EBME Forums Forums EBME Website EBME Website Pseudonyms

We've had (for some time) complaints about pseudonyms used when people register on this site.

In fairness, the complaints have been very much in the minority, but we aim to (try to) please everybody.....

I have been allowing the pseudonyms because this is something that happens all over the internet and even on the most respected of sites.

Now it's time to vote - and I'll abide by the decision.

But please don't just vote - respond with your thoughts on this subject.

Something to remember of course is that there are plenty of people with similar names, so I will always allow Huw66 or JDS or Roy F etc.

Also - anyone with an existing pseudonym will not have to re-register if the vote goes with the 'no pseuds' option.

Please log-on and vote, thanks,
Huw.

There are arguments to support both views, I suppose. If you allow false names people can disclose unflattering but honest facts about the place they work without the risk of their employer getting upset. On the other hand, if people had to use their real names they may be less inclined to make stupid comments - or even to be unpleasant towards other members of the site.

The decision is partly down to what sort of site do we want ? If it's a very informal, let's have a joke and a chat sort of site, then silly names don't matter.

If it's a site where we are trying to promote the idea that we're all very professional people who take our job - and our responsibilities - seriously, then the less frivolous comments and exchanges should be discouraged and using real names would (probably) achieve that.

But then you could make similar comments about the "silly" pictures we identify ourselves with ! I doubt if a blue frog is in line with a serious, professional image ! :p

We could suggest the use of:
initials - JDS,
first name - John,
full name - John Sandham,
or a ficticious name - John Smith.
This allows choice without the displayed name being 'over the top'.

The D,s not for Duncan is it John ???

ok, I think I was one of the moaners that raised this item previously.
However I think Roy has hit the nail on the head quite firmly.

Tony, The 'D' stands for Dafydd (Cymru am Byth).
Not D as in IDS (Head of the Cons Party)
Roy, If you don't like the frog, you could send Huw a picture of yourself so people see see what you really look like! (or is that really you)
The vote is now swinging towards the 'not allowed'.

I didn't say I didn't "like" the blue frog - just that perhaps it was a bit frivolous for such a serious, high-brow forum. :p

If I sent Hugh a photo to replace the frog, I might get recognised on the street. I couldn't cope with being in the limelight. All those screaming girls, press photographers, autograph hunters etc.

No, I'll retain my anonymity, thanks. Besides, the police might recognise me.

Roy,
I know what you mean, those screaming girls, etc.
My wife thinks I'm up to something.

I think you got an extra "to" in that last sentence John.

With reference to Roy's avatar, I thought it was the cookie monster off Sesame St, not that I'm an expert on kids TV though.

Pseudonyms can be frustrating when responding to someone. There are quite a few here that I have managed to work out who they are :p but obviously others that I don't know.

Does it bother me, No.

What is misrepresenting is one person logging in as several different "members"

For a couple of reasons, firstly, it is possible to steer topics by asking and answering your own questions and pushing discussions into a certain avenue and secondly it could give the view to an unsuspecting reader that there is a concensus of opinion when in fact it is only one person ( me, myself and I)

Dont mind joke names but stick to one, you know who we are talking about

Is the blue frog not Oscar The Troutch that used to live in the bin in Sesame Street?