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Author Topic: Hiding behind pseudonyms  (Read 19151 times)

john beardsworth

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Hiding behind pseudonyms
« on: May 11, 2013, 02:55:00 am »

Isn't it time to stop anonymous posting? Don't people think it would improve the tone of conversation?

I'd have no problem with a general rule that allows individuals to make a case for exemption (eg they're senior guys in Adobe's Camera Raw team) but I'd begin by barring new members from posting until their profile identifies them and makes them a little more responsible for what they say.

Anyone agree?

John
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Tony Jay

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #1 on: May 11, 2013, 05:06:02 am »

I agree with the sentiment however I am not sure how one would enforce this.

Tony Jay
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Chairman Bill

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #2 on: May 11, 2013, 07:54:19 am »

Could you point to any irresponsibility in anything I've posted to date?

dreed

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #3 on: May 11, 2013, 08:10:14 am »

Isn't it time to stop anonymous posting? Don't people think it would improve the tone of conversation?

I'd have no problem with a general rule that allows individuals to make a case for exemption (eg they're senior guys in Adobe's Camera Raw team) but I'd begin by barring new members from posting until their profile identifies them and makes them a little more responsible for what they say.

Anyone agree?

John

And what would that do for people like "madmanchan"?
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John Cothron

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2013, 08:12:39 am »

works for me
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John
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jeremyrh

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2013, 08:28:42 am »

What happens when someone doesn't agree with what you posted and tries to cause you problems in your "real life"? Has happened to me (not here) - there are some very nasty people out there, unfortunately.
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svein

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #6 on: May 11, 2013, 08:43:44 am »

I believe that using real names would reduce trolling, outrageous statements and offensive language to some degree. However, I don't think making rules that can't be enforced is a good idea, and I can't see how such a rule could be enforced.
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kencameron

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #7 on: May 11, 2013, 08:54:18 am »

And what would that do for people like "madmanchan"?
No impact on him, surely, as  he is a "senior guy in adobe's camera raw team" who has frequently disclosed his real name and whose posts set an impeccable standard of civility and relevance. And surely no suggestion that the great majority of people posting under pseudonyms aren't as civil as the rest of us. The idea is appealing but I share the reservations about whether it could be enforced.
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Ken Cameron

john beardsworth

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #8 on: May 11, 2013, 09:10:28 am »

Could you point to any irresponsibility in anything I've posted to date?
You, not that I've noticed, but others certainly.

And what would that do for people like "madmanchan"?
See his signature. I referred to him because I'm a little surprised and pleased that he seems happy to participate in plain sight.

What happens when someone doesn't agree with what you posted and tries to cause you problems in your "real life"? Has happened to me (not here) - there are some very nasty people out there, unfortunately.
Surely knowing their identity gives you more remedies than when you don't?

I believe that using real names would reduce trolling, outrageous statements and offensive language to some degree. However, I don't think making rules that can't be enforced is a good idea, and I can't see how such a rule could be enforced.
Other forums do enforce it, but I agree it has to be practical. Here, I'd start by making it very obvious in the registration that anonymity simply isn't allowed. Existing users - if there's one complaint against you and you've no ID, bang, you're gone for a week. Not sure about malicious complaints, but you can't make the perfect the enemy of doing what you can do.

When even someone as apparently thick-skinned as Schewe considers complaining about ad hominem stuff....

John
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jeremyrh

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #9 on: May 11, 2013, 09:56:40 am »

Surely knowing their identity gives you more remedies than when you don't?

Maybe, but a post facto remedy is not much comfort when the rumours and innuendos are in the wild already.
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john beardsworth

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2013, 10:08:27 am »

Sure, but if someone knows they're visible they're less likely to become a bunny boiler?
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PeterAit

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2013, 02:00:13 pm »

Sure, but if someone knows they're visible they're less likely to become a bunny boiler?

Bunny boiler?!?! You've got to love the English language. Anyway, they are better roasted <g>.
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john beardsworth

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #12 on: May 11, 2013, 02:04:34 pm »

It's from Fatal Attraction, Peter.
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theguywitha645d

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #13 on: May 11, 2013, 02:10:55 pm »

And how are you actually going to do this?

-- Albert Einstein
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Chairman Bill

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #14 on: May 11, 2013, 02:23:32 pm »

When even someone as apparently thick-skinned as Schewe considers complaining about ad hominem stuff....

Then how about a rule that forbids ad hominem comments? That you could police quite effectively

Chairman Bill

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #15 on: May 11, 2013, 02:25:55 pm »

And how are you actually going to do this?

-- Albert Einstein

Quite. My real name is Henryk Rumpelstiltskin Trotsky. Or maybe Frederico Gonzales. Or Marjorie Smyth-Hampton. Or ...

john beardsworth

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #16 on: May 11, 2013, 02:28:27 pm »

On another forum which I used to moderate we'd give you one chance. The moment there's a complaint, if your ID looks fake you're toast. It's not rocket science.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2013, 02:33:05 pm by johnbeardy »
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john beardsworth

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #17 on: May 11, 2013, 02:34:38 pm »

Then how about a rule that forbids ad hominem comments? That you could police quite effectively
That's effectively here already. I've always found that stripping away anonymity reduces that kind of behaviour.
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theguywitha645d

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #18 on: May 11, 2013, 02:35:01 pm »

On another forum which I used to moderate we'd give you one chance. The moment there's a complaint, if your ID looks fake you're toast. It's not rocket science.

WOW. I guess we just need to tolerate your intolerance.
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theguywitha645d

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Re: Hiding behind pseudonyms
« Reply #19 on: May 11, 2013, 02:36:06 pm »

That's effectively here already. I've always found that stripping away anonymity reduces that kind of behaviour.

Absolutely.

-- John Doe
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