Real names, again

[Jason Bolt]

We've had this discussion several times. Lately I've noticed an influx of members signing up not using real names. I'd like to suggest a dose of 30 day IP ban for anyone who doesn't sign up using their real name. How hard is it to read the rules? If someone can't pay attention to the rules when they sign up, how can we expect them to follow any of the other rules?

How about as a membership requirement, we institute a mandatory test. The test would consist of being directed to a page listing all the rules with some words omitted and blanks put in their place. The applicant would then need to READ the rules and put the correct word in the blank. Anything less than 100% would require the applicant to wait a week and try again.

 

[rdale]

You've seen ACCEPTED members without? Or you're seeing the "newest members" list which is not the same thing as someone who has rights here?

 

[Andrew Pritchard]

josh_4184 was posting quite a bit in the winter weather section last night. Even addressed you personally, Rob.

 

[Jason Boggs]

I agree with Jason. If new members can't follow the rules, then they don't need to be a member here. A mandatory test sounds good to me. It amazes me that people can't read a few lines of rules and follow them.

 

[Skip Talbot]

Those you've seen posting without their real names are cooperating and we're getting those changed for them. Moderators do not have the power to change user names, only administrators can, but hopefully we'll get those changed soon. We have also discussed measures to keep violators in check in the future.

On a related note, I've had requests from users who'd like their names formatted differently. If you're one of them, speak up and we'll see if we can put that in for you when we change these other user's names.

 

[Bob Hartig]

I was all set to add my agreement re the use of mandatory real names and an overall familiarity and compliance with the forum rules. Before I chimed in, though, I figured I ought to get an exact read on the rule regarding member names. I did, and directly after reading the opening line mandating real names, I came across this: "Pseudonyms are permitted to allow users a measure of privacy, but we reserve the right to terminate an account if a user is publicizing their use of a pseudonym, is using a famous name, or is using the pseudonym as a sockpuppet account or to circumvent a ban."

I find this confusing. Maybe I'm not understanding it correctly, but the opening clause seems to contradict the real-names-only policy. Can a moderator or perhaps Tim elaborate on the highlighted statement. The present wording seems to say, "You can only use a real name, unless you want to use a pseudonym."

 

[Jason Boggs]

I don't think you have to use your real name, just a real name. My name of course is Jason Boggs. I could have signed up using a name such as Jason Smith to keep the privacy of my real name intact. Now, I can't sign up using a name such as Jason Smith, and let my real name come out at any time. I have to make people beleive my real name is Jason Smith if I sign up with that real name.

 

[Adam Lucio]

I was all set to add my agreement re the use of mandatory real names and an overall familiarity and compliance with the forum rules. Before I chimed in, though, I figured I ought to get an exact read on the rule regarding member names. I did, and directly after reading the opening line mandating real names, I came across this: "Pseudonyms are permitted to allow users a measure of privacy, but we reserve the right to terminate an account if a user is publicizing their use of a pseudonym, is using a famous name, or is using the pseudonym as a sockpuppet account or to circumvent a ban."

I find this confusing. Maybe I'm not understanding it correctly, but the opening clause seems to contradict the real-names-only policy. Can a moderator or perhaps Tim elaborate on the highlighted statement. The present wording seems to say, "You can only use a real name, unless you want to use a pseudonym."

I think it just means you can use an acceptable form of a name...such as Dick instead of Richard or Mikey instead of Michael. Im guessing this would apply to first names more than last names...if I'm wrong a mod can correct me.

 

[Scott Weberpal]

I think it just means you can use an acceptable form of a name...such as Dick instead of Richard or Mikey instead of Michael. Im guessing this would apply to first names more than last names...if I'm wrong a mod can correct me.

A pseudonym is a name other than your own that you use to not reveal your true identity. It means you can sign up for Stormtrack using a name other than your own, but you can't let people know you are doing it. Kind of like don't ask don't tell.

 

[Adam Lucio]

Ah, yea that kind of doesn't make sense then as far as the policy goes...might as well use an alias if thats the case.

 

[MatthewCarman]

Ah, yea that kind of doesn't make sense then as far as the policy goes...might as well use an alias if thats the case.

Alias names get annoying for some people. Names that are real or look real are much better to read.

 

[Karla Dorman]

Don't mind using my real name, prefer it in fact, even though I write my poetry under a different moniker. If I get to meet any of y'all next season, would want to know your real names. =]

 

[Bob Hartig]

Ah, yea that kind of doesn't make sense then as far as the policy goes...might as well use an alias if thats the case.

An alias is in fact exactly the same as a pseudonym. You can also call it a nom de plume or nom de guerre if you want to really impress people (and have them give you weird looks, and roll their eyes, and avoid you).

 

[David Drummond]

Since I was on staff when that policy was written I can help clarify it. There were certain people, because of their (gov) employment, that wanted to participate but not use their real names. There were also a couple of others that had "family issues" that didn't want to use their real name.

So allowing a believable fake name was ok, as long as you didn't parade it around you were using a fake name and it' wasn't Dick Cheney or something.

 

[Bob Hartig]

Thanks, David. That makes sense. Of course, it opens the door for anyone to use a pseudonym for any reason--after all, who's gonna know?--but I guess that's something that Stormtrack is willing to accept.