Real names on the forum?
 

This was an idea proposed by Brian McIlmoyle recently, although several people have suggested it over the years - I'm interested to get some feedback from everyone:

How would you like to see real names used instead of anonymous aliases on this forum? Personally, while I enjoy using my user tag, it makes alot of sense to me to use my real name instead - after all, we have to do deals and go to games where real names are much more practical than just call signs. Plus I'm tired of people calling me John (Hojo is fine though, although I prefer Miles).

The anonymity thing is a two-way street though. I'm not sure if people would like to have their real name posted on this site, although at the same time the anonymous nature of forums encourage stupid posts and flamers, who would be less likely to do what they do if they couldn't hide behind an anonymous username.

I see a few possible ways of doing this: Either full names used as your username, or a callsign followed by your name underneath, or your full name required to signup, but only visible in your profile. There are other options, of course - if you have another idea, suggest it.

Well, personally.. I always though our call signs are nick names that people gave each other like how I got mine.. and I call Stalker, Stalker out in public.. But I am weird.

Also, my first name is Robert.. I'm sure theres ALOT of Roberts on this forum..

Cripes I wasn't even done posting the poll by the time you got a reply in. So, you could keep your callsign, say, but also post your real name? We'd use both on the forum, for instance.

Running meet and greets it's really weird to say "here's Killer Scorpion his real name is Cris." I would be for it. Helps get rid of the people who act differently online then in person too. Less jerks.

I think it's a good idea to keep the callsign but add the real name just below it. We call other people with their callsign in game but outside the field , it would be great to know the real name and get more personnal with the persone you're talking with

I think it is a terrible idea Miles. Reason? I don't want some perfect stranger using my first/last name to get my address and break into my home to get guns. I give my address out to people whom I do business with, but other than that, perfect strangers have no need for personal information.

PS - Yes I'm aware details can be easy to dig up, but I don't want it readily available all the same.

I have a unique asian name, and I've yet to bump into another asian with a similar name. Yan H Chan haha. I do want people using their real names.

Then maybe just putting "Alex K." would suffice? That would keep it private, but at least give people a real name to put on you when necessary (at the field, for a transaction).

Would it be possible to impliment a buddy system? So instead of everyone being able to see your name you can select who you want to be privy to that information. That makes the most sense to me.

I think it's a good idea to put your real FIRSTname in your profile or below your nickname. But just the firstname to avoid stuff like Freedom Fighter said.

But i get used to my nickname so i dont bother being called a name i can reconise in all the action on the field.


Jixton (Marc)

FF has an intresting point it could be used to look up your name address and such, but chances are the people you play with would be able to get that info anyhow. I think being able to be called out on all the tough guy shit that goes on when you can hide your identity would quickly come to an end for the most part especialy after some one shows at thier door to "continue" the conversation outside... I guess it makes people accountable for the way they act online.

Well, it may be too late for me, so I don't personally care too much. Some people may have a big issue with it though. I had something to suggest but Phoenix just got bit by our hampster Cornelius so I'm a little distracted at the moment. When, or if I remember my great idea I'll let you know.

PS - Would we then not have to verify the real names? Such as with age.

I think it'd be fine with in the profile the first name be listed if they so choose that option.

So if people want to know thier name, they can check the profile, and only will they see it if the person so chooses.

Meh I don't care too much, hello, my names Chad :O

I'd be more worried about people who I don't play with, people aren't exactly shy about the content of their arsenal here on ASC, real steel or otherwise. If anyone with an account here can get your real name and perform a physical address lookup, then who's to say thieves won't ever use ASC like a shopping list? The only thing deterring such an abuse would be how gun owners here repeatedly declare their willingness to shoot intruders. ;)

I think we as a community need to have a serious self-evaluation if we need to deter tough guy shitism via the possibility of someone you've talked smack to online visiting your home...

I like Hyperions idea, put the name under the callsign, plus I don't know about adding my full name, maybe just my first name.

Also if you do implement this, that means we can finally find out just exactly how many "seans" there are on ASC.