Using actual name on message boards

[_rich kelsey]

lostindc asked,

“Have any of you fellow posters thought about using your actual name? If you have used your real name have you suffered?”

No, in fact, so far only good has come from it.

I have been using my real name on the Internet for 11 years. In my case I really don’t have much of a choice. I work with editors, publishers, ministers, and also people who read my Christian book and other written works.

The first article I wrote which was/is critical of a sect, is a work about Jehovah Witness history. That work is read more often than anything I have out there. Way more often than all my Mormon articles combined! I doubt it would be well-known if I had written it using a ghost name.

Yes, I am concerned about using my real name. But, I refuse to live my life in fear. I really believe in what I do which includes painting an accurate history of certain sects, including the LDS Church.

If I suffer for doing what I think is right then that’s just how it’s going to be.

[_zeezrom]

...perhaps assisted by the divine Spirit of Athena.

She has helped me, I think. I could explain why, but that would not be fair to lostindc :)

[_sock puppet]

I admire those who openly use their actual name on message boards focused on Mormonism. I sometimes want to do it myself but I fear the backlash. For one, I know that I would likely get crushed by local Church leaders if they knew my cafeteria/ethnic/NOM style. Second, I imagine the Will Shriverlesyers of the world can do damage via the world wide web.

Have any of you fellow posters thought about using your actual name? If you have used your real name have you suffered?

I've had some RL consequences (negative, not positive) as it was figured out in some quarters near where I live who 'sock puppet' really is. Since I've already experienced some backlash, I can only fathom how much more 'special' it would be if I openly posted with my RL name.

[_Lucretia MacEvil]

I don't think it's simply a matter of personal courage; many other personality traits determine our choice in this kind of matter. I'm just a naturally bashful person who doesn't seek the spotlight. I'm not published or professional, I don't care about building a "name" for myself ... my own name or an internet name ... it's fun to come up with new ones once in a while. I don't care to be confronted by TBM family who might find me online, they are the types to get in one's face, if you know what I mean.

Anonymity does allow one to be as nasty as they please; but not all anonymous posters are nasty. Some posting under their own names are consistently civil because of that; others are clearly seeking attention and don't care whether it's "good" attention or "bad" attention.

Those who would accuse others of being anonymous cowards are revealing more about themselves than those they accuse. Some get their jollies by putting out personal information and then being indignant when they get personal comments.

Whatever, we're all distinct and complex personalities and that's what makes a board like this fun (in my opinion).

[_Some Schmo]

I'm not fearful for my own safety, but I do care about my family's, and there are way too many nutjobs on the net to worry what people think about protecting my privacy. Most people who complain about others' anonymity aren't the best thinkers anyway, so it's hard to give a crap.

Besides, Some Schmo is more a persona/caricature than it is the guy typing his words. I don't mind admitting that much.