Real Names Requirement

[Jeffrey Butler]

We could very well be heading towards a Real Names Requirement. Please take the poll, and weigh in below...

[dalecosby]

At least the first name would be good.

It is a lot easier to address people when you know there first name.

Of course, I don't want any people knowing MY name. :-)

[Jeffrey Butler]

We're talking "First Last" - all official like. Caps and all....

[Jaxon]

What's the occasion? Would the posts counts all reset with the name change?

[Pro-Life of Idaho]

I use my real name, Pro-Life. If some people want to hide, it is fine with me.

[PatrickHenry]

We could very well be heading towards a Real Names Requirement. Please take the poll, and weigh in below...

Your poll left out a few options. Maybe I like being known by a pseudonym, but wouldn't depart in a huff if the forum's rules changed.

Why do you pose this question? Is there someting afoot that we need to know about?

My username is one I have used on forums for over three years, now. I respect the original patriot and Founding Father, Patrick Henry and wish to honor him with a reference. It's also easy to remember, because I have a few AKAs in real life...

[Mountain West]

We're talking "First Last" - all official like. Caps and all....

Would we have to produce a birth certificate? This could be The American View real id act od 2007

[Covenanter]

I wouldn't leave, but I would likely stop posting. I would merely observe. I'm still debating whether I want my name attached to my adamant opinions online for everyone to see. I have a unique name (I'm the only person in the world with my first name/last name combination), so revealing my name could definitely pose some security issues. I'm also young and considering mission work in a foreign land, so I don't want to exclude myself from serving the LORD in a closed country by advertising my name as a target for wicked governments. I don't mind revealing my real name to participants in the forum (some of them already know me), but I don't like the idea of revealing my name for the entire world to see.

Have there been problems caused by people not using their real names, or are you just trying to avoid those problems?

[Jeffrey Butler]

All the threads in the Announcements are moderated; sorry for the delay.

There's nothing going on except a desire to communicate with people. Knowing who someone is makes the conversation more honest. If you're not willing to be known, then you probably won't say half the things you do - which will keep the manure throwing down. But it's not any one thing pushing the decision. It's always been an option, and it's always been an either or...

I originally didn't think it mattered, but then began participating on a board with over 23,000 users - and it was a real names board. And it is such a better online place to be...partly because most of the people are professionals (it's an industry specific board), partly because of the subject, but partly because of the Real Names requirement.

We're looking to fine tune our "performance" and "purpose" - as we all should be - and this is one possible tweak. Any other suggestions are welcome.

A note - there is no automatic way of doing this. I would have to change your names from the admin side of things, one by one - and then ALL of your (previous) posts would have your "new" name.

[Jeffrey Butler]

I use my real name, Pro-Life. If some people want to hide, it is fine with me.

Even you get to upgrade, Pro-Life. I know your last name isn't "of Idaho"...

[JLofton]

Chill, "Mountain West." Just mail us a small DNA sample (just a little "D" is fine), a fingerprint, your Social Security number, the numbers of all your credit cards, a blueprint/photo of your tree house, photos of your family, a print-out of your most recent polygraph test and same of your most recent drug test and -- no problem. Start posting! And, please, while posting, do not be closer than 100 yards to any liquid or gel containers of more than 3.4 ounces...

[dalecosby]

Chill, "Mountain West." Just mail us a small DNA sample (just a little "D" is fine), a fingerprint, your Social Security number, the numbers of all your credit cards, a blueprint/photo of your tree house, photos of your family, a print-out of your most recent polygraph test and same of your most recent drug test and -- no problem. Start posting! And, please, while posting, do not be closer than 100 yards to any liquid or gel containers of more than 3.4 ounces...
Oh, so it is just like renewing your driver's license in Indiana then? :-)

[Covenanter]

I participate in another forum that is full real names only, but it is not indexed by search engines, and the userbase is relatively small. I know most of the users personally.

If you go to a real names requirement, perhaps you should only allow registered users to access the forum. That would keep the forum from being indexed by search engines and not reveal our names to the entire world. But some people would probably want to check out the forum before registering. If you wanted to modify the php code manually (I doubt their is a built-in option), you could make it so the forum is visible to everyone, but names are only visible to registered users. That sounds like an acceptable solution.

[dalecosby]

If you go to a real names requirement, perhaps you should only allow registered users to access the forum. That would keep the forum from being indexed by search engines and not reveal our names to the entire world. But some people would probably want to check out the forum before registering. If you wanted to modify the php code manually (I doubt their is a built-in option), you could make it so the forum is visible to everyone, but names are only visible to registered users. That sounds like an acceptable solution.
I had thought of that as well but was not sure if it was possible.
I do know that different options for logged in members are possible, but I am not sure about visible user names.

And yes, Covenanter, I keep almost posting your name.
However since you first name is common, I am sure that is no big deal and I won't even try to spell you last name.
Also, I have now visited your church twice while you were away! :-)

[dalecosby]

One request that I will make is the option to put our pictures on the actual post. Another forum I use which uses the same software (the same revision even I think) allows pics to be displayed next to the user name.
I find that helpful to see a picture of the person you are discussing things with.
Many of us already have pictures on our profiles, it would just be nice if we could see them on the threads.

[Pro-Life of Idaho]

When I changed my name, I considered, No-More-Dead-Babies, but it is

long. When you run for office in Idaho, the Secretary of State, will arbitraily

edit your name for the ballot. My legal name was Marvin Pro-Life Richardson,

the Sec of State said I could not use my middle name. Instead of going to

court, I legally dropped Marvin and Richardson. My name saves babies and

makes people accountable. It has been good, God bless the Sec of State.

My wife likes calling me Pro-Life.

Actually the 'life issue' is not the real issue, only a symptom of the real issue,

people murder their babies and others apologize for the muders because

Christians have not taught, you must give up your selfishness to follow

Christ. Selfishness is the real issue. I could have changed my name to

Selfishness-Will-Send-You-To-Hell.

[JLofton]

There's only one Name that saves, "a Name which is above every name," the Name at which every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." And that is the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- not any mere human being. Please, think before you type -- think a long time. And if this means you type less and post here less -- fine. It's OK.

[dalecosby]

My name saves babies and

makes people accountable.
Even in a practical sense, I don't see how this could be true.
How does a name change like that help to keep anyone from having an abortion?

[Covenanter]

There's only one Name that saves, "a Name which is above every name," the Name at which every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." And that is the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ -- not any mere human being. Please, think before you type -- think a long time. And if this means you type less and post here less -- fine. It's OK.

Amen!

[James Niemela]

Obviously, I would have no problem using my real name, since I do now. :) In my opinion, if you can't put your name to something you have written, perhaps you shouldn't have written it. This may not be the case in all instances, so don't pick your brains too hard thinking about it, but in most cases, it only makes sense. It would certainly stop some sniping on this forum, by folks who hide behind their nicknames. Can I cast 2 votes for real names requirement? :)

James Niemela (actually James Michael Niemela, my real name) :)

[Traitor2Tyranny]

My name saves babies

There's only one Name that saves...

John, I think he meant this kind (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/85188/baby_save/) of save.

[angelawittman]

Dear Friends at The American View,

I have always used my real name on the Internet, but I do not think this should be a requirement for others at TAV unless you have members anonymously posting profanity or slander and you are not able to deal with it any other way.

[jgist]

I don't think it seems unreasonable to require names...

[J. Glenn Ferrell]

Actually the 'life issue' is not the real issue, only a symptom of the real issue, people murder their babies and others apologize for the muders because Christians have not taught, you must give up your selfishness to follow Christ. Selfishness is the real issue. I could have changed my name to Selfishness-Will-Send-You-To-Hell.
Actually Prolife, it is impossible for us to give up our selfishness without the enabling and regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Our guilt and infinite debt to a just, righteous, holy God will send all to hell unless that debt is fully paid by the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. One may do good things- campaign agains abortion, care for the dying, stand for a just cause- by the common grace of God, for selfish reasons, and still be hell bound.

[J. Glenn Ferrell]

I'm also young and considering mission work in a foreign land, so I don't want to exclude myself from serving the LORD in a closed country by advertising my name as a target for wicked governments. This is a good reason to maintain one's anonymity. Wouldn’t a requirement to provide one’s real name, location and contact information to the moderator accomplish what is important.

I do use my real name. The “J” is for “James.” If “they” want to come get me for my posts, I’ll be waiting in the bushes (or upstairs window) with appropriate firearm and adequate ammunition.

[Spurgeon Baptist]

If “they” want to come get me for my posts, I’ll be waiting in the bushes (or upstairs window) with appropriate firearm and adequate ammunition.

Now pastor, who would Jesus shoot?

Just joking.

Maybe I should change my legal name to "Spurge".

[ru4liberty]

I don't think it seems unreasonable to require names...
Justin G. Preuninger // A+, Network+ Certified

I agree with Angela, as long as someone is abiding by the rules, who cares?
BTW Justin, are you advertising your skills in hopes of finding a job?

John Smith certified, completely un-adulterated bunk artist ACME A-Z, :p :p :p

All kidding aside, I'm sure you've worked hard to earn those certifications.

[J. Glenn Ferrell]

Now pastor, who would Jesus shoot? Doubt he'd need to shoot anyone, as none could lay their hands on him until his time had come.

However, he advised his disciples to buy a sword. Though we're also safe in him as long as he has something remaining for us to do; he also uses means for our defense.

When our time has come, those means will no longer avail us any protection. But, we are safe in his hand.

[jgist]

I agree with Angela, as long as someone is abiding by the rules, who cares?
BTW Justin, are you advertising your skills in hopes of finding a job?

John Smith certified, completely un-adulterated bunk artist ACME A-Z, :p :p :p

All kidding aside, I'm sure you've worked hard to earn those certifications.

Lol... no, I just copied my email sig essentially... that's why they're listed... :)