kannie Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I'm intrigued by the way people can take on entirely different names and/or identities on the internet, and so I've decided to try using a different, disguised name for a bit, to see what it feels like. (Observant folks may recognise my avatar!! ) Are you using a name that hides your identity? If so, why? If not, why not? Do you think it affects the posts you make? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Hi Christine! I'm using my initials. My forum personality is probably an 85% match of real life personality. I do like to "play" on the forum sometimes, and I'm not nearly such a flirt in real life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I'd recognise that avatar anywhere.... but perhaps I shouldn't say who I think you are so early on I'm using a recognisable name on this forum, and at the time I registered would probably have used my first name .... except that it had already been taken , but at that time I was new to the whole forum thing and didn't think through the implications of possibly revealing my identity at the time. But this forum was at the time closed as well, so felt safe. On some other forums, larger, less friendly ones, I use names that do not identify me in any way. I am careful not to reveal my exact location, and have never posted hubby's name, and tend not to say too much to identify other family members, still I realise that anyone who knows us would recognise me instantly from the things I post. That's not generally a problem, but I wouldn't for example post about when I'm going to be on holiday in case the wrong individuals were reading it and considered it an invitation to turn over my home It's an interesting question though, bearing in mind that we have no control over who reads our postings, or how they interpret them, and we do need to be aware of protecting our personal security. Problem is that this forum is just so friendly that I trust you all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 kazaddress is my cybername.. if you type it into google.. im what you see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I chose Cinnamon because my eBay user name is cinnamon*bay which is a caribbean beach I used to be *sarah* on here,but changed for 2 reasons. Firstly,there are a LOT of Sarahs out there,& I thought it may get confusing on the board. Secondly,I wanted to make my usernames on various chat rooms/auction sites the same or very similar.......so I can remember them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I suppose I'm naive and far too trusting, but I try to be open and honest and I'm willing to own up to my opinions. Therefore I wouldn't choose to hide behind an unidentifiable name. I am very aware of the drawbacks though, not least because I have become worried in case someone who knows me joins the forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Same here, Ginette, agree with you & Kate A, and dread a friend getting an Eglu, (although I'm sure it won't be long) & seeing what an idiot I am. I thought straightaway, it's funny how we're all so honest here, I'm 100% same in real life. When I 1st registered though, I wondered if it would be sensible to remain unidentifiable, but choosing a name seemed a bit "teenager on MSN" and I clearly wasn't that. I don't think I'd be so open on any other forum though, I really think this friendship we have here is unique & valuable. Yours, "I'd rather eat chocolate than wash my hair".... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I agree with you Sheila, Ginette, Kate A et al. Never thought about giving myself a pseudo name.. I'm me, and couldn't be anyone else. Anyway, I am sure there are enough Annie P's around for me to rest assured that I am safe. I am afraid that if anyone wanted to stalk any of us, it would be far too easy these days anyway. For instance, if you go to 192 com and type in your name and any part of your address, it gives your full name, address, telephone number AND a map of where to find your house! It also gives an option to find out how much properties nearby cost, so any potential burglar would easily find out the calibre of your property...then they ring your house and find no one in..... sorry, rant over. Scary though eh? NEver let anyone know when you're away is just about my only rule., oh, and always remember to mention that crocodile moat around your house... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ali-s Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 For instance, if you go to 192 com and type in your name and any part of your address, it gives your full name, address, telephone number AND a map of where to find your house! It also gives an option to find out how much properties nearby cost, so any potential burglar would easily find out the calibre of your property...then they ring your house and find no one in.....: Phew. Had to try the site and it couldn't find me until I had entered my full address I chose my username because I have no imagination and couldn't think of anything else Started out on the forum calling hubby OH and not using my childrens names. As I got to know the people here started to use their names. My OH ( ) has not seen anything I have posted and I would be so embarrassed if a friend saw any of it as I am a very shy person. I wouldn't post that I was going away and the house would be empty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Ali, I don't want to worry you, but if you subscribe to that site, you get LOTS of information very easily. If you don't, you only get minimal info, like you did. But its very cheap to join. I am trying (unsuccessfully) to get our details removed from it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen & co. Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I tried usning my name and there was one already, so stuck &co. on as this place is rarely empty appart from school days of course, so I've usually got company! not very original I know. plus I'm with you guys who are concerned about people we know off here reading the bits I type Karen x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 if you go to 192 com and type in your name and any part of your address, it gives your full name, address, telephone number AND a map of where to find your house! It also gives an option to find out how much properties nearby cost, Didn't know that, was interesting to find out how much nearby properties cost I am chocchick as I presumed all Sarahs would be gone Didn't really think about it thought it would be a sign on rather than my cyber name that would stay with me for about 950 posts I'm me on the forum. I find it easier to write than to talk people, so most people would get a different impression of me in real life I think as I am very shy and hardly say anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Annie, I'm glad you posted that about 192.com - the need to keep yourself safe is the reason why we go round deleting e-mail addresses and phone numbers from the forum when anyone posts them - you're too vulnerable if you go posting such personal info on the internet! You never know WHO is reading!! Anyone trying to find me through 192.com would take a while though as although Kate is what I call myself and answer to, it's not officially my real name ! Anyway! I am Kate on here as it's easy to remember! I'm Kate on MrsL's forum and Crazy Kate on RC as someone beat me to plain Kate! As a forum personality, I'm far more confident, outgoing and chatty than I am in real life as I'm very shy and tend to be quiet unless I'm comfortable with the person I'm talking to then I can natter for hours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted March 25, 2006 Author Share Posted March 25, 2006 Wow! this is fascinating! I've always been interested in people assuming different identities, since reading 'black like me' in my teens. When I worked in a big, serious job, I used to go to the same cafe most lunchtimes, and the chap who ran it misheard my name. For a couple of years he called me 'Chrissie' instead of 'Christine', which no-one else has ever done! I didn't correct him as I quite enjoyed it - having an off-duty, lunchtime, not-the-boss persona helped me just forget about work! I started off with my real name here because it felt safe & I didn't know what else to call myself. I have noticed that once or twice a regular omlet member has deliberately put an anonymous, 'guest' posting on the forum. So I guess that sometimes people with an 'omlet persona' want to step outside that too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Well I am often a guest because it doesn't recognise me I'm not being secretive honest Buffie is quite simply a nickname that I am fond of, I thought it would be fun not to just be Jayne, certainly don't mind being called Jayne though. Also have to confess being forum ignorant at the start I was under the impression that it was 'what you did' With me what you see ( well you know what I mean) is what you get, it's very much the real me on here. I have no problem being open and honest. Buffie has stuck and I know Sheila and Clare see me as a Buffie now and not Jayne That' suits me. BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffie Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 See what I mean the auto log in stiil doesn't do it. Anyway it was me and you'll usually see BB to let you know. Oh unless you saw me become Bob the other day to tease Murdo BBx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Anyway, I am sure there are enough Annie P's around for me to rest assured that I am safe. I wonder how many AnnieP's own a donkey and chickens though Just a thought - I'm not trying to worry you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kannie Posted March 25, 2006 Author Share Posted March 25, 2006 Actually I checked out Annie and the other Ann-type names when thinking of using my middle name. There are at least 16 registered on this forum alone - hence me putting another initial in front . So there's obviously a affinity between Annies and chickens! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 How interesting! Do I feel a 'what's your name?' poll coming on? A scientific survey into whether your name makes you more or less likely to keep chickens..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I bet Sarah wins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Oh I don't know! There are quite a lot of Kate's too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 Only one of me though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted March 25, 2006 Share Posted March 25, 2006 I bet Sarah wins There are a few Sarah (me). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
