Anonymity + a 2nd layer of anonymity = Fail

I like to change my avatar at will, but I haven't changed my name on here. I agree that using ones real name is not the smartest thing to do on places like this, but I do use my initials. Maybe to think up something better.

Platinum90 wrote: Though I think it is about time I change my avatar now too.

Noooooo! I love your avatar - it cracks me up every time I see it :)

The closest I have to offer is that sometimes I use the same avatar here as I do on FB...but I also tell the dozen or so "friends" there who I am here.

Oh, crap, you mean I'm never gonna get a real job now?!

Margie

FlightService or TCAirlines (old name) about every where.

My wife talked to all my ex-girlfriends and they all said two things.

1. He was a good waste of time

2 He's a d*&%!

So same ole, same ole here LOL

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Oh, crap, you mean I'm never gonna get a real job now?! Margie

Why do you want to? I frankly envy just about all you all at GRM.

I shall remain as inconsistent as always.

Most people know my name anyway from selling stuff. This place is a bit of an oddity that no one has purchased stuff from me. My old screen names are about as anonymous as you can get, but unless I'm on a site with questionable legality, I'm not the least bit protective.

In the end, it doesn't matter. We're not the least bit anonymous anywhere on the internet.

Oh, and Mr Rex, your real name is PLENTY google-able. I have your street address, phone number, and a map to your door step. One of your online accounts includes both your alias and your real name.

There is no anonymous, there is only Anonymous.

Did you start with my real name, my online name, or both? Any other info?

When I use my real name only, I'm 9 pages deep before there is anything related to me.

Screen name is all over the first page.

If you've got them both, its pretty easy.

I used your screen name in conjunction with terms like "myspace" and "facebook" to find it. I know your real name, and I respect your privacy and family, but the information is out there.

Also, using a picture I found on the interwebs along with your address, I was able to Google Street View your house and confirm that it is indeed your house.

I could probably do the same thing with at least half of the people on here. If someone were really wanting to be malicious, there really is no way to protect yourself online.

Nope, first result, but you have to dig around there. You gave away your home state earlier in this thread, and there's only one Mr. Rex on that link from your home state.

I am well aware it is out there.

However, like I said, I am easier to find with the screen name. Take it as a compliment- there are probably people from my past who would only know my real name that I'd rather not see!

Interesting about myspace and facebook- since I am not in either of them.

What can I say- you are younger than I.

Just don't let it go to your head!

I used them as examples so I didn't directly give away the exact terms I used to find you. No reason to make it THAT easy.

Younger, sure. I don't have the sort of real life experience my elders have, so I try to keep myself in check.

Are you a member on that particular site?

Not at all. I've been trying to decrease my web presence.

SVreX wrote: I'm starting to realize one of the problems with the internet is anonymity. While in theory it protects people and allows more freedom of speech, in practice it allows people to be absolute buttheads. So far, GRM does pretty well. But, I've noticed recently that several people have adopted new personas and user names on this forum. I'm no fan of the practice. Here I am seriously considering putting my real name on the bottom of all my posts, just because it seems like the right thing to do, while others (who have already participated in this forum for a while and allowed people to formulate opinions of them based on their inputs) are hiding under another layer of anonymity. I realize some of it is just clean fun. But some of it is pretty annoying. I know people by what they have contributed, and associate these inputs with their screen name. I don't like the names changing. Maybe I'm just *itching. I'm not necessarily asking anyone to change anything. But I am curious if other people are also annoyed by the practice.

I can't think of a single reason why it would matter, or you should care, but...

The fact that you do, is reason enough for me to want to stay anonymous.

It's a forum. It's entertainment, and nothing more.

While I have read all kinds of things that I either don't like, or completely disagree with, I can't associate any of it with a single username (well, maybe with the exception of Hess), nor would I care to.

I do things differently, and sometimes say unpopular things and would prefer that people take them in the way that they are intended. Sometimes that's not the case. Anonymity comes in handy here.

Nonetheless, if you wanted to know who I was, about 30 seconds of google search should turn it up.

I respect that.

But it is also a community.

Here's a hint.

No matter if the person changes their name... Click on link and go to their profile.

their profile url will list the original name they signed up under.

For example mine says.. http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/community/Ignorant/ But my name is Big Ego right now..

get it?

In reply to Derick Freese:

sent you a PM

Can't prove it by me :p

I just don't write anything I wouldn't be willing to put my name to, because I'm anything but anonymous online. Regardless, it's a good way to work. I take someone a lot more seriously if they're willing to put their name behind their statements as well.

This conversation is closely related to the reason I drink Kesslers and Coke... it started on a day that ends with "Y".

Keith wrote: I just don't write anything I wouldn't be willing to put my name to, because I'm anything but anonymous online. Regardless, it's a good way to work. I take someone a lot more seriously if they're willing to put their name behind their statements as well.

QFT. This bears repeating.

I just changed my screen name.

Marjorie Suddard wrote: Oh, crap, you mean I'm never gonna get a real job now?! Margie

Havn't you guys figured out that having a real job SERIOUSLY cuts into play time... I have been self employed for 11 years and hope I nevvaaarrrr have to go back!

I used to be "profeser" on the old boards but after the change over I couldn't get back on, and had to start over. I guess I just wasn't clever enough to come up with a new name, so I just used my real one. I am now the same semi-anonomous person now on all the boards I am a member of. I have never worried about the bad people finding me, but I try to follow the golden rule my mom switched into my backside when I reply to things too.

A few of the other boards I post on are now requiring real names, to help keep the flaming down. I see the point, but its not the same as all the creativity people put into there names especially on this board.

Good luck staying invisible

Paul M. Petrun somewhere south of Pittsburgh, Pa.