Why do you use a screen name?

[Kara]

I don't really mind sharing my first name. It's not my full name anyway.

(<-----See, I changed it!)

[NCspecs]

9) Can't outrun a 9mm and most of you seem to be pack'n heat

Hahaha, ain't that the truth. :)

I grew up with the internet and I never thought it was smart to put your personal info "out there" no matter how innoculous it may seem. I debated whether or not I should share my wedding day photos a few months back but my excitement got the better of my caution! :)

I blew my cover when I did that, I felt I kept myself pretty gender neutral by using my pup Coconut as an avatar along with my username. Right or wrong, I think that I built respect by doing that, no one could pigeon-hole my posts as "something a woman would say". I'm pretty pragmatic about stuff like that.

As for "hiding" behind a username, I'd like to think I keep my nose clean around here even when dissagreeing. I can promise everyone with whom I've gone toe to toe that I would do the same in person- it's just in my nature, much to my bosses chagrin. You have to have me at gun point before I can be intimidated!

I think it's perfectly acceptable to use a screen name as long as you are respectful and on topic. I don't think using your real name lends any more credibility, especially considering that some OB users troll under their given name as it is.

[Diane]

I am and always have been just plain Diane. People know me and that's ok.

Diane

[sharpstick777]

I am hoping Romney picks you! Funny!

10) Helps to keep family and friends from holding an intervention for my Optiboard addiction

9) Can't outrun a 9mm and most of you seem to be pack'n heat

8) I fit the definition of my name to a t

7) Will reveal it for $$$

6) My name contains bilabial clicks (google it)

5) I'm really George Clooney

4) I probably don't really like you

3) Violates my parole

2) Being vetted for Mitt's VP

1) I look so much like my avatar

[bob_f_aboc]

I don't think I've been hiding. Anyone that wants to know just has to ask. My first name, my last initial and the city I live in is more than enough for most.

Oh, and the truth is, I should now be bob_f_aboc-ac_nclec, but that takes too long to type when I'm handing out greenies!!

[kat]

I have always been Kat, it seems to fit me very well. I think I am the only Kat in Phoenix practicing os an Optician, plus I use it in the name of my business.

[Lee Prewitt]

I do use screen name

[Johns]

I am hiding! I don't use my real name for the same reason I'm not on FaceBook. If I want someone to know me, I'll PM them, or drive across the country and visit them. The main reason is that I've got quite a few offices, and know that there are MANY consumers lurking here. (I've even had customers mention OB to me!). I don't need them to know my buying/selling practices.

On second thought, since I might start using my real name, I'll just be more limited to what I say. (Not a bad thing!)

Thirdly, last year, I was personally threatened (I know where your wife works, kind of thing). I was really glad I did not have much personal info out there, as I knew it was an empty threat.

[Bill West]

I choose this name because this guy is the most infamous Optician ever, sorry Johns.

[Spexvet]

9) Can't outrun a 9mm and most of you seem to be pack'n heat

I'm skeered Chip will hunt me down!

[LandLord]

very simple. The opinion you would give to be quoted as front page news with your photograph is differerent from your 'off the record' opinion on some topics. The latter is the more real opinion.

[optilady1]

very simple. The opinion you would give to be quoted as front page news with your photograph is differerent from your 'off the record' opinion on some topics. The latter is the more real opinion.

Unless you have the disease of lacking a filter.

[Kara]

Unless you have the disease of lacking a filter.

Lol. I tend to suffer from Foot in Mouth syndrome.....There is no cure or treatment.

[pseudonym]

I don't know about you independents, but retail attracts groupies and stalkers. The groupies are emotional vampires. They come to you with their troubles and when they go, you feel like a dead battery.

The stalkers are angry because you refused to give them their money back, do a third doctor remake for free, or let them exchange their frame because they don't like it as much as they thought they would. My name is a weird one. By tickling the right buttons in google, you can locate my house.

I'll stick to my pseudonym, thanks.

[SharonB]

I use my (old) real name. I am not Sharon B anymore - for almost 9 years I have been Sharon L. Just never changed it. Since I do a lot of research for an optical magazine, and I understand how EZ it is to locate personal details for almost anyone. You can't run and you can't hide! I have nothing to hide from.

[EyeManFla]

EyeManFla and my other alter ego, Catcoach1, were created back in the early '90's when everybody discovered AOL and everybody had a screen name. I thought about changing it when I moved to North Carolina, but everyone here knows that name....and it irritates the hell out of the people in Florida that would really love to grab it!

[Browneyes1208]

I'm sorry but only people that I meet face to face in real time get my full name. This is a public forum and is searchable by anyone.

DITTO...and in the office to patients or on the phone, it's just my first name.

[Steve Machol]

Honestly I don't think anyone is questioning why people use pseudonyms. It's when they hide behind pseudonyms to anonymously attack others that is the issue.

[gmc]

and it irritates the hell out of the people in Florida that would really love to grab it!

Yeah, give it up!

[Mizikal]

For some reason Michael is always taken.Go figure.

[kelanor]

Honestly I don't think anyone is questioning why people use pseudonyms. It's when they hide behind pseudonyms to anonymously attack others that is the issue.

Are we having a problem with sock puppets on the site?

[Steve Machol]

Are we having a problem with sock puppets on the site?

Not a big problem currently, but it's no secret that most people that like to attack others like to do so behind a screen of anonymity.

[EyeManFla]

When you pry it from my cold dead hands.....LOL

Yeah, give it up!

[EyeManFla]

I found it interesting that when we signed on to Facebook, we had to remind everybody who we are. I always enjoy meeting OB folks outside the Cyberworld. And, of course, never had a problem with everyone knowing my name.......

Honestly I don't think anyone is questioning why people use pseudonyms. It's when they hide behind pseudonyms to anonymously attack others that is the issue.

[optical24/7]

Johns and I have met many times...I call him Johns, he calls me Optical24/7.









I wonder what his real name is......