Screen Names & Real Identity

JoeyA

JoeyA

Efren's Mini-Tourn BACKER
Silver Member
The more I hang around forums like AZ, the more I realize the need for the screen names to have real names attached to them.

We all get a little excited from time to time and make statements that are sometimes painful or aggravating to others. By using a screen name with no real name related, we are able to hide behind that screen name, woof at people anonymously, even make false accusations and not be held accountable for our comments.

For some anonymous posters, the name calling, the threats, the woofing and the intimidation makes them feel a little taller, a little stronger and more than what they really are. But in reality it shows a weakness in our character as men and women. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a little controversy an enjoy the woofing as much as the next guy, I just like people to be held accountable for their words and actions.

Screen names are COOL and I don't think they should go away, ever. The screen names are fun and personal and identify certain things about us.

I was thinking that it would be pretty neat to have like a CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY FOR SCREEN NAMES, you know where your screen name was related to the name on your drivers license or birth certificate. It would be a badge of courage so to speak, and those who were "certified" would be given a certain level of respect that is not given to other forum members. By being certified, you are then held to a different set of standards, unlike anyonymous posters.

I am sure many would prefer to remain anonymous regardless and that is fine but for hard-core members who value their words and deeds a certification of their real identity would speak volumes.

Does anyone think there is any merit to this hair-brained idea?

Who knows, maybe the AZ system administration has a way to add a certification of identity to the forum for those who would want one.

JoeyA
 
JoeyA said:
The more I hang around forums like AZ, the more I realize the need for the screen names to have real names attached to them.

We all get a little excited from time to time and make statements that are sometimes painful or aggravating to others. By using a screen name with no real name related, we are able to hide behind that screen name, woof at people anonymously, even make false accusations and not be held accountable for our comments.

For some anonymous posters, the name calling, the threats, the woofing and the intimidation makes them feel a little taller, a little stronger and more than what they really are. But in reality it shows a weakness in our character as men and women. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind a little controversy an enjoy the woofing as much as the next guy, I just like people to be held accountable for their words and actions.

Screen names are COOL and I don't think they should go away, ever. The screen names are fun and personal and identify certain things about us.

I was thinking that it would be pretty neat to have like a CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY FOR SCREEN NAMES, you know where your screen name was related to the name on your drivers license or birth certificate. It would be a badge of courage so to speak, and those who were "certified" would be given a certain level of respect that is not given to other forum members. By being certified, you are then held to a different set of standards, unlike anyonymous posters.

I am sure many would prefer to remain anonymous regardless and that is fine but for hard-core members who value their words and deeds a certification of their real identity would speak volumes.

Does anyone think there is any merit to this hair-brained idea?

Who knows, maybe the AZ system administration has a way to add a certification of identity to the forum for those who would want one.

JoeyA
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Well, everyone knows who I am, and it will pretty much get me cursed out at one time or another at some tournament I compete in.

Buuuuuuttt.. I don't particularly care. It wouldn't be the first time.. :D :D :D

Russ
 
My name is in my sig.

I will voice my opinion, and my name is there for everyone to see.
 
I don't hide...but I don't get involved...much...in online bickering...I only woof if you're standing in front of me at a pool hall...
 
I prefer my real name too. No need to hide behind a moniker.

Well, that and I'm not creative enough to come up with a good one!
 
I'm kind of easy either way with screen names or real names. A movie forum I use has a thread where users can ask for their names to be changed by the mods, and gets used a lot. Many folks there have gone from screen name to real name over the last few years, including me. I just use chilli66 for most things, it was my ICQ name years ago & has just stuck.

I was thinking about having my screen name put on one of the AZB shirts (which I still have yet to order due to severe lack of funds) but decided not to in case I do switch to using my real name. Besides, I seem to be stuck with Kool Ade at the PH now anyway thanks to Donovan!:rolleyes:

Adrian Brooks (You can see why I prefer Ade!)
 
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JoeyA said:
It would be a badge of courage so to speak, and those who were "certified" would be given a certain level of respect that is not given to other forum members. By being certified, you are then held to a different set of standards, unlike anyonymous posters.
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That's an intersting idea, Joey. That way the anonymous bashers and flamers wouldn't be given much credibility, and the "identified" members would a least be shown to have the courage of their convictions. Your last name is Andrews, isn't it? ;)

Art "Doc" Tripp
 
I use this name becuase if I use what I am normally called I will be banned, HAHAHAHA. In real life I cant use my real name cause I am automatically associated with a real bad person in the pool world...sigh.

"BIG STEVE" in Miami is not "BIG STEVE" the "WHALE". He is dead...been dead over a decade but if I say my name is "BIG STEVE" people always look for lighting or gunfire. Having outted myself I will go back to being called Voodoo...works for me and I lower the chance of being struck by something that will hurt:D

Steve Ferraro Jr~~~~just dont call me Francis
 
Yea I agree and I ain't hiding nothing but I do wish to keep my username and wish to make it a little more true.--Leonard Holmes
 
I picked poolhall maven--because I am older, wiser and having been in the pool world for 30 years I know alot about pool, my name is Tracy McCreary and I never bicker or inflame with my screen name or my real name, it's not my style.
 
My pool nickname is Professor (yes I have discussed this with Grady), and to avoid confusion I go by VIProfessor online. I'm not at all reluctant to reveal my identity--my name is Rudy Krigger, from St. Thomas, VI.
 
I went by Maniac at work, I go by it in my motorcycle group, and many at the poolhall call me that. If they holler at me using my real name, I might not answer :p

BTW, really I'm Tony "Maniac" Metz
 
When I joined AZB I was brand new to computers and did not even know what a Forum was until a friend was showing me how to sign up and asked for a name my friend said "I just use my initials." So here I am as sde, Steven D. Elzinga.

Steve
 
Neil said:
I guess I'm not very imaginative. My screen name looks a lot like my real name. Did anybody see thru that?


Neil Dryfhout
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I always thought that you were from the Toledo area...
 
Neil said:
:)
Maybe that's why for location I put Grand Rapids. I guess you saw thru my hustle, huh?:)
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That's the reason I said that is I seen Grand Rapids...for some reason I associate you with Toledo...don't know why...
 
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