Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 12:47 PM

And again, welcome Anamika/Sandra!!! Unless you use a work computer exclusively (and they are uptight about leaving cookies lying around), I'd really recommend "officially" joining. For one thing, that gets you access to MudChat (where some of us hang out from time to time), if that is of any interest to you. Nobody has access to your personal information except for Max and (I think) the moderator crew. You do have the option of posting a photo (of yourself, your pet cat, your son's fingerpainting, whatever) and other information if you choose. There is also an ongoing thread somewhere under "Mudcat FAQs" where you can learn to do neat things like underlining and writing in different colors. Have fun!

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,Anamika
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 12:17 PM

I would like to share what my 'name' means. It's Hindi for an anonymous person, rather like Joe Bloggs although you all know my name is Sandra. I quite like it!

catspaw49 - thank you for the SandyBottom suggestion, could well have been apt but not since I last played with a sand and bucket.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Scoville
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:56 AM

Not that anyone cares, but I used to be Ely until I had cookie trouble. I post as GUEST with my regular Mudcat name if I'm not on my own computer. I never post as an anonymous GUEST. So, I might say asinine things but you'll always know it's me.

Neither name has anything to do with my real name, appearance, location, etc., and I think I'm registered under minimal personal information. I don't know any Mudcatters personally (I don't think) and only one, who is not a regular poster, online via an unrelated interest. I don't mind non-troll GUESTS although I don't see why one wouldn't register if s/he is going to visit and post regularly, but whatever works.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,Anamika
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:33 AM

Bill D

I know I still have lots to learn but I am smilling :^)

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:17 AM

ok....Anamika *smile*

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 10:31 AM

Thank you very much to everyone who has offered advise etc. I have found it very helpful and I have learnt so much about Mudcat. I have decided, because of my job, not to join at the moment. One of the things that stands out as possibly the most important is that people should use the same name for each posting which I will do from now on. I have in the past used different names not realising how wrong that was - I now understand why I shouldn't! As for the 'censoring and deleting' issue - I am happy to leave that up to the powers that be - it is their web site after all. Exactly the same happens on the BBC message board only they are ten times as strict.

I will use the name of Anamika as my guest name on all postings. Thanks again Sandra

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Rowan
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 04:09 AM

Sandra, please register and join in as a member; you are most welcome.
I think most of your question has been eloquently answered by now and there have been a few examples of the advantages and disadvantages of registering.

And if you ever come to Oz and attend the National, we can get Bob to make you a nice Mudcat name badge. By comparison with the northern hemisphere membership there's a lot fewer of us and many of us know each other, even when separated by thousands of kilometres.

Cheers, Rowan

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 06:47 PM

My guesses are usually reasonably well-informed, and I try to err on the side of free expression. If you feel insecure about the possibility of deletion, register.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,IPdrifter
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 06:24 PM

There is no reliable way to determine whether each guest poster is consistently using a name, so a lot of guessing goes on. Mudcat's position is rare, if not unique.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Girl Friday
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 03:08 PM

I try to make sure that I log in every time I post now. otherwise I use the "without cookie" suffix. I used to post occasionally, on local threads as Geraldine the Goat but have stopped doing that now. I complained to Joe Offer about what I thought were Guest "noms des plumes" used by people who know me, being outright trolls. If you're going to say something about me, then have the guts to let me know who you are. Keep deleting GUEST posts Joe, we have the right to be able to distinguish between one guest and another's oppinions!

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 01:58 PM

a number of members have changed their Mudcat name...some more than once. If you do, it automatically changes all the other member posts you have made....but 'guest' posts remain....Thus, some folks who posted as guests before joining have posts under at least 2 names. (I have some from 1996-97 before there WAS membership using a different form of my name.) It make it harder to look up that way.


to reply to this:

"So tell me, are people being censored for what they say or for being guests ? People do not always have malicious intent just because they are guests....do they ? So, if ther post is a reasonable one, why censor it / Why delete it ?"

because...'guest' posting has been abused - mostly down here in the BS section. Therefore a decision (a recent one) was reached by management that all 'guest' posts below the line should be signed in a consistent way even if you do NOT sign up! Thus, the post referred to is beyond what is acceptable. It 'may' be left alone so it can be answered....but one should NOT expect that others will be--even when forgetting to sign was accidentlal. YOU TAKE YOUR CHANCES if you don't use a consistent name! And Joe & Jeff can usually tell who is guilty.

Be assured...this place has improved quite a bit since this policy was put in place. It forced a couple or three naughty posters to rethink their hobby.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 01:32 PM

Mr H:
If Micca is now 'the image of a tall, sexy, slinky, raven haired goddess' then I would guess it's taken a lot more than just one 'op'

CHEERS
Nigel (Medium height, thick set, almost bald, Welsh, beer drinker!)

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 11:44 AM

Micca, I was interested in what you said because I thought you had to keep your mudcat name for life. I wouldn't mind sounding like that as well.....

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Mr Happy
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 08:33 AM

Micca, you've had the op?

you are now 'the image of a tall, sexy, slinky, raven haired goddess'??

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Micca
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 07:34 AM

Sandra, a certain member was unhappy with their "original" member name because she felt it reflected her actual appearance, so she started a BS thread for a "new" members name, asking for suggestions that would convey the image of a tall, sexy, slinky, raven haired goddess, and thus acquired a new mudcat name, and provided a LOT of fun on the way.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Slag
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 04:01 AM

Me? I'd never slag anybody, honest! Joe. What did she say to you? "Make me an Offer."? W

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: artbrooks
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 12:21 AM

GUEST 4-21@9:51 PM: one of the basic rules is that guests must have names, even if that name is one chosen for a particular thread and that guest chooses a different name for the next thread. It would seem to me that your post warrants deletion if you don't follow the rules.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:51 PM

So tell me, are people being censored for what they say or for being guests ? People do not always have malicious intent just because they are guests....do they ? So, if ther post is a reasonable one, why censor it / Why delete it ?

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 12:48 PM

Actually there have been times when I, too, thought Sinsull was my wife. Nobody but a wife would mistreat a guy that way.

And for years, I've been trying to convince people that Shambles is my ex-wife - every man's worst nightmare.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 05:58 AM

And I thought that ColK was a colonel (he's a Colin, of course, though "column" would have also been appropriate). And when I first met Big Mick I confess I was disappointed, because he was standing next to Alaska Mike who was blocking the view of a couple of mountains (mind you, I haven't seen Alaska Mike for a year or so, and the situation may have been reversed by now).

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Dave'sWife
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 05:39 AM

when I joined, I thought Sinsull and Joe Offer were a married couple (they're not)

Also, When I joined people assumed I was married to any number of the Daves here on Mudcat but especially DaveTNova. (I'm not. My husband posts infrequently and uses the Guest name Dave'sWife's Husband)

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: sian, west wales
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 05:11 AM

Sandra, whether a Guest+Name or Member or Guest, you can always choose not to 'feed the trolls' - to opt out of a discussion, or not opt in at all. This thread is verging on the 'opt out' edge for me, as of the last few posts as this has been hashed and rehashed so many times it is quite boring.

But let me make the comments I intended to make based on your original query and the good natured responses...

I enjoy engaging in conversation with named Guests - like Guest: Sandra. Some time ago I decided that I would do my best to avoid conversing with un-named Guests. Too many are trolls, and in the absence of body language, a moniker gives me something to relate to.

I relaxed on this intent just this last week. A 'Guest' asked for the lyrics of a Welsh song and a couple of us went to some lengths to get some decent references for him/her as well as the words. But the Guest has not reappeared and provided feedback. OK - it's a bit complicated in that they had actually posted to another thread and Joe Offer (I think?) had split it into a new thread BUT Joe made it quite clear where the query had gone so ... easily found.

I think if you ask a question, under any persona, it is just courtesy to say thanks, at least.

And yes, I've made some very good friends and connections via the Mudcat and have never regretted joining.

Oh - and I started off thinking that Joe Offer might be Welsh because he was the resident Techie when I joined, and Offer means Instruments or Tools in Welsh. (pronounced OH ffair)

sian, west wales

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 03:26 AM

"We get into difficult areas when this site's moderators and their supporters confuse the right to take an action with any right to prevent discussion on the action or on the action's wisdom and effects."

Some discussions are best not held in the open, for the whole readership on the web to pore over. Because they pertain to events that if stirred up again will hurt innocent third parties unnecessarily. So, when Shambles insisted on having them so discussed, he was warned, publicly and privately about the consequences of such a discussion being opened up. And that's when the fun started - because he kept insisting, and his insistent messages were wiped, and for days now he still keeps insisting, and clearly this is no longer about "democracy" (ha! have you noticed the kind of regime that calls itself "democratic" these days?) but about a perverse need on his part to "be right" at best, and malice against those likely to be hurt at worst.

I may have stirred your curiosity with my obtuseness - well, tough luck. The "innocent third parties" I referred to have been on tranquallisers since this whole sorry affair began, just from the fear of past events being raked up; and I believe there has been a thankfully unsuccessful attempt at OD, too. Now, these individuals have suffered enough in the past, have never been accused of anything, they have only ever been victims. And our collective attempt "to get at the truth... for the benefit of all", more than simply smacking of sick curiosity, victimises such individuals further.

I have been told the details, and will not divulge them. A few others have too. Curiously, they are among those trying to shut Shambles up. Who, if he has any shred of decency left, will let this be.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 03:43 PM

I have come here often , over many years as a guest, but I find that almost everything I post is deleted. I do not troll or slag others, I just add my two cents worth from time to time.But I am pretty fed up with this constant censorship. There seems to be a handful of regulars who represent the majority of the posts...and they are not to be argued with or disagreed with. A shame that narrowness is prevailing here.

---

You have been around long enough to know that you may post as a guest, but only with a consistent user name. Otherwise, your posts are subject to deletion. That's the policy stated in the FAQ.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 03:13 PM

I know that Spaw, but I chose to be diplomatic. I have made my feelings about Roger crystal clear in a direct message to him, and I don't feel the urge to snipe, at every possible opertunity.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 10:05 AM

Spaw, you're very clever. We'll see if Sandy arrives as a full-fledged 'catter soon. That was a great suggestion.

Guest-I'd rather not say, you're probably wise to withhold for now your ID--we have a few oddballs who would love an opportunity to snipe, though most members here would respond favorably to your discussion. And some, like Shambles, might materially benefit from it. He needs his meds adjusted.

SRS

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: catspaw49
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 09:29 AM

"2. A, probably malicious, guest posting to try to make Shambles look bad"

While this is true regarding the post as undoubtedly coming from someone else, Shambles needs NO help in looking bad. He has done a spectacular job of that over the years all by himself.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,I'd rather not say
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 09:24 AM

In another thread about guns and the events at VaTech, someone mentioned a number of criminals who were on psychotropic medications. They were mentioned in a way that was a slur on those medications and anyone who takes them. That attitude only reinforces my decision not to disclose myself as being on psychiatric medication.

There are many people who are more or less normal with their meds--as normal as anyone else that is--and who are no less capable of responsibly owning a gun. But perceptions persist, and the mentally ill keep getting slandered. I will not use my real name until I feel much safer about doing so.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 08:12 AM

There you are Sandra, somebody has given you a graphic illustration of the difference between member and guest posts.

The first was from a member whose moniker is Shambles. Nobody else can post as a member using that moniker.

The second post is more vague. It could be:-

1. Shambles posting as a guest, and using his own moniker.
2. A, probably malicious, guest posting to try to make Shambles look bad

This is why most of us have joined. This post cannot originate with anyone but myself, and I'll seize the opportunity to welcome you to the madhouse. It is almost always a nice place to be, and you can always ignore the few bad bits.

Welcome
Don T.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,The Shambles
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 07:56 AM

This would have been a good forum if it was not for the amount of cencorship which has reached ridiculous proportions ever since I started being nasty about people and trying to stir things up, especially on workday mornings when all good people are going about their business while I consider whom next to victimise and swallow whole dictionaries so that I can spout them out and swallow carbon paper so that I can chuck the same stuff up time and again yada yada yada yada yada yada yada

Oh I forgot the full stop

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: The Shambles
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 06:50 AM

Please restore post?

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 03:13 PM

Guest, I'd rather not say - that's the kind of thing I would do and it's one of the reasons why guests should be allowed to start threads. I think it's the mischief making or malicious ones that are a problem.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Hawker
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 03:08 PM

You will enjoy being a member I am sure, and they are a really useful bunch of people to know if you are seeking answers to music related topics - or even the meaning of life! everyone here has an opinion (though sometimes they are not the one you were hoping for!) And I have made some wondeful and lifelong friends here. Mudgathers at festivals are fun, too, where you can put names to faces - and learn their REAL names!
Some of us here do use our real names, my pseudonym is Hawker but I always sign my postings as Lucy, WYSIWYG also signs her name usually too.
There is a thread about where people got their mudcat names from, it makes interesting reading!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,I'd rather not say
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 03:04 PM

Well, FWIW, I signed in as a guest in my thread about depression because I did not want to "out" myself as someone who takes medication for depression. Such is the stigma associated with mental illness.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: folk1e
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 02:44 PM

And don't forget once you have signed in you can join "mud chat"!
which is a real time discussion board (great to get to know folks with ... or through) and most of all it is FUN!
One word of warning though.... you do tend to loose track of time in there! Best time is after midnight GMT!
Have Fun 8oD

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:52 PM

And I 'Stole' the 'leadfingers' bit from the old Parody of The Boxer which I used as an opening song for gigs for YEARS before I found Mudcat ! just dropped the rest of the name !

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Amos
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:49 PM

YEr getting kinda deep, there, Spaw...



A

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: catspaw49
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:43 PM

Hi Sandra....I started using this handle about 9 years ago when I first got on the net and when I first came to the 'Cat. My name is really Pat Patterson but under Spaw here you can find not only that but the better part of my life's history, my thoughts on just about any damn thing and even some really gross stuff regarding my health.

You see, not too long after I came here I ran into some serious near-death health issues and the folks I had met here were vital in helping me pull through. I've had several others since then and everytime I can count on my fellow 'Catters. My point is that we all have gotten to know each other over the years and this is a friendly place. In the past couple of years we've also had a lot of growth that has sadly attracted some slimey jerks and the like who have as their main goal, making trouble, trolling, flaming, complaining, etc.Try to just ignore them and enjoy what the site has to offer which is a bit of a cyber-village atmosphere and a lot of good music and fun.

WELCOME TO THE MUDCAT CAFE !!!

btw....A Mudcat is a catfish so in the river kind of theme and just generally cute/dumb thing for a name based on your real one......How about SandyBottom?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: bobad
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 03:44 PM

Megan?

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Amos
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 03:43 PM

"Counter", perhaps. Or "Mekan". Or Gimiyan. Or Wah-Tsur.


A

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: wysiwyg
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 03:38 PM

...A real estate lady offered to marry me once - she thought she could make big bucks with her first name and my surname [Offer].

Bitsy! Her name had to be Bitsy. Or Dinkie.

~S~

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 02:58 PM

confusing...? all the posts seem very coherent and the thread of discussion is easy to follow, so.....

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Amos
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 02:56 PM

Her first name was "Better" or "Accepted" or "Lower"?


A

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 02:28 PM

Yeah, Joe Offer is a real name, although some have doubted it on occasion. A real estate lady offered to marry me once - she thought she could make big bucks with her first name and my surname.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: PoppaGator
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 01:25 PM

PoppaGator - I didn't object to fake names. I just wanted to know what all the kerfuffle was about - as most people (members and guests) are not using their proper names they are not identifiable.

I'm just as "identifiable" under the fake name I gave myself as under the real name my parents gave me, am I not? In fact, I am arguably more identifiable among this group as PoppaGator than I am as Tom Henehan. As far as I know, nobody who is a regular member or a frequent lurker at mudcat.org ever knew me in the real world under my real name before they encountered me here. You, for example, have absolutely no acquaintance with Tom Henehan, but you may have had the opportunity to read a few posts from PoppaGator and begun to form an idea of who that person might be.

I have "met" and learned what to expect from such individuals as Stilly River Sage, Leadfingers, Bee-dubya-ell, Little Hawk, Martin Gibson, etc. etc., etc., just as I have gotten to know, for example, Joe Offer (a real name, I assume) and Bill D (part of a real name), and others.

On the other hand, I never seem able to get a handle on just who any given GUEST might be.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,Terry K
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 12:59 PM

I've asked the question before, but never had an answer, regarding computers like this one that are accessible to other people. If I forget to log out each time, I run the risk that somebody else could post under my login, hence under my name, rather than under a GUEST name of his choosing or whatever. (In fact, this could even be him writing this now!).

It's no big deal to me as I don't suppose any harm could come of it, but it does beg the question of how we should "manage" our membership, or our Guestship. I've chosen simply to not login as I can't trust myself to remember to logout, and I do know other people post to Mudcat from here.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Amos
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 12:56 PM

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST,Sandra
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 12:42 PM

Oh blimey - I really will have to register. Must think of a name first though.

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: Bill D
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 11:53 AM

*grin*...and you forgot to sign in.

*tsk*....see how easy it is to be confusing when you are not registered?

Subject: RE: Members Versus Guests and Noms de Plume
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 11:49 AM

PoppaGator - I didn't object to fake names. I just wanted to know what all the kerfuffle was about - as most people (members and guests) are not using their proper names they are not identifiable. I understand now that a lot of the upset is caused by people using different names and members trying to guess who has posted.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far – it's been most helpful.