to answer the original question:


well, *I* post under 'almost' my full real name, so if *I* logged out and posted as 'guest', Joe could likely compare IP addresses and know it was Bill Day, whom he knows personally. I have on occasion posted my FULL name ...so a forum search would allow anyone here to drive right to my front door! Same goes for Catspaw, Joe Offer, and many others.

HOWEVER...if someone has never USED a real name, and never stated where they live, and is only known as 'Rumplestiltskin'...EVEN if they are a member, Joe will not know who they are. He can often look up IP numbers and know approximately where they are...(country and, usually, area). This means that repeated postings, even under different names, or NO name, can 'probably' be compared and linked. It could be 23 people using one computer, but that is not common, so in that RARE case when some one needs ro be blocked (or when SPAM posters need to be), Joe or Jeff or Max can usually manage, I'd suppose.

....the real point is-- Whether you are a registered MEMBER or not, no one need know your real name if you don't want them to! The ONLY way for even Joe to get a real name would be to submit a request to the ISP, showing cause why! (Like a serious attack or threat).(this would 'probably' require a warrant)

There are members whose posts I have read for years, and I have almost no idea where they are from...or even if they are male or female.

Me, I don't care....I have opinions, but they are mine, and I am honest & open about them....and if you want to drive up to my door and debate them, I guess you could eventually figure out how.. I suppose that those who have even more extreme positions would prefer that no one be able to track them down...*wry grin* Martin Gibson kinda made sure he was hard to find!

(and I DO know that some of our female members have on occasion been subjected to harassment, and feel more comfortable having a layer of anonymity between themselves and internet idiots!)

Anyway, it has been my experience that you will on average be treated in here similarly to the way you treat others. If YOU are combative and obnoxious and extreme in your views, you'll get appropriate responses......so plan accordingly.

Everyone...have a nice day!