Aliases

[pikov22]

Why does everyone here post under an alias?

And why do people change aliases every so often?

Just wonderin'!!

[quietmorning]

I try to keep my full name off the net for safety reasons.

I don't change my alias, though - and have no problem with people knowing my first name. I don't have an issue of them knowing my last name as long as they keep it off the net.

[49er]

Why does everyone here post under an alias?

And why do people change aliases every so often?

Just wonderin'!!

Can't speak for the folks who change theirs but the reason I chose an alias is I don't want my employer or potential employers reading my posts about having sleep apnea.

49er

[jencat824]

I try to keep my full name off the net for safety reasons.

I don't change my alias, though - and have no problem with people knowing my first name. I don't have an issue of them knowing my last name as long as they keep it off the net.

DITTO!

[Pugsy]

Some people just like to use different names. Whatever their reason it's enough to simply want to change it.
Some people have worn out their welcome with one screen name so they sneak back in without getting caught.
Some people feel their private life real name is just what I said...private. There's a bunch of sickos out there...never know who might be stalking whom in today's cyber world.
Some just like creative screen ID names just for fun...imaginative names.

[khauser]

Er, um....

I don't!

[Julie]

What we also like to change is our 'avatar', the persona+picture on the side... I've kept my 'forum' name the same for years, but changed the picture a couple of times.

[archangle]

Many of us are in the Witless Protection Program.

[pikov22]

Many of us are in the Witless Protection Program.

Finally, an answer I can believe!!! ;-P

[pikov22]

I try to keep my full name off the net for safety reasons.

I don't change my alias, though - and have no problem with people knowing my first name. I don't have an issue of them knowing my last name as long as they keep it off the net.

I have been using the Internet since before there was a World Wide Web,and before that, I used CompuServe. I used my real name almost everywhere and have not run a foul of any stalkers.

It's not your name you have to protect -- it's your SSN, bank account numbers, mother's maiden name, etc.

[pikov22]

Why does everyone here post under an alias?

And why do people change aliases every so often?

Just wonderin'!!

Can't speak for the folks who change theirs but the reason I chose an alias is I don't want my employer or potential employers reading my posts about having sleep apnea.

49er

Why is that? That way they'll know you are ill rather thinking you're just a lazy bum!

[pikov22]

Some people just like to use different names. Whatever their reason it's enough to simply want to change it.
Some people have worn out their welcome with one screen name so they sneak back in without getting caught.
Some people feel their private life real name is just what I said...private. There's a bunch of sickos out there...never know who might be stalking whom in today's cyber world.
Some just like creative screen ID names just for fun...imaginative names.

Call me old-fashioned but I find it difficult to have a serious discussion with someone who is hiding their identity. (Not you, Pugsy. I know your name. :~>)

I hate it when strangers call me "Pikov", especially in a doctor's office.

[chunkyfrog]

Since the time of each post is recorded, it might not be so good to let the boss know what you've been doing at "work".

[VikingGnome]

It's not your name you have to protect -- it's your SSN, bank account numbers, mother's maiden name, etc.

Well in the era of ANCESTRY.COM, mother's maiden name is hanging out there for the world to see through grandparents and further up the tree. I've been doing genealogy for 25 years. So whenever I am asked to supply my mother's maiden name, I have secret name I use instead of the real one. If I have to say what it is to confirm my identity, the person always does a double take and says, "Is that really her name?" My reply is always, "That is the name I choose to use."

[mollete]