Help: Real name or Mudcat name?

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.

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)

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-

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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. :-)

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 :)

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.

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.

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

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.

Subject: RE: Help: Real name or Mudcat name?
From:
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.

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.

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."

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

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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

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? ;-)

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?

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

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....)

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

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?

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.

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.....

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?

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".

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

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.

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*)

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

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?

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.

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 !

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

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.

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.

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 4'10" 6'3" and my people are Irish. If you saw me, you would understand. I remember when I finally joined (a bazillion years ago) I got an email from Mick Bracken saying I might want to change my screen name. He sent it because folks would often refer to one another by the initials of the screen name. ******chuckle******

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

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.

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

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.

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!

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.<sup>1

1</sup> 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