Hiding behind Aliases

[Nozzer]

When I first started on here my user name was andyh. It then struck to me that there are so many andya, b, c, d, e, etc that it might be easier to change to something a little more unique.

As long as people sign off with their name, then fine. That is if it IS their real name

Andy (or is it )

[Bill A]

I agree that it is more appropriate to use one's real name. It appears to be more honest and open. But, anyone can make up any name and use it, and there is really no way to know for sure that the individual is using a real moniker.

[Phil2M]

Originally Posted by Nozzer

When I first started on here my user name was andyh. It then struck to me that there are so many andya, b, c, d, e, etc that it might be easier to change to something a little more unique.

As long as people sign off with their name, then fine. That is if it IS their real name

Andy (or is it )

I've told you before, trevor, stop calling yourself names.

[Lampwick]

My real name as several of you know is Terry. I use my forum name as a I was a Butler for 50 years and always identified with the late Dick Emery's butler James Maynard Kitchener Lampwick.

This is the ORIGINAL Lampwick.

[crest-insignia]

Jerry also known as engr9266-ex Royal Engineer(engr) and last 4 of army number (9266) I also wear R.E. style engr9266 shoulder titles on my MTP smock so that members can spot me.[/QUOTE]

Your last 4 Jerry? I thought you were the original 9266!
T

Whoops! that should be T-O-B-Y no hiding behind an alias here old boy.

[ubervamp]

Ubervamp has been my nick on forums in the past. It was a nod to my favourite TV-show, and has just kind of stuck. Also, it's much cooler then "Colin S."

I've always signed off with my real name, though.

Cheers

Colin

[JerryBB]

I use my real name here, with a signature of my commonly known first name and use variations of them on most forums, though on some of the first ones I joined I used a user name because that was the done thing and on those that I am not that active on, I have left it as it is. The more commonly used ones will have either Bond or Jerry (B) as part of my user name.

I have to admit I do prefer it when users use at least their commonly known first name as a signature. Conversing with deathslayer57 seems such a struggle if you know what I mean.

[Frank Kelley]

I don't see a problem with the use of a screen name, but, as Simon has pointed out, if they don't use a forename, it does make it difficult if you can't bring yourself to refer to them by their screen name, moreover, if that name is a silly sounding one in particular.

[Chacal]

As others have said, when I joined it seemed the thing to do - on moving to Glasgow my classmates thought my passport photo bore a strong resemblance to Carlos the Jackal (Fr: ‘Chacal’) [FYI - it does], hence my choice. But I always sign off with my real name, boring as it may be.

I always thought Australian men were called ‘Bruce’.

Graham

[David Tremain]

When I signed up to this Forum some years ago I couldn't think of a nickname, what with having to come up with all sorts of names for passwords to other websites, not necessarily Forums, so for lack of any imagination I used my own name. I don't have a problem with that as by using your real name it forces you to stand behind your opinions, even when they might clash with others. But I would also agree that anyone can make up a name and there's no real way to easily verify it. That being said, the issue of privacy arises, where some members might not want their name appearing everywhere. For example, depending how and what you search for online, your name and what you have posted here can appear elsewhere. Not in itself a problem, but why bother to sign if all and sundry can read what you've said anyway?

What often intrigues me is where these nicknames come from. I'd forgotten about the old butler in the Dick Emery show being called Lampwick, for example.
David

[cw2311]

I can appreciate the comments made of signing off with one’s real name and I can agree with that, however, some people prefer not too simply by choice. As already mentioned, just because someone puts a name down, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the person sitting behind the key board.

I have no problem using my name, it’s just so damn odd that most people don’t believe it’s actually my name.

Coogan (not by choice!)

[Sonofacqms]

There are obviously many ex-servicemen who are forum members as can be seen by their sign in names. Mine is one that is a tribute to my late Father who got me started collecting badges by leaving his RE cap badge in a draw which I happened to find in the early 1950's.

Like many others I always sign off with my name.

Rob

[rhodesianmilitaria]

I like an air of mystery.

[Drummajor]

I Phillip Jones of Queenstown. Tasmania have the user name Drummajor. This is because I was the last Drummajor of the Queenstown Highland Pipe Band before its disbandment in 2005. I would have no problem using my real name.

Regards to all forum members
Phil.

[Michael Dorosh]

Originally Posted by Phillip Herring

I've never had an issue using my real name.

Phil

Some people are practically in love with seeing their own name on forums. I can't think of anyone in particular at this time.

But I obviously approve of the practice.