  You slip up once and your post on rec.arts.sf.starwars about Luke Skywalker's lovers is there for God and everyone to read until the end of time.

[bo]

Actually, I'm surprised than so many use their real names and real pictures in a forum that they are likely visiting during the day on company time. Not to mention, one that involves alcohol. You know how some people are.

Just saying.

[jamminbrew]

I've always conducted myself as if my name were up there... But my handle is my persona, or alter-ego. It's part of who I am. And my pic is of me. If anyone ever wanted to know, just ask. But since we're putting it out there...  Ben Wilder

[punatic]

Hiding behind an alias? 
Not feeding data miners is more to the point.

Many of us prefer not to have everything we've ever written on the internet out there for anyone with a search engine to see - forever.  It kinda throws a wet blanket on the joking around with friends aspect of an informal forum.

On this forum, trolls get the message pretty quickly.  We're a friendly lot, and trollism is highly discouraged.

If you have a burning desire to know someone's name you can always send them a PM.

[andyi]

So Martin,  was this post to smoke people out?

I always appreciate you contributions see that others also respect your experience.  I have seen disagreements but not sure I have seen any  posts giving you sh*t.

 I have left other forums because of dickishness and f*ckery but have not experienced that on this forum.  Folks are pretty good about calling things out

My first name is Andy, my alias DBear is short for Dancing Bear - a handle thats followed me since college -  because when I get hammered and try to dance i have the grace of a  demented circus bear.

If I had to sum myself up - I'm a'hell of a fun guy.

.  

[ynotbrusum]

Two words:  identity theft.  I am not savvy enough to know how to "lifelock" my information.  My name is the start of an information trail that could lead to someone posting something as if he were me that could be defamatory, inflammatory or simply degrading in a way that I would not tolerate.  If it is simply linked to my "name" used on this and the NB forum, people would quickly know (at least those who follow the forum and know my prior statements would have something to compare) to "dispel" the wrong quickly.  And if not, then it isn't attributed to my actual name for posterity.

Am I too paranoid? Perhaps.  I trust what I hear from those I hear from frequently here - and I appreciate the wonderful insights and civility I find here.  I do not intend to use my actual name here, though I have shared it with those whom I have PM'd on issues.  I trust that they will not disclose that unnecessarily.

Just how I roll....


 

[MDixon]

I'm pretty easy to figure out, but prefer to be a little anonymous to those unwilling to spend the time to decipher who I might be and what my contribution is or might be to the homebrewing and judging community. My $0.02.

FWIW - On the various forums I frequent I generally go by three different names. The one here and on most homebrew sites is pretty easy. My other two are not quite as easy to figure out and I kinda like it that way