Re: Reflections from Coe: Looking In The Mirror Again...

Brian Tung wrote:
There is value in seeing a real name, but I don't think it's the fact
that's the real name; it's the fact that it's permanent. I have no real
clue as to whether any of the folks that go by the names Rod Mollise,
Greg Crinklaw, Stephen Paul, or whoever--whether those are really their
names. It doesn't matter, as far as SAA is concerned. What I do know
is that I know what to expect out of the posts their names are attached
to. That, in my opinion, is the value of using a real name. One could
do the same thing with a pseudonym like Lumpy Darkness, who I know has
been posting to SAA, off and on, for a long time indeed. I know what
kind of posts he produces (and for the record, I like them), and that's
what matters here.

Brian, I disagree. As I see it the primary reason there is so much juvenile posting on newsgroups (including trolling) is due to the lack of accountability. Using a real name means that the poster is laying his/her real life credibility on the line every time he/she posts. And while that may not mean that everyone would behave themselves, I do believe that if posters used their real names more there would be less childish antics.

As I've said here before, I stand behind my stupid statements 100%. Why should others get away with being able to say anything they want, no matter how hurtful, obnoxious, or stupid, because they are hiding behind an alias?

Consider the post you just responded to. It was absolutely outrageous. In fact, it could be considered libelous. But we have no idea who made these ridiculous accusations or why. Was he serious? Pulling my leg? Trolling? There is no way to know. So why give this person any respect at all? As you see from my response, I chose not to. As far as I'm concerned anyone who uses an alias to post here is someone with very little credibility.

Would I respect Rod Mollise as much if he posted under the pseudonym "SouthernComfort?" My personal answer is no. I'd still respect him, because, heck, he's Rod, but not quite as much...

Consider as well that the names you mentioned as regular posters here are very likely real. Unlike you, I have no doubt about that. And add yourself to that list as well as others such as Chris Peterson.

I also think it works the other way around. I know I'm personally far more likely to be rude to someone hiding behind an alias that someone using their real name. It's just plain easier to rip "dumbasstargazer" a new one. ;-)

The only exception I can think of is Starlord. He uses an alias but does not hide behind it. We all know him, alias or not. But that's one exception to what seems to me a pretty hard and fast rule.

It's been said that people say hurtful outrageous things on newsgroups that they would never say face to face. I believe that's true. And I also believe that signing your real name is a step away from that unfortunate and ugly reality.

So once again I'll make a plea for real names and suggest that at least for some of us, it is very difficult to earn respect using an alias.

Clear skies,
Greg

--
Greg Crinklaw
Astronomical Software Developer
Cloudcroft, New Mexico, USA (33N, 106W, 2700m)

SkyTools: http://www.skyhound.com/cs.html
Observing: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/skyhound.html
Comets: http://www.skyhound.com/sh/comets.html

To reply take out your eye
.

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