Names

[martin goddard]

Just an observation for discussion

How do RFCM members feel about using a name?
Of the forums I visit, this one would rank as very friendly and respectful.

This RFCM forum has largely followed the accepted practise of internet interaction   i.e. Anonymity

I am suggesting we set a new standard of civility. This would be the only forum in the world to do so. This might make it intrinsically wrong?
How about we all use a name in the normal everyday sense.
Examples might be Steve, Ahmed, Mary etc.  Surnames would not be needed.
This way we could respond to  a name in a more social way.

If members were worried about  using a name, they could adopt one which is not their own, such as "Frank".

Assuming the group is intended for a group of good acquaintances/friends to get along. Then we could address each other by names. I would not waste time attending a club or social group if players could/would  not use names.
I tend not to address people once i know them, as "hello there", "mush", "big boy" etc.

I do not use a hidden identity as I feel it is honest and sincere to attach my name to what I say.

I do realise that i have different views than some others.   I try not to offend those around me. I don't address others as "mate" either. If i were talking with you and the phone rang I would ignore it (unless I had already explained to you that I might be receiving an important call etc.)

I am not going to be particularly upset if members prefer anonymity.
However maybe I should not  intrude on that prized anonymity by replying to such posters?

Your thoughts, fgm panzer leader?

[Lluis of Minairons]

Here it goes my penny for this discussion: if I was this site webmaster, my main concern would be about having properly stored the real names behind the forum nicknames. For whatever the legal and legitimate reason these could be needed.

Provided that such your knowledge is granted, well, I would only worry about nicknames openly obscene or offensive toward other RFCM members. And I'm admittedly quite doubtful about what I would do if that actually happened in a forum I managed. Should I wait until any user complained before acting? Should I request by my own the affected user to change his/her nickname? Would I be morally entitled for either action?

Just an example from my own experience: For many years, before creating the Minairons miniatures brand, my usual nickname in wargaming forums was "Soldadets" (a catalan word literally meaning "Little soldiers" or "Toy soldiers"). I still use it for signing my painting jobs' pictures, for instance, despite having changed my forums nickname to "Lluís of Minairons" or similar everywhere, for some kind of professional transparency sense. I still miss "Soldadets" as a signature, though; such nickname has nothing to do with a real name, but I sensed it somehow identified me everywhere.

Uhm, perhaps this has been of less help than intended. Apologies Martin.

[martin goddard]

Lluis, thanks for taking part. Good thoughts.

[Stewart 46A]

I all ways use my name as I stand by what I write/ say for bgood or bad. How ever there are a lot of Simons on this site so maybe something added to 'Simon' to make you different?

[Administrator]

the real names behind the forum nicknames. For whatever the legal and legitimate reason these could be needed

None of these are stored to avoid any potential GDPR issues

[Colonel Kilgore]

I think I'm with Martin, on this, if I've understood correctly!

For various reasons, some folk may not wish to use their full name. Pseudonyms ("noms de guerre", or perhaps, in this case "noms de jeux de guerre") can be fun, hence my alter ago (chosen when we were in the throes of doing the Vietnam game).

But it's nice to have a name to address someone by (even if, as Martin suggests, that too could be a false one, if the poster so desires).

So, I think it's OK by Martin's suggestion that I - as one of the surfeit of Simons - keep my alter ego (and I liked the photo) as long as you all have a proper name to call me by.

Simon (which may, or may not, be my real name  )

[Smiley Miley 66]

I am happy to use my own name, on here I just adopted my Gamer tag,and also "nickname" as most people on the internet know my "tag", most people that know my otherwise know me by my first name and or nickname anyway.
I think as a general rule nowadays we except a "tag" or "nickname" as an identity? But like you say when we do meet up like Square Bashing is a good example until somebody says, hello I am Simon ! Then their tag I don't know who I am talking too !
But my memory for names is bad at the best of times....

[martin goddard]

Yes I too have problems at shows and events. People use their real names in person, but expect you to know their anonymous "hiding" name too.

[Colonel Kilgore]

But, to be fair (to yourself) Martin, you are always very good at those events you run to introduce everyone, and mention their online identities too, which I find a very friendly and helpful thing to do.

[John Watson]

Not bothered really either way. But don't call me Steve, Ahmed or Mary.
I tend to use my alter ego and hero's name as a tag but often sign off a comment with "John"any way. Like Stewart I stand by what I say (unless I am being obviously flippant, like the first line above).
Cheers
John

[Nick]

Don't have a problem with forum "usernames", but I agree it is nicer to be able to use real names in actual posts.

Nick

[Alex M]

I think real names are best , have no problem with those who wish to have a username though , cheers Alex

[alex918]

I agree with Alex here, although Alex M was already taken I had to go with the numbers. 

A lot of users on here have nicknames but sign off with their real name, or those in the know reply to posts using their real names. I think the use of a "real" name is more friendly, besides I'm not clever enough or funny enough to make one for myself.

[martin goddard]

May i suggest that  from now on people end their posts with a first name if not already obvious on their profile?  Makes my life better....

martin

[Sean Clark]

I was provided with my name at birth and have felt relatively happy with it since then.

True story, I was named after Sean Connery.