|
29 Oct 07 - 07:19 AM (#2181637) Subject: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Santa On another thread, a poster expressed a dislike/distrust of those who use pseudonyms rather than their real names. Does he mean me? Well, the cap fits….. My daughter, who posts as Edain, introduced me to Mudcat. Thus proving, perhaps, that insanity is genetic, you get it from your children. I understood that it was normal, even expected, to use a nickname so I invented one. Being rotund, white-bearded and even jovial in the right company, "Santa" seemed to fit (judging from the giggling of the shop girls around Xmas time). I do not use a pseudonym on any other internet site I visit. I have since (obviously) learnt that many do post on Mudcat under their own name. More prolific posters do come to be well enough known under their nicknames for their identities to be established, but I don't fall into that category. So I shall ask this question: Would Mudcatters like more, trust more, or in any other way view my postings more favourably, if I posted under my given names rather than my chosen one? Graham Boak/Santa And after answering that, tell me how you know Graham Boak is not just another pseudonym. (Those who have met me need not answer!) |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:23 AM (#2181639) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Roger the Skiffler If you have an unusual surname (as I do) displaying it here for non-members make it easy to be traced for junk mail etc. There are a lot of Rogers here. RtS |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:27 AM (#2181642) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: stallion If you have ever been cyber stalked then you would know why, I have learnt to live with my stalker but it caused no end of trouble with my wife, she now thinks this person is sad and lonely as well and I try to ignore it but I would rather not have it Peter |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:28 AM (#2181644) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: maeve I value my family's privacy. Everything we post here on Mudcat threads is available and readable to anyone using the internet. I use a pseudonym for that reason, and have the option to privately give my name and contact information to Mudcatters on rare occasions. maeve |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:29 AM (#2181647) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: stallion and my surname is so unusual that if you google it you get my siblings or my children plus one nephew and one cousin |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:33 AM (#2181650) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: greg stephens I use my real name. Anybody can find a contact for me on the internet if they look around so I am not losing any privacy by posting under my own name. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:35 AM (#2181652) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: tutti flutti I, too, have an unusual name (both forename and surname). I'm female too - so posting under my real name I believe would be very foolish as I would be so easy to trace. Having once been the victim of really nasty spamming (some of it unbelievably vile!) I would rather never post here than risk that again. What do other 'catters think? |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:44 AM (#2181659) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Carol I get 'nasty' Spam but as I'm only Carol, i.e. not my surname I can't 'blame' Mudcat for that. I find it hard enough to remember real names these days, never mind nicknames! Seriously I do think that if I post something on Mudcat as Carol other catters who know me personally at least know who's actually posting it. Still each to his own and I do appreciate that there are lots of Johns, Richards etc. who post,in fact I always thought that was the main reason Catters used nicknames? |
|
29 Oct 07 - 07:56 AM (#2181665) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon Secret identities are fun. By day, Joe Dullsville. By night, Zen Harmony Justiceman! |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:03 AM (#2181669) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Jean(eanjay) I quite like pseudonyms, although sometimes I think I'd like a different one for a change. It would take more than a pseudonym for me to dislike/distrust someone. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:44 AM (#2181718) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Mo the caller A lot of Mudcatters make a living, or a part-time penny from folk, so it doesn't make sense to be too anonymous. Unless, of course your posts are going to make you a lot of enemies. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:49 AM (#2181721) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: bobad Either way, welcome Santa/Graham. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:52 AM (#2181722) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,Jane and it also gives well known artists the opportunity to get involved and post opinions using pseudonyms and thus avoid being judged |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:56 AM (#2181731) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon Of course it makes for a fun game.... ...guess which mudcatter is really.... Bob Dylan? Conrad Black? Donovan Leitch? Eminem? Prince Charles? The Dalai Lama? ...I'm sure they're all here.... |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:57 AM (#2181733) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Rapparee For me it's the groupies. Too many, waiting, waiting to pounce, to drag me off and perform unspeakably pleasurable things to my perfect body. And the paparrazi. And the bill collectors. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:57 AM (#2181735) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Richard Bridge You think I'm really called Richard Bridge? He's just a lawyer I met once, and I looked him up on the internet and assumed his persona. Obnig Hrobdog Kerfuffle (my real name on Alpha Centuari). |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:57 AM (#2181737) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: treewind I wanted to use my real name, but somebody else (who I don't think has posted to Mudcat in years) beat me to it. Treewind is part of my domain name and was designed to be usable as a generic business/company name in case I ever needed one. It was the first alternative I could think of when joining Mudcat. Anahata (my real name, honest...) |
|
29 Oct 07 - 08:58 AM (#2181738) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon I am always kind to my stalkers and frequently father their children. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:07 AM (#2181750) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,Dazbo at work well I use a nick name as I have a fairly unique name and if I happen to mention that I'm going to Sidmouth Folkweek or holidaying in Greece I'd rather not let people know that I'm leaving a house vacant. For the same reasons it means I don't have to watch what I say on here (going away, going to a concert or a session etc etc. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:09 AM (#2181755) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Ruth Archer I am, of course, really Ruth Archer. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:18 AM (#2181761) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: theleveller No, I'm really Ruth Archer. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:18 AM (#2181762) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Scooby Doo Everyone on Mudcat except my friends know me as Scooby otherwise its Yasmin. But most peeps use Scooby. Scooby |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:24 AM (#2181765) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,Helena Handcart No, I am Spartacus |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:24 AM (#2181766) Subject: RE: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Beer I think it's fun in the beginning but then after a while on the "Mudcat", and depending on the types of threads you respond to,what you do as well, you are eventually found out. Beer (adrien)real first name. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:25 AM (#2181769) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,Shimrod For some strange reason people seem to laugh at my real name - so I avoid using it. Hugh Jarse |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:27 AM (#2181772) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Bryn Pugh I'm happy to use my given name. Google it, and it's quite flattering, what comes up. 'Nuff said, I think. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:28 AM (#2181773) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Shaneo When I came here first I searched for a rake of names to use, out of sheer frustration I typed shaneo, the name was stuck in my head from being at a Pogues gig a few day previous. If ever you were at a Pogues gig the crowd keep shouting Shanooooooh while waiting for Mr Mac Gowan to appear on stage, if I Google my real name it comes up first, maybe I should have used it but I thought it was the norm to use nick names in forums. Martin Dardis |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:38 AM (#2181784) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Dave Sutherland There is another folk singer named Dave Sutherland who, I believe, is a highly rated young singer/songwriter from the South of England and therefore I don't think he would want to be confused with a much older exiled Geordie who has always been associated with traditional folk music (although I have a very broad outlook on the music in general) |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:38 AM (#2181786) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Azizi I join with others to say "Welcome, Graham Boak/Santa!" Whichever name you choose to use here or elsewhere is fine with me, as long as it's fine with you. ** I use my name on Mudcat and elsewhere. Actually "Azizi" isn't my birth name, but it's the name I've been known by since the late 1960s. For a brief time, I used another name when I posted on another blog. A number of people there used tag names, but doing so didn't feel authentic for me, so I soon switched back to what I consider to be my real name. So by the time I came to Mudcat, I had gotten into the habit of posting on the Internet using my name. Besides, its no secret that I want people to know my name because I have a website that I want people to know about http://www.cocojams.com/. I use my name there and if Mudcat members and guests visit there, they'd learn my name. Also I want people to know my name since I'm interested in writing articles and at least one book on contemporary English language children's recreational rhymes. Fwiw, I've not had any problems so far using my real name. Knock on wood. But as someone has already written on this thread, to each his or her own. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:43 AM (#2181789) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon google me without the f and you get a bunch of riff-raff, including a bloody evangelist! |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:59 AM (#2181801) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: McGrath of Harlow If I was posting here for the first time I'd likely use a pseudonym - not that I've ever had problems as it is, but I'm more aware now of the possibility. Especialy as the search engines and they maps and all get more sophisticated. "I know where you live" One thing with the pseudonyms is that much of the time I've no idea whether the people posting are male or female. Not that it makes much difference, except when it comes to knowing what personal pronoun to use when referring to a post. Of course the same can apply with a name - at least where no picture had been put up in the members' rogues gallery. I wish more people would make use of that, and not just to solve that problem. I don't mind not knowing real names, but I like having a sense of the real person behind a pseudonym. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:03 AM (#2181807) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Peace "NIcknames or real names on Mudcat?" One or the other is pretty much required. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:08 AM (#2181813) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: MMario The way I see it - if you are consistant in the use of a name - then it *is* your name. After all - look at people who are "Dad" to some, "Uncle Bob" to others; "Robert" perhaps to coworkers; "mr. Smythe" to employees... Are any less valid because they are only used by a fraction of the population? |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:12 AM (#2181816) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Rasener Treewind, I don't beleive you are called Anahata. You are just using it as an excuse to play with Mary Humphreys LOL I used Villan as I am a staunch Aston Villa fan. However, most people seem to think I am a crook and call me Villain. Oh and Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell is not a relative of mine. Les Worrall |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:21 AM (#2181824) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Banjiman I quite like being Banjiman.....that said I have no problem people knowing my "real name" I have posted it several times on different threads. Mrs Banjiman doesn't really like being Mrs Banjiman (well as a name on Mudcat, I don't think she wants a divorce!!) but she got called it and it stuck. She is actually keen to be known as Wendy Arrowsmith because she has CDs to sell and gigs to book! Each to their own though. If people want to hide their identities that's fine... however I do think it is cowardly when people hide behind either a pseudonym or as "guest" to attack other people, can't see the point of that myself. Cheers Paul |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:22 AM (#2181826) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,sparticus I'm sparticus! People just laugh at my real name. Hugh Jarse - great Regards, Issac Hunt. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:39 AM (#2181839) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Bill D If I posted under my real name, Jootminsky Swigminor Warfle, no one would believe it....thus.... (and besides, I was too lazy to think when signing on...It is possible to change, but my adoring fans would be confused..) and my only difficulty with 'Santa' is that it distracts in a different way from other nickname/handles with no immediate referent. Santa gives me too much preconceived idea about the person... But it is NOT a big deal, and I will adjust just fine....use it! |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:42 AM (#2181845) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Santa Why pseudonyms? What varied and interesting responses, thank you for these. Having been posting on the internet under my real, fairly distinctive, name for ten years without being stalked or excessively spammed, I don't worry too much about privacy on Mudcat. I think any computer-literate goon who wanted to find me could do so fairly readily anyway. I agree (qualification below possibly excepted) that in honest use a pseudonym is just another name, and if regularly used as acceptable as any other. However, I feel that I should step in here (spoilsport!) and point out that this wasn't the question raised. Perhaps the heading was misleading, but I'm reluctant to start a separate thread. I asked whether the use of a pseudonym creates some kind of negative bias against the ideas expressed. A moment's thought suggests that no-one using a pseudonym themselves would agree (logically, anyway), so perhaps this is only a suitable question for those posting under their real names. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:47 AM (#2181853) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: MMario hmmmmm - I don't *think* it raises any negativity; but then again my psuedonym isn't really a psuedonym (long story) and I've never hidden my real name anyway. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:51 AM (#2181859) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: McGrath of Harlow I asked whether the use of a pseudonym creates some kind of negative bias against the ideas expressed. It'd depend on the pseudonym wouldn't it? If someone signed in as "Hitler" I think their posts might be viewed with a little suspicion. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:11 AM (#2181875) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: theleveller "google me without the f and you get a bunch of riff-raff, including a bloody evangelist! " I did mine and it came up with a scrap merchant and a drummer. Think I'll stick to theleveller - at least people know what they're getting. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:11 AM (#2181877) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Dave Hanson I'm Spartacus and so is my cat. eric |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:27 AM (#2181885) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Azizi I think that using your real name means it's easier for you to be held accountable offline for what you say online. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:31 AM (#2181888) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: M.Ted My real name is actually L.Ted. I originally changed it in order to hide from creditors. Now that the dollar is down however, my creditors use it to hide from me. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:32 AM (#2181890) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: theleveller Sorry, don't understand how that could be, Azizi. And just who is going to hold me accountable, and how? As I've said on another board, I wouldn't say anything here that I wouldn't say to a person's face - and if they've got a problem I'll meet them behind the bike sheds at Cambridge next year. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:35 AM (#2181895) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Giant Folk Eyeball (inactive) Never occurred to me to use a pseudonym... However, if you google my name you get this really cool bloke who does stuff like running up mountains whilst taking photos of zebras... The other Nigel Spencer Cheers Nigel |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:42 AM (#2181904) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Azizi But you asked if we thought negatively about those who use pseudonyms. Most of the time, I don't think negatively or positively about that. It just is. But, I feel that there are times when people should take a stand offline about what they posted online. And if they don't, then they are hiding behind their names and their online persona is fake. If they don't stand by what they wrote {about politics or social issues or other such topics}, then they know that they're not for real, even if no one else does. Taking strong positions on certain issues but failing to carry those strong positions into their real life may be just a game to them. But if it somehow became known that a person was doing that, I'd think negatively about them. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:46 AM (#2181911) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:47 AM (#2181913) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: John MacKenzie Yes Ruth dear, and I'm really Nelson Gabriel, and I have black silk bed sheets. G. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:49 AM (#2181914) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Santa And if you let slip something really embarrassing, you don't have to run away and hide for 10 years but can come back in a week with a new name. I think Bill D and McGrath are suggesting that by adopting "Santa" I am implicitly claiming some of the more positive connotations of the name. I suppose that might be true: however the name was chosen purely on the grounds of superficial physical resemblances. I would like to make clear that I do not climb down chimneys, own any kind of reindeer driving licence, and am limited on the number of sherries and mince pies I can consume in an evening. Nonetheless, offers of the latter are gratefully accepted. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:51 AM (#2181919) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Peace Yeah. Well, don't fu#k up your deliveries like you did last year, Santa. Stay off the sherry for a few weeks before December 24. No offense, but where's the Mercedes? |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:51 AM (#2181920) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon Oops, managed to send a blank by mistake. But, speaking of pseudonyms, does anyone know who 42 is? She once signed herself "Jen". The reason I ask is that my first post on mudcat was to answer a question by 42, but she hasn't posted in well over a year, and didn't reply to a PM. Just curious to see if my reply got through. And maybe a bit worried. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:52 AM (#2181922) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Amos Any handle will do, as long as it is a stable one. BTW, just to put the record straight -- I am sure Santa enjoys being welcomed, and all, but I should mention he has been posting here since 2002. A |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:55 AM (#2181925) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Azizi I wrote my 29 Oct 07 - 11:42 AM post before I read theleveller's post. As to whether it's easier to find a person who uses her or his real name, I think so but given today's technology, its probably far easier to identify a person using an online pseudonym now than I used to think it was when I first starting posting on the Internet four years ago. As to the question "Who would hold a person accountable?" or perhaps I should have written "Who would try to hold a person accountable for what he or she wrote on the Internet?"- I think the answer is anyone who read what you wrote or "heard" about what you wrote. Anyone-a family member, a neighbor, your supervisor, a colleague, a resident of your community, a total stranger-might take exception to what you wrote. As to your comment that you wouldn't say anything here that I wouldn't say to a person's face, me too. But my point is that this may not be the case with some other folks {and btw, I'm not referring to anyone here}. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 11:55 AM (#2181926) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Peace Yeah. Well he fu#ked up his deliveries then, too. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 12:03 PM (#2181933) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Azizi I am sure Santa enjoys being welcomed, and all, but I should mention he has been posting here since 2002. Oh, well then at least you know you're still welcomed, Santa. And btw, in the last two years there's been a number of reindeer running round my city neighborhood-which is down right weird. I think the housing boom is taking over their homes. But I haven't seen any red nosed reindeer yet. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 12:09 PM (#2181939) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Jim Krause I also use my real name. I used to use a pseudonym, but the Catters from the UK thought I was cussing, or otherwise speaking ill of some folks. And if some one wanted to cyber stalk me, it wouldn't be difficult at all, as I'm all over the internet. (Ever try googling yourself?) Fortunately, there is at least one other Jim Krause who is as prolific on the 'net as I am, so I have a 50/50 chance of dodging a stalker. So far, no one has bothered me. I'm pretty handy with the delete key. JimK |
|
29 Oct 07 - 12:19 PM (#2181948) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Rasener I think Santa has to stop coming down the chimney. I have a job explaining to the children. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 12:24 PM (#2181952) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Santa Amos:why'd you have to embarrass these good people? I did point out that I wasn't very well known on Mudcat - not a regular-enough poster for that. Yes, I was thankful for the good wishes. Mercedes deliveries are sub-contracted to R Dennis Inc. Like Lewis Hamilton's championship - why do you think Santa wears red? That's a yellow shield with a black prancing reindeer on the side of his sled....... Reindeer handling is sub-contracted to the Cairngorms Reindeer Centre. Seriously for a moment, this is a wonderful small organisation that deserves support. Adopt a reindeer: our family favourite Alaska died recently so we'll have to make the trip up to find another. Azizi: I think that what you are concerned about borders on the honest/dishonest use of pseudonyms, but in general people are more willing to announce support of a cause than actually stand up and participate. Partly because there are so many good causes, and so little time. I think it only becomes dishonest when people act in the opposite manner to their claims, rather than not truly participating. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 12:32 PM (#2181960) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,BB Concerning Santa's pondering: "I asked whether the use of a pseudonym creates some kind of negative bias against the ideas expressed." I think that would vary with the reader of the thread. Some might speak negatively of folks "hiding" behind a pseudonym with the complaint, "Well, how do you know who you're dealing with?" Indeed, how do we know even if the person posts her/his real name? We don't know, except by reading the writer's postings. All we have to go on, when writing to folks we've never met, is the consistency of their responses. Personally, I don't think it matters one whit if the poster uses a birth name, a nickname or a totally fake name, as long as he/she is consistent in name use. It's the consistency that allows us to determine the worth (this is subjective, too) of the poster's opinion. The only drawback I have experienced from using pseudonyms is that occasionally, one meets a Mudcatter in person, say, at a festival or house concert or folk club. We all are introduced to each other with our "real" names, and don't find out until much later that we had been chatting online in Mudcat. In other words, we "knew" each other already... and didn't realize it! My 2 cents, for what it's worth. ~Barbara |
|
29 Oct 07 - 12:55 PM (#2181983) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: john f weldon When I signed up to youTube, I made up a pseudonym & even created a new mailbox just for youTube (which they swear they never reveal). "lepenseurdeux" if anyone cares. However, 90% of the spam I get comes from the youTube mailbox anyway. So what's the point? Everywhere else, including mudcat, I'm myself, so far without problems. However, nicknames are kinda fun. Maybe I shoulda bin "Melodious Hunk". Sigh, too late now. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 01:02 PM (#2181990) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Art Thieme I'm still alive, and being here, with my real name, proves that to me every time I come here even if it does feel like a limbo of sorts since I became unable to make folk music. I need to say THANK YOU to so many --- for all of it! Art |
|
29 Oct 07 - 01:04 PM (#2181992) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,Les in Chorlton I always use Les in Chorlton so that nobody will guess who I am or where I live. ps Chorlton Folk Club Thursday Nights at the Cricket Club Chorlton |
|
29 Oct 07 - 03:01 PM (#2182077) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: JohnInKansas I would likely have used an "alternate" name, although my present mudcat registration - and name - was created for me by a beloved other person. My "real name" is effectively useless for purposes of identification, since there's already another person here using it, and at least one other here (using a webname) who has the same "real name." Since my last name is even more common than my first, anyone who might Google "my name" would find a long line of evangelists, serial killers, politicians (in decreasing order of degenerate reputation - although there are the occasional other rocket scientists, nuclear physicists and brain surgeons as well). My own sterling accomplishments would appear only in the other "289,734,629,432 items found" by Google that one can never access. By using my mudcat name, I am uniquely identified here - a quite different situation than the anonymity and confusion that would appear if I tried to use my "real name." You can Google my mudcat name and find a few results for ME, although even there, there are many others using the same name. (Only the ones on mudcat are mine.) I just wish the "other guy" with my name would get over his(?) lingerie fetish, so I'd quit getting all the spam from those French (Canadian?) companies. I've received nothing but French language spam (which I can't read, except laboriously and inaccurately) for more than a year now. Even the Nigerians ignore me (unless they're French-speaking Nigerians who wear lovely lace panties). John |
|
29 Oct 07 - 03:47 PM (#2182100) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Bee-dubya-ell I use a nickname, obviously, but I don't think it makes any difference as to what value others place upon my contibutions. My posts would be just as worthless, uninformed, and full of shit if I were using my real name. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 03:53 PM (#2182105) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Jon Bartlett I think the opportunity to use an alias is a temptation to many (including me) who'd like to put an anonymous shot across the bows of someone they don't approve of. I use my real name to keep this impulse in check. Jon Bartlett |
|
29 Oct 07 - 04:34 PM (#2182135) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: MaineDog When I first joined Mudcat there was a lot of flaming and hatefulness going on, and I thought it would be wise not to use my real name. When I told my wife about it she disapproved, so I continued to use MaineDog. I have left enough hints around so that Catters who know me in the real world can figure out who I am, and I enjoy the game. BTW, I have never posted as guest or by any other name. MD |
|
29 Oct 07 - 04:40 PM (#2182140) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Bill D "...a temptation to many .... who'd like to put an anonymous shot across the bows of someone...." We have had our share of those! The infamous 'Martin Gibson' was a 'loose cannon' shooting across bows for 2-3 years. I don't think anyone ever positively identified him...and it's probably a good thing. He did as much to give a bad ...ummm... name....to anonymity as anyone. I notice the quiet everyday now that he's gone. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 04:57 PM (#2182156) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Bert I was going to say that Prince Charles posts under the name of DougR. But it's not true, Doug is a NICE person. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 05:08 PM (#2182164) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Big Al Whittle He was okay was Martin. made me laugh once or twice. But he did upset people - it must be said. And he never really GOT the English sense of humour. Sir jOhn, who had the rest of in hysterics, seemed to arouse his particular ire. I sort of empathised with Martin. Like me, he totally miscalculated the location of where peoples' sense of humour started. It doesn't make you feel unwanted when nobody can be arsed to stalk you. If anybody out there would like to be stalked, we could have a mutual sort of thing going - I'll stalk you, if you'll stalk me. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 05:08 PM (#2182165) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Herga Kitty My Mudcat name just advertises the folk club I've been going to since I was 15 (though I haven't made it there this evening, unfortunately). Anyone can find out my real name by going to the folk club website... and some people who used to come to the folk club many years ago have realised that they used to know me, even if they are now in the States or Australia! Kitty |
|
29 Oct 07 - 05:28 PM (#2182177) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: topical tom I chose the Mudcat name of topical tom because I especially enjoy topical songs which make comments on news and issues of the day,well, not always of the present day.Tom was chosen purely for the alliteration. I value privacy and, if I wish, I can always reveal my identity to select Mudcatters. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 05:51 PM (#2182192) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca I use my real name and including my e-mail. I've had no problems over the years with any amount of Spam. I get some SPAM but there's enough filters that most of it doesn't get through the IP's SPAM filters. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 05:57 PM (#2182196) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Rowan G'day Santa. I must say I was a bit wary of your name at first as it seemed to me you were likely to have only a seasonally ephemeral appearance on Mudcat. Either that, or you were a devil worshipper with dyslexia. But you've kept posting and I've seen no evidence of dyslexia, so I can shelve my initially negative reactions. Have fun and keep it up! Cheers, Rowan
|
|
29 Oct 07 - 06:04 PM (#2182202) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: PoppaGator I always got a kick out of Martin Gibson, even though our social/political viewpoints were usually polar opposites. Even his most extreme right-wing-nut posts could make for interesting reading, since his peculiar personal slant was generally quite different from the standard unthinking "dittohead" party line. Martin may have been offensive and shortsighted, but at least he was a one-of-a-kind original ~ a Jewish citydweller (Chicago) with a taste for bluegrass music and Bible-Belt politics. Now, maybe I would feel differently if he had ever singled ME out for one of his crude personal attacks, but I don't recall that he ever did. Or did he? If he had, I'd like to think it wouldn't have bothered me, especially with both he and I being essentially anonymous. I'd also like to think that I would not have "risen to the bait" and inspired him to continue trading insults. Anyway, when we was discussing music and intruments rather than politics and sociology, he was usually interesting and articulate, and seemed quite knowledgeable. Plus which, he came up with a truly excellent Mudcat name, perhaps the best pseudonym imaginable for a folk-guitar enthusiast. Too bad no one else can adopt that name now, because like a true skunk, he has indelibly marked it as his own territory... |
|
29 Oct 07 - 06:18 PM (#2182209) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: maeve Returning to the subject of the thread as posted by the member known as Santa, I don't place any particular expectations based on what sort of name a poster uses, as long as it is, according to the current reasonable requirement, consistant. The exception might be, as McGrath of Harlow noted earlier, a name with such negative connotations that I would tend to ignore said person's posts completely. And often, I have found user names here do indeed indicate something meaningful about the personality, if not the exact identy, of the poster. I like that! maeve, who always says what she means and means what she says! |
|
29 Oct 07 - 06:21 PM (#2182212) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Tootler On other sites: I tried my first name but someone got there first So I added the initial of my surname - no good So I stuck the number of my house on the end. That worked for a while until eBay said someone had got there first, so I used a nickname for eBay and still needed two attempts. I wasn't entirely happy with the nickname I used on eBay, so when I signed up for Mudcat, I used "Tootler" as my wife refers to my playing of the recorder and other blowy things as "tootling". I have used Tootler since on other music forums and mostly it's been OK. U-Tube didn't like Tootler, but I went in via Google and I have a sneaking suspicion that the "other" Tootler may have been me, but there's no way of checking, so I'm "TootlinGeoff on U-Tube". Geoff |
|
29 Oct 07 - 06:48 PM (#2182238) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Big Al Whittle ah! I always thought you maybe wore Tootal ties when you were a kid and it had traumatised you. There were a lot of them about. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 06:55 PM (#2182246) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: maeve "exact identy" of course should be "exact identity". Sigh... maeve |
|
29 Oct 07 - 09:55 PM (#2182359) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Celtaddict Jon Bartlett, a most interesting reason to use your own name! Tootler, I love the idea that you think the other Tootler was you but can't be sure. I have used the same Mudcat name since joining several years ago, and rather like the idea that when I post, people read what I have said then and there, uncolored by ideas of age, place, gender, or musical credentials except what is in the post or what they know of me from other posts. There are a number of folks who tend to be on the same threads I am and we have gotten to know each other fairly well online; some of these I have met; I have met a number of Mudcatters in person. Sometimes I will be talking to someone that I know in 'real life' as well as online and know both their names, but they are surprised to find I am 'celtaddict' and that always gives me a laugh for some reason. I have given my 'live' name to a number of 'Cat friends of course, but still rather like the relative anonymity of a pseudonym. If I disagree in a civil discussion, I can disagree civilly, and if a thread descends to insults, I am out of there. I may disagree with someone but don't get into arguments or 'shots across the bow' because life is just too short. |
|
29 Oct 07 - 10:12 PM (#2182360) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: LeTenebreux Obviously LeTenebreux is a "handle". I don't like to be cavalier about revealing my identity in cyberspace. If someone really wanted to find out who I was I guess they could trace my IP or something...good luck with that. You never know who might read your posts, ya know? (Bosses, exes,parents...whatever) |
|
30 Oct 07 - 12:13 AM (#2182416) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Joe_F My real name is Joseph Clinton Fineman. I have gone by the nicknames Joe & F; hence, Joe_F. How I came to be called F in some circles is a complicated story. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 03:09 AM (#2182438) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,Jim Carroll I don't use my real name because I deserted from the trenches in 1917 and am worried that the authorities might still be looking for me. Have managed to keep clear of them so far, but the problem is everybody insists on talking about my nickname instead of my work. I raised the questing of names on another thread; don't know if it was my comment which sparked this off, but the question of 'dislike' or 'distrust' does not come into my attitude. I feel more comfortable having serious conversations with real people rather than Santas or Slugs or Cap'ns or whoever. Ewan Zimmerman Handle III (aka Jim Carroll) |
|
30 Oct 07 - 04:00 AM (#2182452) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Gurney Gurney IS a nickname, but one from my preteens, so no-one but me remembers it. I use it as a pen name and identification name in all my browsing. If anyone Googles it, you will only get some of my Mudcat posts and a lot about other people, not me. I only started using it, before I joined Mudcat, because pseudonyms seemed to be de rigueur on line. My own name is already taken on my provider. I use my personal name on the Personal Page with members. To answer the question: No, a personal name would not make me add any weight to anyone's comments, since I only know about 6 members personally. However, reading Mudcat posts several days a week, I feel I know most regular posters under their Mudcat names well enough to have discourse with them. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 04:42 AM (#2182472) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: theleveller My use of theleveller came about by accident. I use it whenever I sign in anywhere online because I can never remember which version of my real name I'd used (Pete Thompson, P Thompson, Peter Thompson etc.) and when I posted on the BBC board, that's what came up as my name, so I stuck with it. I like it because it suits my political and anti-royalist views. Ironically, Oliver Cromwell said of the leader of The Levellers, 'Honest John' Lilburne that, if he were the only person left alive in the world, John would argue with Lilburne. Hmmmmm. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 06:23 AM (#2182511) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Santa Jim: it may well have been your comment; it was not something that struck sparks immediately but came bubbling up to the surface later, and I haven't gone searching for the original quote. Who said it doesn't seem relevant: unless perhaps he/she turned out to be the only person who feels that way? However, it stirred enough disquiet in me to suspect others felt the same way. I don't normally have any problem living with this pseudonym, it does provide a certain amount of light-hearted banter. But when faced directly with the question "why use a pseudonym?" I am left wondering if the real question is "what am I hiding". Nothing deliberate, honest....so why not use my given name? Mistrust, dislike, lack of comfort, or whatever, that's still the question. I wonder if this is something that affects the "differentially young" more than others. Other than filmstars or newspaper/magazine columnists, in previous decades you were less likely to come up against people using other than their real names for honest purposes. I don't think that I met many deserters - but then I wouldn't know, would I? |
|
30 Oct 07 - 06:55 AM (#2182518) Subject: RE: NIcknames or real names on Mudcat? From: catspaw49 Ya' know............ This topic comes up in one form or another several times a year it seems. I've been around here somewhere just shy of forever and I understand the concerns I suppose but I am more concerned that someone uses a consistent name. When I signed on here it was about split with real and pseudos but I had used mine elsewhere where safety was certainly an issue so I used it here because at the time it seemed a good idea. Almost 10 years later, ALL (and I do mean ALL) of the details of my life and my family are on these threads including all the boilerplate data except for my SS number. You can even find links (probably dead now, but they were there) to CAT scan and other medical data including an aortagram and a colonoscopy for chrissakes. I still use catspaw49 as a sign in to many websites but around here. It was shortened way back when to "Spaw" and most older 'Catters use that name rather than Pat when we talk in 3D. I do agree with Bill D. (not too surprising) but I think some names come with a certain preconceived "idea" of the person which may cloud the thinking of those reading their posts. Here's a funny little story about this........Wait......Let me have you do the "research"..............PM one of our wonderful German 'Catters, "Wolfgang." See if he won't come onto this thread an tell you why he changed his handle to just plain Wolfgang. Spaw (;<)) |
|
30 Oct 07 - 07:00 AM (#2182519) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: nickp But 'Nick' IS my real name - and by derivation I suppose my nickname too! |
|
30 Oct 07 - 07:05 AM (#2182520) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: John MacKenzie Yup Spaw, some surnames only work in one language :) G. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 07:55 AM (#2182536) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: gnu Spaw: "...but I think some names come with a certain preconceived "idea" of the person which may cloud the thinking of those reading their posts." Yup. Although some some are spot on. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 09:19 AM (#2182586) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Nick >>It doesn't make you feel unwanted when nobody can be arsed to stalk you. If anybody out there would like to be stalked, we could have a mutual sort of thing going - I'll stalk you, if you'll stalk me. I know where you live. (He said threateningly) Does that make you feel better? I use my own name to avoid people thinking I want to be called something else. Perhaps I'll adopt a nickname for the sake of it - Horizontal Jogger is high on the list at the moment |
|
30 Oct 07 - 09:39 AM (#2182602) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: McGrath of Harlow "Obviously LeTenebreux is a "handle"." In the words of Gérard de Nerval: Je suis le ténébreux,- le Veuf, - l'inconsolé, Le Prince d'Aquitaine à la tour abolie: Ma seule étoile est morte, et mon luth constellé Porte le soleil noir de la Mélancolie. Dans la nuit du Tombeau, Toi qui m'as consolé, Rends-moi le Pausilippe et la mer d'Italie, La fleur qui plaisait tant à mon coeur désolé, Et la treille où le Pampre à la rose s'allie. Suis-je Amour ou Phoebus ?.... Lusignan ou Biron ? Mon front est rouge encor du baiser de la Reine ; J'ai rêvé dans la grotte où nage la Sirène... Et j'ai deux fois vainqueur traversé l'Achéron : Modulant tour à tour sur la lyre d'Orphée Les soupirs de la Sainte et les cris de la Fée. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 10:27 AM (#2182631) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Big Al Whittle Much better. I'll be calling round Nick, and you're in for it. A whole night watching my amusing colour slides of places my satnav took me by mistake. Jim Carrol has taught me a traditional folksong, and I can ignore the common decencies and perform it until you scream, No more! I beg you! them as die will be the lucky ones! (Long John Silver) |
|
30 Oct 07 - 11:01 AM (#2182646) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: TheSnail Jim Carroll I don't use my real name because I deserted from the trenches in 1917 Well,I hope you are going to give a full and honest account of this episode in your autobiography. We all want to know the man not the legend. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 11:07 AM (#2182649) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: John Hardly My real name is Pierce Brosnan. I protect my privacy with the John Hardly thing. |
|
30 Oct 07 - 03:33 PM (#2182841) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: M.Ted It's pretty hard to slip anything past McGrath--though that tortured soul/melancholic poet business used to be a standard routine on the coffeehouse circuit--we all wore berets at one time or another-- |
|
30 Oct 07 - 08:15 PM (#2183079) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: GUEST,'Ray Bucknell I attended Bucknell University, where the fight song began, "'Ray Bucknell, 'ray Bucknell, 'ray for the orange and the blue...." I'm probably known as a guest now because my cookies are lot, but I've been posting here (albeit inconsistently) using this pseudonym for well over five years. You can call me 'Ray, but in real life I'm a girl. 'Ray |
|
30 Oct 07 - 09:34 PM (#2183131) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: number 6 I'm not a number ... I'm a free man. biLL |
|
30 Oct 07 - 10:53 PM (#2183185) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Rowan 'Ray, at uni I used to know a young lady from Sunshine (western suburbs of Melbourne) whose name was Rae; she rapidly learned to give people her other (also real) name. Cheers, Rowan |
|
30 Oct 07 - 10:59 PM (#2183187) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: TRUBRIT As MMario said back a few posts -- to some of us, our Mudcat names are as real as our 'real' names -- everyone knows me as TruBrit -- my license plate, my email, my business name etc -- it is as much a part of me as the me who is Deborah Coward, (WHAT did you say that name was again -- Coward -- what? Coward -- like being afraid only I'm not.......it gets old)...! |
|
30 Oct 07 - 11:03 PM (#2183191) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Lepus Rex I just like tying everything I do online together with one name. As my real name (Will Anderson) is fairly generic, I don't use that. Anyone who cares to know my real name already does, anyways, and I'm not really concerned with people who dislike/distrust me because of it. Fuck suspicious/paranoid people. For some time, though, I have actually been meaning to sign my posts here as "Will," which I do everywhere else, just because typing "Lepus Rex" at the end of a post that's already labeled as having been writted by "Lepus Rex" is kind of redundant. Yet I continue to do so, without thinking, purely out of habit. Weird. Anyways, since I've been using this nickname for, like, twelve years or so, it's actually been kind of fun watching my mid-late-90s posts from various corners of the web disappear. And I thought this stuff was supposed "live" forever? --- ---Will |
|
30 Oct 07 - 11:20 PM (#2183197) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: M.Ted Who is Number 1? |
|
31 Oct 07 - 12:40 AM (#2183221) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Joe Offer Well, I figure if I use my real name on Mudcat, I'll sell more CD's and get more gigs. But I've never, ever tried to record a CD or get a gig, so I don't know if my theory works. But sometimes, people say, "Oh, so you're Joe Offer." I get satisfaction out of that. -Joe- |
|
31 Oct 07 - 12:54 AM (#2183228) Subject: RE: BS: Nicknames or real names on Mudcat? From: Donuel Yes in fact I do use a former real name on mudcat. |