Real names?

[Sean Ramsey]

I think it's kind of played out as expected. I think there is more credence in a post from someone with a real name, and although it has allowed freedom for those experienced mets who fear something coming back to haunt them, whatever they offer in experience doesn't help much if they aren't posting, and when they do it may get lost in the mix because it could be anyone posting that. It does matter who it comes from for a lot of us.

It could be more effective if everyone was required to use their real name except someone with proven credentials that would need to be provided. Although we may not know who it comes from, their info would carry more weight if we know it's been vetted by admin and approved based on their credentials, whatever that threshold may be.

 

[Jesse Risley]

I think it's kind of played out as expected. I think there is more credence in a post from someone with a real name, and although it has allowed freedom for those experienced mets who fear something coming back to haunt them, whatever they offer in experience doesn't help much if they aren't posting, and when they do it may get lost in the mix because it could be anyone posting that. It does matter who it comes from for a lot of us.

Though I was also among those who were not in favor of removing the real name requirements that existed pre-January 2012, thus far it has largely been a non-issue due to the fact that there are essentially no new members using handles that have been active incredibly active posters since the changes were made regarding real names. Granted, we do have a few users with handles that do participate in threads from time to time, although it hasn't been widespread, nor has anyone capitalized on the use of a handle to engage in caustic behavior that caused major turmoil on the board.

At this juncture it would probably be equally problematic to reverse course and revert to the previous policy, and as far as I know Tim has no intention of doing so, though it's possible that the present policy could prove much more problematic if board traffic increases to the levels seen a few years ago.

Though I am not a NWS employee, as a public sector employee representing public education, I do know of cases where people were disciplined at work for posting content online, on their own personal time (away from the workplace), for what most people would have considered rather innocuous material; it all depends on how the employer might interpret a statement and whether or not someone was offended and took the time to bring something stated online to the attention of a superordinate in the workplace. Thus, I can see both sides of the issue. With that having been said, I think a reasonable pseudonym (e.g., John Thompson or Ben Brown) would give someone more credible anonymity than a simple handle (e.g., BaseVelocity0123 or fallingforu1234).

 

[Shane Adams]

I would tend to believe that any legitimate or "proven" professional in the meteorological field operating on this forum under an alias would eventually be identified if the person were ever to regularly contribute material consistent with their professional "caliber"....hence making the nickname pointless in the end. The other scenario is to simply not participate, which defeats the purpose to begin with.

 

[Tim Shriver]

ST lost some creditability with allowing handles.

Tim

 

[Timothy Finn]

ST lost some creditability with allowing handles.

Tim

I don't see Cyberbob and Praetorian taking over yet, so that statement might be premature.

Tim

 

[Bob Hartig]

The change in policy regarding real names is at bottom a response to what will remain an ongoing question: how best to meet legitimate needs and desires of members or potential members in the face of a social media culture that is in perpetual flux. Tim is trying something different, and that's fine. Better to try something and see how it goes than never sort through what works and what doesn't. I prefer real names, but I try to keep my stance in such matters open, particularly if it opens the door to weather professionals who would otherwise feel uncomfortable about sharing their expertise. Depth of knowledge tends to show regardless of whether a poster uses a real name or Touche Turtle.

But that's neither here nor there; my point is that if the new name policy proves pointless and it turns out that the majority of solid, contributing members dislike the use of handles, then nothing says that the old policy can't be reinstated. I think Tim's response to such matters over time is pragmatic.

 

[Shawn Schuman]

I've been meaning to ask this and this seems like the best place for it. Is there any way to have my display name changed? I don't see an option to change it myself so I assume an admin would have to do it. I'd like to use my real name, but I just entered a handle out of habit when applying. If I'm stuck with it, that's okay. But I'd rather change it if possible.

 

[Skip Talbot]

PM me with the change request, and then login with the new name when your old username stops working. This goes for anyone who'd like to change their username too.

 

[Taylor Wright]

PM me with the change request, and then login with the new name when your old username stops working. This goes for anyone who'd like to change their username too.

I tried this awhile back, don't think I got a response. I will send you another one!