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Help: Real name or Mudcat name?
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Subject: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Texas Guest Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:02 AM Well, I've been hanging out here long enough now and throwing my two cents in here and there; so, the question has come up, as it probably has for anyone who visits here on a regular basis - why not join up and become an "official" Mudcatter? Other than my own personal history of not being a "joiner," I can't think of a reason not to join; on the other hand - why join? What day-to-day benefit does one get by joining that one wouldn't get by "just being a guest?" With that idea in mind, one sees that there are all sorts of "Catter names" that folks go by as well as those who use their actual names. Then there is Art Theime who goes by,"Guest, Art Theime. So my question is: Why do you use your actual name, or a "Catter name," and Art, are you a really still a guest after all this time and not a member? I thought there might be a few opinions on this so I'll "thank ye" aforehand and sit back. Cheers. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Rasener Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:15 AM One advantage of being a member, is that you can send PM's (private messages to other fully fledged members) The other is you don't get warnings from Joe Offer (unless you are being offensive to other members :-) Some people use a "Catter name", becuase they do not want to give away their real name - privacy matter. Others use their real name becuase they are not concerned about being recognised. That is really up to the person concernd. I think Art is a member, but has lost his cookie and can quite easily log back in as his name by clicking on the dropdown icon at the top of the page and selecting Logon and following his nose from there. I'll get me boat (flooding in UK) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Joe Offer Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:21 AM I use my real name because I figured it would help draw people to my concerts and enhance my commercial appeal. Since I've never had a paying gig, this hasn't made a lot of difference - but I STILL like using my real name. -Joe Offer- |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: SharonA Date: 26 Jun 07 - 02:15 AM Some members post as "GUEST, [member's name here]" when they're using a computer onto which, for whatever reason, they cannot load the Mudcat cookie (or aren't allowed to or do not wish to). As The Villan says, one advantage of membership is the ability to send and receive PM's. Another is that you get your own Personal Page. You can trace threads you like and bookmark other websites using the Personal Page, which also lists messages received and sent. As a member, you may access the "Member Photos and Info" Quick Link. You can participate in Mudcat Auctions as well. You engender good will in the Forum's "community" by becoming a member, too. Over the years, Mudcat has endured too many attacks by anonymous GUESTs, in the form of abusive posts and various attempts to sabotage the site digitally, and members who have seen that happen are understandably gun-shy about conversing in too much depth with anyone whose name begins with "GUEST". When one registers for membership, one fills in some required fields with personal info, and thereby a bond of trust is formed between the new member and the Mudcat Cafe: the member trusts that Mudcat will keep his info confidential as promised, and Mudcat trusts that the member intends to use his membership privileges responsibly since he can be contacted off-site if he does not. It's a way of shaking hands with people you meet up with -- you may know that hand-shaking originated as a means of showing that neither party was holding a weapon -- to say that you are indeed a friend. To answer your question about Mudcat member names, mine is a bit of a pun on my real name and The Knack's song "My Sharona". Sharon A. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Anglo Date: 26 Jun 07 - 02:16 AM Well, Texas Guest, you could probably sign up with the handle "Texas Guest" and then no-one would worry about you being a guest. And when people give you crap about being a guest you can tell them where to get off. Lots of us use something other than our given names, not necessarily because we prefer to stay totally anonymous. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Jim Lad Date: 26 Jun 07 - 02:18 AM I use "Jim Lad" rather than "Jim Brannigan" so as not to confuse those searching for me on the Internet. I want them to find my page rather than a bunch of threads. The "Private Message" feature is a valuable tool when looking for particular information and clearing up the all too frequent misunderstandings. That's where you make real acquaintances. It doesn't hurt that I am called Jim Lad on occasion by old friends. I'm only twelve, you know. If you're going to pick a handle, pick one that fits. I happen to know that Big Mick is only 4'10" and for that reason usually gets paid under the table. So unless you're over six feet tall, wear a patch on one eye, have one lung and hold the reins in your teeth then I would suggest "Lumpy" or one of the other six Musketeers. Sincerely Fred |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 26 Jun 07 - 04:08 AM For some people, having their "real name" known is an advantage to their work or to a variety of personal activites in which they may be involved. Some people will, intentionally or otherwise, be well enough known that they feel that it doesn't matter if they use a real name. For most of us who are relatively unknown, and who have no particular reason to be known by a real name, a handle provides a degree of anonymity. This anonymity has little value here, among mostly trusted (and mostly trustworthy) friends, but provides a degree of "protection" against having our name picked up by unknown visitors, bots, search engines, and such. You make your own evaluation of whether having your real name publicly exposed is a plus or a minus, and are welcome to use a "mudcat name" if you don't see an advantage to using your real name. As has been mentioned, being a member gives you access to additional information at mudcat, including access to the photos and personal information that other members choose to have posted. Not all members have posted information, but what is there can be helpful in "relating to" those with whom you exchange thoughts in your posts. Being a member allows you to send and receive personal messages to/from other members, which allows private communication of personal information you may wish to exchange with other individuals once you get to know them. In the rare instance when you might "oops" in some way, or have a problem with access or with another member, being a registered member permits "the management" to communicate privately with you if there's a need to discuss a problem, or if you disappear for a while and someone just gets worried about you other members can PM you to ask about your welfare in private. Once a few particular friends are known, private communication via Personal Messages (PMs) can foster friendships, exchange information, publicize your musical activities to those peculiarly interested, and occasionally answer simple questions relating to your interests and concerns without splattering them all over the internet. As a member, you can communicate via PMs with others on subjects that may not be of sufficient general interest to merit public discussion in the open threads; and quite a lot of this kind of private discussion does take place among many of the members. Although it doesn't seem to happen too often, if you post as "GUEST,Texas Guest," anyone else can "be GUEST,Texas Guest," and might say things you don't find suitable to your identity. Once your member name is set up, only someone who knows your password can impersonate you, and it's assumed that you're not going to give your password away. John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: treewind Date: 26 Jun 07 - 04:13 AM I don't use my real name because another Mudcatter is using it. I think Mudcat's "Anahata" is a female who hasn't posted for a long time, but as Mudcat's message history goes back to the beginning of time an existing name can't ever be re-used. Anahata (my real name) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Steve Shaw Date: 26 Jun 07 - 04:58 AM I joined a few weeks ago because I thought you had to in order to post (I think you should have to, actually - there, my controversial statement for today!) - I just didn't read the rules first! I use my real name because that's who I am and it reins me in from saying irresponsible things on forums. That's the theory anyway. :-) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Nick Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:27 AM I use my name because it's my name and much like Steve am happy to live with what I say or contribute. I did consider a couple of anagrams: Isaac Hornbill as it has a slightly nautical and folky feel to it, and Homeless Polecat for the times when I behave like one :) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JennyO Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:47 AM I think there is some technical reason why Art Thieme has trouble logging in. I seem to remember it being talked about before. As others have said, it's a matter of personal choice whether you want to use your real name or a handle. As well as the benefits of being a member that others have mentioned, you can access the chatroom as a member, and if you want to, you can get involved in the yearly Secret Santa fun and games. I know I enjoy them anyway. From a personal point of view, being a member gives me a nice warm fuzzy feeling of belonging. As far as privacy is concerned, I've been a member since the end of 2002, and in that time I have never felt that my privacy has been compromised in any way. The information I gave when I joined (only the basic required information) has never been abused. My handle is basically my name, with just the first letter of my surname. A number of 'catters know who I am anyway. In fact, as well as the local ones I already knew, it has been always a delightful experience meeting visiting 'catters from other parts of Oz and other countries. I feel that I have a lot more friends all over the world now than I used to have. All in all, I can't see anything but benefits really. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: kendall Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:59 AM I just think it is more personal to use my real name, but I only use my first name. As Jim said, I don't want someone who is looking for me to get side tracked to a load of useless information. I met and married another catter, and I doubt that would have happened if I just posted as another faceless Guest. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: MBSLynne Date: 26 Jun 07 - 07:10 AM Becoming a member is almost lke becoming part of a widespread family. I've met some people on here who have become real friends...some of them I've only met on-line. In general Mudcatters are a caring, thoughtful bunch of people and offer help, support and the occasional ascerbic wit to fellow Mudcatters. I'm very glad to be a member and one of the family. I use a Mudcat name simply because it seemed cool to have a nickname. A lot of people are immediately aware who I am anyway when they see my Mudcat name. I'm not in the slightest bit bothered about being anonymous. Anonimity is really not my style! I guess MBSLynne kind of encapsulates who I am in my folkie aspect. Love Lynne |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Azizi Date: 26 Jun 07 - 07:38 AM I use my real name for the reason given by Nick above and the 1st reason given in JohnInKansas' post above. However {and what follows is somewhat off-topic}, as a matter of information, while I consider "Azizi" to be my "real name", and while most people outside the Internet know me by that name, "Azizi" isn't the first name that was given to me at birth. "Azizi" is an "African free name" that was given to me in 1967 by my [then] significant other. "African free name" is the term that was used in the late 1960s-mid 1970s or so to refer to those "African" names that were given to afrocentric African Americans or selected by afrocentric African Americans to be used in place of their "slave names". "African" here includes "Arabic" names. "Slave names" meant first and last names that were of European or Hebrew origin. By taking on traditional African names, Black Americans {and I'm sure other people throughout the African Diaspora} were demonstrating their pride in their African heritage. This custom of taking African names was popularized during the 1960s and 1970s by famous Black jazz musicians such as Yusef Latif and Rashann Roland Kirk and by famous Black athletes such as Mohammed Ali and Kareem Abdul Jabar. It should be noted that many people who were given or selected African first names {including me}, retained their given or married last name which was usually of non-African descent. It may also be of interest to folks here to note that, because Arabic names were more familiar to many African Americans than other names used in Africa, the majority of "African free names" and African names given at birth to African Americans are from the Arabic language. I believe that Swahili names are the second largest category of African free names and African names that are given at birth to African Americans. As it turns out, my name "Azizi" is KiSwahili. Btw, most of the African Americans {including me} who have Arabic or Swahili names are not Muslims. But given the fact that Islam {and hence the Arabic language} first came to sub-Saharan Africa in the 7th centuries AD, I believe it is proper to say that Arabic names are "real" African names. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca Date: 26 Jun 07 - 07:49 AM I have always used my name for all issues. I am responsible for my words, so if I use my own name, I would be more likely to be sensible with what I write. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Sorcha Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:05 AM Well, in some lights, Sorcha IS my real name. It is the name I gave myself and registered with the SCA. I much prefer it to being just another 'Mary'. Too damn many Marys out there. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: artbrooks Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:22 AM Well, I use my real name (run together slightly) so I don't make my existing identity crisis even worse. My opinions are my own, and I don't really care if someone associates them with we. An advantage of membership that I don't think has been mentioned is that registered members have access to the chat room. There aren't many of us who use it, and the comments are often of the "where are you, how is the weather?" type, but we do get a good discussion going once in a while. Another is the annual holiday gift exchange (Secret Santa), which can also be a lot of fun. Yet another, if you choose to take advantage of it, is the opportunity to visit other Mudcat members around the world. This can result in exchanges like the following: "I'm going to Southeast Northfield next month, anything musical going on?". "No, but we're in Northwest Sussex, which is close by. There is a sing-around at the Dirty Arms on Wednesday nights." |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Tootler Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:26 AM I Used a Mudcat name because I was fed up of having to add digits to the end of my real name whenever I signed up for something. I think the last straw was when someone else had my usual userid on eBay and I chose another and that was also taken and I still ended up with a number. When I signed up for Mudcat, I chose "Tootler" because my wife always refers to my recorder playing as "tootling" :-) Maybe someday I'll get round to putting in some more personal info. Geoff Walker |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: MMario Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:26 AM Much the same with me as with Sorcha; MMario is my "handle" in so many places and for so long that a) more people probably know me as Mario, or MMario then otherwise b) it's as much my real name as anything else c) Mario is actually one of my legal names, it porp[hed to MMario when "mario" was already taken somewhere I was loggin into. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Midchuck Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:44 AM Mine derives from our group name, Woodchucks' Revenge, and the fact that, size-wise, I'm the middle one of the three. Sometimes, as others have indicated, Mudcat names are necessary to avoid confusion. Kris's and my partner, Sandy Morse (actually William S., Jr., but he hasn't used that for so long that most people don't even know it) uses the Mudcat name, bigchuck. If I were to refer to him here as Sandy, people would think I meant Paton. And if I were to refer to him as "Poor Besotted Old Morse," everyone would, naturally, immediately assume I was talking about Kendall. Peter |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Doktor Doktor Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:47 AM Got christened by virtue of doing a mummer's play in Bohemia. They don't pronounce "Geoffrey" very easily - same as I can't quite get "Lubosc" so it was easier to follow the chanting and call me "DoktorDoktor" ... in other places I'm known as "Granddadbelly" because granddaughter no.2 thinks I am. Odd really, but I quite like having a mask - and I'm told my personality changes just a little bit from name to name. Pan Doktor knows about street theatre & folkie stuff; Granddad's a bit of a rocker. Geoffrey's a rather boring insurance man :( .. ..... Anyone else suffer the multiple personality thing, I wonder? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: MMario Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:55 AM dok - I am variously MMario, Willy, Benjermin, Deuteronomy, Wolfgang, Stavros, Owain, Rumplestiltskin, Alexander; and yes, they are all slightly different. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Uncle Phil Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:56 AM Phil is my real name; Uncle Phil is a nickname that one of Michelle's school friends tagged me with years ago. I'm more comfortable using my own name than using a made-up handle. My full name is no secret, but I do avoid using it online for the reasons John already discussed. - Lothar of the Hill People |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Charley Noble Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:00 AM I do use a fictional name which is inspired by my interest in nautical songs. "Charley Noble" is sailor's slang for the galley stove pipe and I also think it has a nice ring to it. My first name is really "Charlie" which fits in well with the nickname. Mudcat was the first website that I ever took a serious interest in and initially I was somewhat concerned about using my real name. I'm less concerned now but everyone has to figure out his or her comfort level when deciding what to call oneself as a member. Cheerily, Charlie Ipcar |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JennyO Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:25 AM Artbrooks - better have a look at my post upthread. I think I mentioned just about everything you did. Is it a case of "great minds think alike" I wonder? ;-) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Chris Murray Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:27 AM I usually use my own name on all boards but I got a mouthful of very upsetting abuse (undeserved - I'd certainly never spoken to anyone like that on any board) from another poster so I've hidden behind a different name ever since. This other poster uses a name which isn't her own because she thought her family might be at risk if she used her own name. Has anyone ever encountered this problem? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: wysiwyg Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:38 AM WYSIWYG is my real name; "Susan" is a nickname. I choose not to reveal my LAST name though, for security purposes. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Sorcha Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:43 AM Ah...she LIES! Her last name is ~!!! (smile....) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Vixen Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:48 AM My real name is Victoria, which has always felt a trifle pompous for my personality. Evidently my friends felt so too, because they hung Vicks and Victrola on me in middle school. I wasn't fond of either one, but when my mother started calling me Vicks, I figured it was a losing battle. Since I spent a lot of time tracking wildlife in the woods, and there was a red fox I saw often, I morphed Vicks into Vixen, and used it for various adolescent endeavors: Vixen Grafix and Vixen Muzik to name two. I came up with a nice little sketch of an impish-looking fox as a logo. I somehow remained ignorant of the XXX-rated implications--I thought the term "vixen" applied to a woman meant she was shrewd and sharp-tongued--though the internet has certainly changed my perception of the word! I've often thought of asking to have my Mudcat moniker changed to something less provocative, but now that Bill Sables and Allan C gave my husband the handle Reynaud, and Jeri has dubbed us the Foxners, it looks like it's probably best to let well enough alone. Funny how these things sort of take on a life of their own.... Go with what feels comfortable for you. The best benefit of membership is getting to know the other Mudcats through PMs and Mudgathers and whatnot. My husband and I have found a wonderful community of really interesting people. V |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Hamish Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:51 AM I use the name "Hamish" because my real name is "Guest". ;-) -- Er, now what do I put here? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Scoville Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:59 AM I don't particularly like my real name, and it's too distinctive. If I used it, everyone would know exactly who I am. That's not really a problem, only I'm a bit weirded out by the idea of people being able to learn that much about me in one Google search. However, I always use the same Mudcat name and do not post as a Guest without filling in my Mudcat name. Also, I used to be Ely before I had cookie issues and had to pick a new ID. So, I take responsibility for anything I've posted. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: artbrooks Date: 26 Jun 07 - 10:02 AM Sorry, JennyO, but when I look at your post, everything is downside-up..... |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JennyO Date: 26 Jun 07 - 10:38 AM Oh that's right, I forgot. I wrote that post standing on my head, as us antipodeans do :-) Maybe if you stood on your head you could read it? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Alaska Mike Date: 26 Jun 07 - 10:40 AM My name is Mike Campbell and I live in Anchorage, Alaska, so "Alaska Mike". |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: bill\sables Date: 26 Jun 07 - 10:41 AM I use a mudcat name because I don't think anybody would beleave my real name Cheers Hesperous Sprott |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Grab Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:05 AM Been "Grab" on the internet from uni before the web days, since the first time I needed a login and both "graham" and "grahamb" were taken. It's still my nickname of choice, and it's less to type in. :-) Graham. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Bill D Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:23 AM I chose not to use my full name....so it was a choice between Bill D and B Day....and the former was chosen to avoid bad jokes. I often wish I had picked some clever nom de plume, like Old Philosopher....but it's too late now. (and Curmudgeon was taken...*grin*) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: oggie Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:52 AM For years I was always "oggie", when son started using the net (and some of the same sites) I mostly became "oggiesnr" whilst he became "oggiejnr". Then on a couple of sites their were "oggies" from different sites known to people so I started signing my posts with my name. As I've always followed the advice "don't post what you wouldn't put your name too" I don't have a problem either way All the best Steve Ogden |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Jim Lad Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:56 AM So there you have it, Texas guest. What's it going to be? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Geoff the Duck Date: 26 Jun 07 - 12:34 PM Texas Guest - there are a couple of good reasons which make membership worthwhile. It doesn't cost you anything. You don't get spammed if you do join. Isn't that enough? On top of that, as has been mentioned, membership allows you access to a couple of Behind The Scenes services including a chat room and a private message system to other members, very useful for sorting out stuff which doesn't belong on an open forum thread. On the subject of Real versus Virtual names, there can be good reasons for either. Personally, I have been referred to as Geoff the Duck for more years than the Mudcat has existed. If I had signed up with what is on my birth certificate, nobody would have known it was me. One reason NOT to use your own name is that Mudcat is an OPEN FORUM, so ANYBODY - honest or not - can read what you post. You may tell us that you are going for a weekend to a particular festival. A "real name" might allow someone to locate your address and turn up with a truck to steal your house contents whilst you are away. Hamish - there actually IS a mudcat member whose real name is Guest. He uses a mudcat name which is not his real name. Quack! GtD. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Leadfingers Date: 26 Jun 07 - 12:41 PM I was using Leadfingers as a Folk Soubriquet a long time before there was an Internet ,let alone a MudCat !! Its from the 'Boxer' parody , which I was using as a sort of Signature Tune right after I learned it in the late sixties ! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: MBSLynne Date: 26 Jun 07 - 12:58 PM Sorcha, though I know you are Mary I always think of you as Sorcha and if I ever get to meet you I'm pretty sure I'd have to call you Sorcha. Like Emma B, I mostly call her Em rather than her real name. Love Lynne |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Beer Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:05 PM I've always had a nick name and here was a chance to give myself one. I like "Beer" so beer it was. But after awhile depending on what you do I on threads I started to give my name out as most people who followed anything I've said have p.m. me and I to them. So now I sign off with Beer (adrien) You could always join and call yourself "Red Wing" For you folks who don't follow "Tex" is a Detroit Red Wing fan. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Jim Lad Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:33 PM Ahah! If I'd known that, I'd have printed slower. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Big Mick Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:45 PM I chose my name because I am By the way, I have it on good information that Jim Lad is actually a 4'2" woman who makes her living on the carnival circuit as a contortionist. She specializes in tricks with fruit. Be sure and catch the act if you get a chance. Whatever name you choose, thanks for being a part of the Mudcat. I haven't agreed with all you have said, but I have enjoyed reading your posts. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: HouseCat Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:45 PM I'm gonna spill the beans on all of us who use Mudcat names...we're all in witness protection or are famous folks presumed dead. Thank ya...thank ya very much...HouseCat has left the building. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Lyrical Lady Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:53 PM I chose Lyrical Lady because someone told me I had a lyrical voice...the Lady part is questionable? Barb |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: artbrooks Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:57 PM Everyone whose MudName is (something)Cat or Cat(something) is really the same person...who is the victim of a catatonic seizure in Saskatchewan, caused by too frequent ingestion of catabolic foods and adherance to the precepts of the Catlic Church. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS Date: 26 Jun 07 - 01:57 PM I use this name because I play spoons and conduct spoons orchestras at festivals. Funny thing, when I joined Mudcat everyone who knew me knew it was me if you know what I mean! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 26 Jun 07 - 02:49 PM As posted over in the thread on "Why nick-names online?:" (edited some here) Ref to: Date: 26 Jun 07 - 04:38 AM http://howmanyofme.com/ says: There are 4,960,193 people in the U.S. with my first name.1 1 approximately 103,527 of them are female? There are 704,066 people in the U.S. with my last name. There are 11,557 people in the U.S. using both my first and last name.2 (I think they underestimate that last number, as I have about that many relatives using the same first and last name.) 2 While I'm not sure, I believe there are at least 3 of us at mudcat with the same first and last names. There are (confirmably) at least 2. A Google search for my first+last names reports approximately 60,200,000 "hits," but they will only show me the first 875 of them. I do not (so far as I can tell) appear in any of those. (It may be noted that the Google search isn't limited to the US.) The last time I ran a Google on it, there were only 3 separate users of JohnInKansas, and the other two appeared only briefly and incidentally. (A total of 3 hits not me.) Now which is the better way to identify myself to my friends here, for the purposes of this site? I could use my "real name" and be completely anonymous, or I can use a mudcat name and be (almost) uniquely ME. John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Mick Pearce (MCP) Date: 26 Jun 07 - 03:04 PM I use my real name, with initials also (I omit my secret middle name!). That's because for some years as posted only as a guest and used my initials MCP to identify my posts. When I decided to join I asked if I could have my old guest posts changed to my name to keep my history continuous, but that appeared not to be simple (and there were enough other problems without dealing with that!). Joe Offer suggested I use my initials along with the name so that there would be a continuing link with my old guest postings. Mick |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Hamish Date: 26 Jun 07 - 03:15 PM Geoff the Duck: Yes, a few minutes after I'd posted my hilarious joke about my name being "Guest" I was looking at The White Horse Festival, Wantage web site and spotted the contact name as Dave Guest. (btw: it's at The White Horse Festival) -- Hamish (which is my real name. Usually. Depending on who's asking...) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Don Firth Date: 26 Jun 07 - 03:29 PM I first started posting back in fall of 1999. A friend of mine had told me about Digital Tradition, and being new on the internet at the time, I went hunting for it. I found it, but in the search, I blundered into the Mudcat forum. I opened a few threads just to see what was going on, and got to reading one that I was particularly interested in. "Hey," sez I, "these discussions are great!" Several people were using "handles," but one of the people who was posting under his real name was a folk singer friend of mine whom I hadn't seen in almost forty years (Sandy Paton of Folk-Legacy Records). I stuck my oar into the discussion, greeting Sandy in the process. I posted used my real name. At the time, it never occurred to me to do otherwise. Since I was new to the forum, several people greeted me rather warmly, and I've been hangin' around ever since. I don't have a web site yet, although I'm planning to cobble one together as soon as I figure out how to do it, and I note that, above, at 26 Jun 07 - 02:18 a.m., Jim Lad (Brannigan) has a good point about not wanting to confuse people who are looking for his web site. Well, for me, too late now! If I do a "vanity google" on my own name, I discover there are a few other "Don Firth's" out there, but more often than not, I wind up in a Mudcat thread. Apart from that, I'm okay with using my real name. I figure that if I say something brilliant, I want the credit, and if I say something idiotic, I deserve the blame. So be it! Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Texas Guest Date: 26 Jun 07 - 03:55 PM Thanks to everyone for the feedback - much appreciated. I will mull this name thing over a bit, make a decision and run with it. Big Mick - heaven help us when we all start agreeing on everything. Beer - good name choice there - just might go in that direction. Thanks again, Catters. Cheers. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 26 Jun 07 - 04:15 PM Texas Guest - If you're planning on actually thinking about it (rare but not unheard of here), putting your "real name" into a Google and/or into the "how many of me" page linked about 4 posts above will give you some idea of how many others you might be confused with, and especially how deeply you would be buried in Google hits if someone looks for you. The "how many" site won't be much use for a "mudcat name" but a Google search on one you're thinking about would provide some idea of how unique you would be -- at least until Google starts linking to your posts here. Some seemingly arcane names are actually surprisingly popular on the web. Just as quick checks, of course, if it matters to you. John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Jim Lad Date: 26 Jun 07 - 05:01 PM Don: Buy "DonFirth.com". That way you'll probably end up in the top 3. I think "DonFirth.com/official" helps too. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Don Firth Date: 26 Jun 07 - 05:05 PM Thanks, Jim! Don Firth |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Herga Kitty Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:16 PM I originally joined as Kitty Vernon, but then fairly swiftly changed to promote the folk club that got me hooked on folk music as a teenager and to which I still belong! And I hadn't thought about the benefits of not coming up on search engines, before Jim Lad mentioned them (thanks, Jim!) Kitty |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Alan Day Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:26 PM I use my real name and I can understand and accept others that prefer to write under a nickname.Some may be shy,feel relaxed using a make believe name.Some are very clever,original and funny. It is OK until the idea is abused,rudeness,racial remarks,using many names to aid promotion or strengthen a point of view not shared by others,it has all been tried since my short time with you all.There is of course always the minority that try and spoil a genuine discussion about any subject.Take great delight in scoring points and will put off the genuine interesting browser who do not post their views for fear of getting involved with these individuals. All in all however it is great fun,I have had a lot of laughs.If I have asked for information sometimes it has been almost instantly supplied. I have gained a few friends made no enemies.You have put up with my ramblings. Thanks to the majority and thanks to the organisers ,who ever you are. Al |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Russ Date: 26 Jun 07 - 06:28 PM I post as a GUEST as a matter of principal. My first post on mudcat was my first post on the internet. I posted because I could do so spontaneously and anonymously. I was nervous about giving out personal information over the internet. Still am. But that is not why I still post as GUEST. I think the feature is one of Mudcat's strengths. It also has its drawbacks, but what doesn't? For me the advantages outweight the disadvantages. Russ (Permanent GUEST) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 26 Jun 07 - 07:51 PM Guest,Russ You do realize that you can be a member with all the extra benefits, and if there is a need to not be yourself you can just log off, which makes you GUEST until you log back in. Members away from their own machine, or having a "crumbled cookie" difficulty, quite often post as GUEST,mudcatname until they can get their real persona back. In rare instances, members do post as GUEST when there's a "personal problem" for which they want advice but with which they are reluctant to be identified. Within reason, this is accepted. Quite often, when the problem is resolved, the "temporary GUEST" will come back and "fess up," but it's often not really necessary. You will see the occasional "frivolous" guest post, where a member has logged of to post as, e.g. "GUEST,Albert Einstein to contradict a pompous error in physics," etc., but these are - once one recognizes them - part of the "intellectual repartee" of the site. Quite often the real identity of the S.A. member is obvious to friends here. Posting as "GUEST as a matter of principal (sic)" rather amuses me, as it implies that you take yourself much more seriously than we do (speaking for myself only, of course) but it's your option. We do appreciate a "GUEST,consistent-name" entry to keep straight who's in the conversation. John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Art Thieme Date: 26 Jun 07 - 08:29 PM Tex, Howdy. Took me a while to find this thread and look in here. There is a glitch in the mudcat computer or in my own machine. Then I go to the drop-down menu and click on "Log In", I am told I am a member. Then when I try to come in I'm asked for my e-mail address (or whatever) and I am told in no uncertain terms "THAT NAME and e-mail YOU ARE LOGGING IN WITH IS TAKEN ALREADY" I'm also told I have something like 160 P.M.s lined up waiting for me to read 'em. When I try to read the damn things I am told---"YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO READ THESE! -- PLEASE GO AWAY!" Sooooooo, in order to enter, if I want to come in here at all, I must come as a GUEST. I take what I can get. Arthur David Thieme (Mudcat name--I'm actually Paris Hilton slumming.) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 26 Jun 07 - 09:52 PM Art - If you're getting the "name is already taken" it's probable that you're clicking the link to create a new membership rather than the "button" to Login. I just logged out so that I could log back in to see exactly what steps are needed. This may be oversimplified, but one-step-at-a-time is the only way to be sure all the steps are right: 1. On the Threads Page (Lyrics and Knowledge) the box at the top probably will say "Quick Links" in the box. 2. Click the arrow beside the "Quick Links" box, and a windowshade should roll down where you can click "Login." Note here: when you click on Login, the box will probably stay highlighted (blue/black background). If you touch the mouse wheel, it can roll the selection to something different. If you click a blank space outside the box it will "un-highlight" what's in the box, and you can be confident that it won't change on you before you make the next click. 3. Click the "GO" button next to the box where you've selected "Login." 4. You should get a new "page." The text at the top of the page should say: "You are not currently logged in. Your cookie may have expired or has been deleted. If you are a member, please enter your Mudcat name and hit submit." 5. There should be a blank/empty box labelled "Mudcat Name" Type your mudcat name in the box. 6. There should be a grey button labelled "Submit." Click on the grey SUBMIT button. Note: Below the button labelled "Submit" the text says: "If you are not a member of the Mudcat and would like to join, click here." 7. DON'T DO THIS: If you put your name in the "Mudcat Name" box, and click on the blue "click here" instead of clicking the "Submit" Button, you'll get the response that "name is already taken." 8. Below that "click here" will be text: "If you are having problems switching names or with your cookie, go here to logout, then log back in." 9. Don't click on the "go here to logout," unless your really do want to log out. 10. After step 6 above, when you click on the "Submit" button, you should get a new page. The text at the top of the page should say: "Your Member information was found. Enter your password below to reset your cookie." 11. A box immediately below that text, labelled "Mudcat Name:" should contain the name you typed on the previous page. 12. A second box labelled "Password" just below the Mudcat Name box should be empty. You need to type your password in the empty box labelled "Password:" 13. After you've typed your password, there's a grey button with "Submit Query" on it that you click to complete the login. 14. Things not to do: Below the "Submit Query" button (step 11), there should be a line, and below that there should be text: "If you cannot remember your password, enter the e-mail address you registered with below and hit submit. Your password will be mailed to you." You shouldn't need to use this lower section, since I think you've had recent discussion about your password; but for the benefit of others who may be looking over our shoulders: Your password can ONLY BE SENT to the email address on file for your Mudcat name. If you change email addresses and don't update your personal information YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE IT. Your only recourse will be to email direct to Joe Offer and beg, plead, bribe, extort, or otherwise work out a mutually satisfactory resolution. That's about as step-by-step as I can make it, and it worked for me a few minutes ago (assuming this post has my regular name on it.) John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: harpmolly Date: 26 Jun 07 - 10:46 PM I've actually been a member (though a lurker much of the time) for about seven years (!!!!), though originally under a different handle. Other than being able to PM, which is fun, I also like the ability to trace threads on the Personal Page so I can keep track of the discussions I'm particularly interested in (and shamelessly refresh if warranted ;)). As for my real name, well, I'm definitely a Molly. ;) And I play a big multi-stringed thingamabobber. My last name is historically difficult for people to spell or pronounce, so I leave it out. (UK 'Catters would have very little problem, as it's a Germanized spelling of an Anglo-Irish name, but in the US it's been practically hopeless. Feh.) Cheers, Molly Bauckham |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,.gargoyle Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:17 PM We arn't in Kansass John
You just revealed one of the MOST vulnerable HACKS to MC....that I posted half a decade or more ago.....
Mine was deleated....perhaps, your's will be too.
Sincerely,
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Jim Lad Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:25 PM Don Firth: I'm stupid! Last week I stole Geordie Peorgies name for a wee while. Well not exactly but close. "Georgie Peorgie" or something like that. Anyway, when I went back through my previous posts, my name had been changed on all of them. Given this, I would suspect that when your page is up and running.. change your name here and all other references to "Don Firth" on Mudcat will vanish. I think. Jim |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Beer Date: 26 Jun 07 - 11:51 PM Texas Red Wing Red Wing Tex |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Joe Offer Date: 27 Jun 07 - 01:55 AM Well, John - I think there may be some value to logging out if you have a corrupted cookie. In fact, logging out TWICE seems to give a clean slate. You'll note that if you're logged in and log out, you get a page that tells you how many personal messages you have. If you log out a second time, that message disappears. -Joe- |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 27 Jun 07 - 02:36 AM Joe - Since the step-by-step was for Art, who hasn't been logged in for a couple of years(?), it seemed best to steer him away from that step; but you're certainly right that sometimes you have to do the same cleanup more than once to get all the s...t out of the system. As Murphy says: You can't get anything clean without getting something else dirty; but you CAN get everything dirty without getting anything clean. John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: MBSLynne Date: 27 Jun 07 - 03:56 AM Actually Kitty, it was your name, Herga Kitty, that made me decide on MBSLynne. I figured that if Herga Folk Club was you then Middle Bar Singers was definitely me. I am pleased to say that, as far as I'm aware I am the ONLY Lynne Tann-Watson in existence. If I Google myself (Why does that always sound vaguely rude?) I come up with something like 26 hits and they are all me. Love Lynne |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Jim Lad Date: 27 Jun 07 - 04:07 AM Snicker! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Brakn Date: 27 Jun 07 - 05:03 AM Complicated - People know me as Michael Bracken, I had a band years ago called Bracken and the name stuck. My name is Michael Byron. My REAL name should be Michael Neary; my father came to England with someone else's birth certificate. People call me a lot of things!! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Hovering Bob Date: 27 Jun 07 - 06:10 AM Bob is the diminutive of my real name and, as those who know me will confirm, I tend to waffle on stage so 'Hovering' seemed to fit. The fact that it is based on the refrain from the one successful song I've written is a bonus, as is the reality that my surname also starts with an 'H.' Has 'Skipy' ever lost his cookie and signed in as GUEST, Guest? BobH |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Sugwash Date: 27 Jun 07 - 06:15 AM I honestly thought when I enlisted that every Mudcatter used a pen name, so, being easily led, I followed suit. I have, occasionally, signed my posts with my real name, which is Andy Sugden (no, not the one off Emmerdale). |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: JohnInKansas Date: 27 Jun 07 - 11:31 PM Coming from a family with a penchant for boring and repetitious naming, it was rather necessary for those in my direct line all to have "nicknames;" and even for those with more unique given appellations I can think of only two (of about 40 well-known) relatives who were known within the family by a "given name." In many cases, I'm pretty sure that first cousins within my family circle often didn't know each others' "real names." If one can choose a name that suggests interests, reputation, or personality, it can convey a bit of information, and I see no compelling reason why "nicknames" should not be used within the Mudcat family. An advantage here is that you get to pick your own, rather than being forced to live with what some doddy lunatic uncle or aunt might have picked for you. In my case, "Lin In Kansas" registered herself first, and as we had only one email addy I didn't register until some time later. She picked her name, I think, because she was p***d at me for dragging her kicking, screaming, and complaining to Kansas from her former residence of some 30 years in the Seattle area. Having no personality or talent to reflect in a nickname, I stuck with her precedent, using JohnInKansas, as a way of warning people about our apparent family curse. John |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Zhenya Date: 28 Jun 07 - 12:59 AM It just never crossed my mind to use my real name when I joined. At any rate, I don't like my legal first name. My last name is very common, something like the 8th most common surname in the United States, and common worldwide as well. (Shows up in lots of folksongs too, as a profession.) So even with my less common (in the U.S., but apparently much more common in England and Wales) first name, I guess I would have been anonymous enough. (Lots of clues here, for all you riddle fans!) Since my "pseudo" name is actually a common enough real first name, this seems to sometimes confuse people, who think I am a Zhenya in real life. As explained in an ancient thread here, I acquired this name when I studied Russian, which I did long enough for it to feel like a real first name for me anyway. And that's my ethnic heritage too, so it all fits together. To further confuse matters, I have been thinking for some years about legally changing my legal first name, probably to an Irish name. (Just because I seem to like a lot of those names.) Will I then have to legally change my Mudcat name? |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Janie Date: 28 Jun 07 - 01:29 AM I ain't got no imagination, so I just use the name I've been called by my entire life. uhmmm......Janie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Genie Date: 28 Jun 07 - 04:58 AM When I first found Mudcat, I was very new to the internet and message boards and had no idea how safe or unsafe it would be to use my real name. I realize now that a) it probably wouldn't have been all that risky to have used my real name as my "Mudcat name" and b) using a screen name doesn't really protect my anonymity all that much, since anyone can join Mudcat, free, and have access to my Personal Info page (complete with photos and any other info I've put there. But the real reason I'm "Genie" is that I live in a bottle and if you rub it, all my magical powers are released. (Seriously, I do think the extra "step" between my identity and what I post is a great advantage. It means not everything I express (or admit to) in a thread is immediately connected to my name.) Joining Mudcat is so simple and safe (you don't have to give out personal info on your Personal Page if you don't want to) that I've known of many who've joined just to have access to things like the Mudcat Songbook, the MIDI section, etc. I can't understand why anyone who hangs around for more than a day or two wouldn't become a member. Genie |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Russ Date: 28 Jun 07 - 11:39 AM JohnInKansas, Thanks for the correction and suggestion. This is a conversation I've participated in many times on mudcat. One of my hobbies is holding and defending unpopular views. I've always been a person who digs in his heels when he feels the touch of peer pressue. I Don't expect to change any time soon. Russ (Permanent GUEST and maybe last GUEST standing) |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Darowyn Date: 28 Jun 07 - 12:52 PM I have a rare name (only nine in the US), but in this country, one of the people with the same name is my son, who has a web presence in his real name concerned with some very serious topics. I would not want people to associate my random interjections with those of my son David. Darowyn is the name I use on stage, so it is the obvious choice on here. But I do sign off with my real name,(like this) I don't always remember to sign in when I post from work, though. Cheers Dave |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: peregrina Date: 28 Jun 07 - 12:55 PM Hi everyone. I enjoyed a few of the recent threads so much that I decided to join and stop being the 'guest in York' whose posts were about local folk radio (which, by the way, will return to Radio York, though we don't now whether it wil be any good). My mudcat name means traveller or foreigner and I'm a late-starter and slow-learner on guitar and mandolin. Anyone around Yorks. who'd like to get together to play and sing songs from some songbooks (such as Doc Watson, Woody Guthrie, Ed Pickford, Jean Ritchie, Johnny Cash, Appalachian ballads both Sharp and Niles and various others), please send a pm! |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: MMario Date: 28 Jun 07 - 12:58 PM Russ - you use the Guest feature as it is intended. And it is appreciated. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: Mr Red Date: 28 Jun 07 - 02:06 PM corporate identity. |
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Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name? From: GUEST,Russ Date: 28 Jun 07 - 04:53 PM MMario, Thanks. Good to hear from you. Russ (Permanent GUEST) |
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