Is posting on fora using an alias cowardly?

[Dominic M]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

[mrsmelly]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

With you on this one Dom.

YES I use mrsmelly as my name but thats more for fun and usualy add Tim at the end, I have my boat name location my age etc etc on my profile and am contactable by email etc.

The profiles with nothing on at all are a bit pointless giving an opinion because they are faceless, thats why we need to enrol on a list for instance to be able to vote and must give our names etc when giving evidence in court without which our evidence would be useless and null and void

[Ray T]

I tend to agree with you on this one Dominic.

 

As I have said before it is easy firing shots from behind battlements whilst remaining anonymous.

 

Like waving V signs at other motorists while driving at 70.

 

Ray is my first name and T, the initial of my sir name.

[bargemast]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

 

If you hide away behind your alias because you don't want anybody to know who you are, you're entitled to do so, and it's not against the forum rules.

 

I use an alias too, but if someone wants to know more about me, my details are listed in my profile, which doesn't make me a coward (I hope).

 

Peter.

[stagedamager]

i agree, although i use an anonymous name, but always sign off as Dan, and make no secret about the fact I am a Stage Manager living and working in Milton Keynes. I'm sure people could find me if they needed to, as there aren't many theatres in MK!! I do, however think that in some instances, that have been seen previous, using an anonymous login name, so as not to be traceable can be a worthy exercise to remain "hidden" from potential stalkers / attackers / etc...

Regards

Dan

[Ex- Member]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

There's nothing wrong with using a nick name, I use our boat name. I don't do this to avoid anyone knowing who I am. I do clearly state who I am in my profile. And like you I prefer to do that. I wouldn't give any home address details though, as that's unwise but my business details are available as they are to the public anyway. I don't put my date of birth either as I don't want my birthday being announced on an open forum.

 

I think proper names should be open for other members to see, just that though nothing else. And those names checked for validity before membership issued. I say this to assist in avoiding trolling spam's racist and pornographic content etc etc at least these people could be traced if found necessary to do so.

 

 

 

[blodger]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

When you join up there seems to be a presumption in the questions asked that you choose a name to go under rather than just use your given. Also, in a way, I see it as my boat that's the member and that seems to be how others have signed up. There's no subterfuge unless subterfuge was intended?

[homer2911]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

 

Why do you need to know who I am and where I am in order to hear and understand my opinion on a given topic? I don't know you from Adam, despite the fact that you have chosen not to remain anonymous. As for drawing a parallel with giving evidence in a court of law - well!

[mrsmelly]

Why do you need to know who I am and where I am in order to hear and understand my opinion on a given topic? I don't know you from Adam, despite the fact that you have chosen not to remain anonymous. As for drawing a parallel with giving evidence in a court of law - well!

 

Did someone squeek ?

[smudge837]

It has been known, (on other sites) for some people who think they are being victimized or attack and losing an argument, to then start a few other accounts just to get positive feed back. just like some dishonest people did with Flea-Bay when you could leave your self good feed back.

 

I think it is important to keep in mind that opinions are free and easy to express, but after all this is just the tinternet. not really life and death. If you don't like / agree with what somebody else has put, then close the lid and don't go there again.

 

I have been known as Smudge since 15/10/1989, all the guys that work for me call me Smudge and even my boss does now, so works for me. My only drama is there are quite a few out there and some might appear to be the same guy when they are not.

 

keep the wet stuff on the outside and the people on the inside.

 

have fun all

 

Smudge

[Gollywobbler]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

Hi Dominic M

 

Since you have not told me your surname, I actually don't know who you are.

 

Also, on forums there is a convention that the members can choose "user-names" if they wish. I choose to stick with "Gollywobbler" because I am known - internationally - as Gollywobbler, though not in connection with canal boats. Just Google Gollywobbler and you will find out, I expect.

 

I feel a bit of a fraud, actually, because the late, great Bruce Fraser told me that a gollywobbler is a mizzen staysail on a schooner rigged vessel, so-called because they are difficult, shivery sails to fly. I've never even been on a schooner but I just like the name. (Bruce Fraser wrote "Weekend Navigator" and "At Home In Deep Waters." I consider myself very privileged to have known him personally and to have had him sail cross-channel aboard my boat more than once, plus of course I have copies of both of his books.)

 

I don't believe that who I am and what I do or say has any relevance when I am not trying to make any money, surely?

 

Cheers

 

Gill

[Darren72]

With you on this one Dom.

YES I use mrsmelly as my name but thats more for fun and usualy add Tim at the end, I have my boat name location my age etc etc on my profile and am contactable by email etc.

The profiles with nothing on at all are a bit pointless giving an opinion because they are faceless, thats why we need to enrol on a list for instance to be able to vote and must give our names etc when giving evidence in court without which our evidence would be useless and null and void

 

 

@ Lemonroyd by any chance?

[mrsmelly]

@ Lemonroyd by any chance?

 

Naaaah, it says Woodlesford on mi profile, tis much prettier and quiter than Lemonroyd bu actualy at Stanley ferry now ont way to shepley bridge

 

Hi Dominic M

 

Since you have not told me your surname, I actually don't know who you are.

 

Also, on forums there is a convention that the members can choose "user-names" if they wish. I choose to stick with "Gollywobbler" because I am known - internationally - as Gollywobbler, though not in connection with canal boats. Just Google Gollywobbler and you will find out, I expect.

 

I feel a bit of a fraud, actually, because the late, great Bruce Fraser told me that a gollywobbler is a mizzen staysail on a schooner rigged vessel, so-called because they are difficult, shivery sails to fly. I've never even been on a schooner but I just like the name. (Bruce Fraser wrote "Weekend Navigator" and "At Home In Deep Waters." I consider myself very privileged to have known him personally and to have had him sail cross-channel aboard my boat more than once, plus of course I have copies of both of his books.)

 

I don't believe that who I am and what I do or say has any relevance when I am not trying to make any money, surely?

 

Cheers

 

Gill

 

Ahh Gill

 

You appear to be a lumpy water boater ? You may have not noticed this is a CANAL discussion forum and we Canal users all know what Doms surname is, I for one however have never heard of Bruce Fraser ? It takes all kinds tho does it not

[Darren72]

Naaaah, it says Woodlesford on mi profile, tis much prettier and quiter than Lemonroyd bu actualy at Stanley ferry now ont way to shepley bridge

So do you class Lemonroyd as Methley? Shepley bridge? Mirfield. My born and bred town. Any info needed just ask, i know it better than anywhere on this planet.

[Gibbo]

I think the many companies and individuals that have been libelled and slandered all over the internet would possibly agree that anonymity should be illegal.

 

Why do you need to know who I am and where I am in order to hear and understand my opinion on a given topic? I don't know you from Adam, despite the fact that you have chosen not to remain anonymous.

 

So you consider it ok to come on here and slander/libel another memeber whilst you remain anonymous?

 

Utter coward.

[Mac of Cygnet]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

No, but using 'fora' instead of forums is at worst pretentious, at best pedantic.

 

Mac (WYSIWYG)

[homer2911]

I think the many companies and individuals that have been libelled and slandered all over the internet would possibly agree that anonymity should be illegal.

 

 

 

So you consider it ok to come on here and slander/libel another memeber whilst you remain anonymous?

 

Utter coward.

 

Ah, now I see! Could this be the friends of St Will mounting a stealthy attack? If that's who you are refering to, I can assure you that I had the guts to 'slander/libel' the man to his face, very vociferoulsly indeed, before I posted a word on this forum.

 

There is a class of curtain-twitchers who can't stand the fact that they don't know every detail of gossip there is to know. I'll look out for you in Middlewich and invite you to call me a coward to my face.

Edited September 3, 2011 by homer2911

[Tony Brooks]

I put this question as it has cropped up in another topic. Personally, I would never pass comment without making it clear who I was and what I do, if relevant. I would feel very uncomfortable if I used an anonymous handle, and like to stand by what I say. What do you think?

 

 

I absolutely agree.

 

The only justification I can see is the one given in the other thread where activities of others may make it unwise to be too upfront. This is why my profile only gives a general area for where my boat is because it is all too easy to find out when I will definitely be elsewhere.

[homer2911]

I absolutely agree.

 

The only justification I can see is the one given in the other thread where activities of others may make it unwise to be too upfront. This is why my profile only gives a general area for where my boat is because it is all too easy to find out when I will definitely be elsewhere.

 

It's all too easy to find out anyone's home address from the scantest of information - boaters, think about who's burgling your home while you cheerfully advertise the fact that you are miles (and weeks) away from it on the canals!

[Circe]

I think there can be valid reasons for witholding real names online. One example (not relevant here so much) is that the website I run is for parents of vulnerable disabled children who need support when tackling LEAs, social services and so on - and it's very much in their interests NOT to be easily identified.

 

A few people know my given name on here - I'll use it freely in PMs, as that's a personal conversation and I feel it's appropriate there and I've also met a few forum members. However, with the verbal ping-pong that goes on so much, I don't yet feel comfortable to do so on the public forum although I'm reassured by some members that people who behave in certain ways online are actually lovely in real life.

 

I'm comfortable with semi-anonymity. I would wonder at the motivation of anyone who wants to know more about me.

[Gibbo]

I'll look out for you in Middlewich and invite you to call me a coward to my face.

 

Is that a threat?

 

Moderators!

 

I am now going to "out" you.

[station tug]

its a public forum why should people have to give there full names?? the nature of my work and the fact i have section 1 and 5 fire arms makes it silly to give anymore details..iv met a few off the forum and im even more upfront in real life than on the forum...calling people cowards...who do you think you are????......

[carlt]

 

There is a class of curtain-twitchers who can't stand the fact that they don't know every detail of gossip there is to know. I'll look out for you in Middlewich and invite you to call me a coward to my face.

 

 

Oh the irony!!....

 

I object very strongly to people like Carlt referring to me and others like me as.....curtain twitchers, having an unhealthy or overactive interest in other people's affairs, snitches, pests , and busybodies.

 

Is that the whiff of hypocrisy, I detect?

[homer2911]

Is that a threat?

 

 

Not a threat at all, just wondering whether you are using the safety of a forum to hide some cowardice of your own - I am not a violent person, and have never physically harmed anyone in my life. I do however, take a dim view of libel/slander aimed at me! (Touche?)

[Gibbo]

...who do you think you are????......

 

Someone who doesn't hide behind a made up name.