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Thread: Why do you use a screen name?

  1. #1
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Gold Supporter Judy Canty's Avatar
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    Why do you use a screen name?

    Just asking.

  2. #2
    Master OptiBoarder
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    I never occured to me to not use one. But I sign everything with my name, and there's a picture of me as my avatar. Plus, anyone who works with me on a regular basis would confirm that I am who I am, and what you see (even on an online forum) is what you get.

  3. #3
    Slowly Going Crazy Kara's Avatar
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    Not sure if mine is considered a screen name or not. Honestly if you talk to me enough I'll tell you my name(It's Kara). I welcome anyone to come visit me in my lab here in little Lubbock Tx.
    -"Is this a matter of life or death?"
    ---"No. this is a seg height."--
    Seth, and Dalene

    "In matters of style, swim with the current;
    In matters of principle, stand like a rock."--
    Thomas Jefferson

  4. #4
    ABOM Wes's Avatar
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    When I first made a name, it didn't really occur to me to just use Wes. I almost immediately began signing off with Wes and posted a pic like Annie, so I eventually asked Steve to change it. Maybe Annie is ready to be Annie. ;)
    Wesley S. Scott, MBA, MIS, ABOM, NCLE-AC, LDO - SC & GA

    “As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.” -Albert Einstein

  5. #5
    Slowly Going Crazy Kara's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wes View Post
    When I first made a name, it didn't really occur to me to just use Wes. I almost immediately began signing off with Wes and posted a pic like Annie, so I eventually asked Steve to change it. Maybe Annie is ready to be Annie. ;)
    Steve will change if we ask?
    -"Is this a matter of life or death?"
    ---"No. this is a seg height."--
    Seth, and Dalene

    "In matters of style, swim with the current;
    In matters of principle, stand like a rock."--
    Thomas Jefferson

  6. #6
    Bad address email on file
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    Sometimes optical can be a small world, and if you were to discuss wanting a new job, or bash a company, either your own or another that you might end up applying to later, you wouldn't want that monkey on your back. BTW, I love my job!!

  7. #7
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Gold Supporter Judy Canty's Avatar
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    OB was my real introduction to the internet, and it never occured to me to use anything other than my name. However, a couple of years ago, I asked Steve to change my screen name to Curious Cat when a couple of OB members decided to object to my postings through my employer. I hated it and in truth, it didn't fool anyone. I recently asked Steve to change it back after I led a discussion on personal power with my Buddhist group. It occured to me that I had allowed someone else to control me and that had to stop.

    I like being me again!

  8. #8
    ABOM Wes's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmarshall View Post
    Not sure if mine is considered a screen name or not. Honestly if you talk to me enough I'll tell you my name(It's Kara). I welcome anyone to come visit me in my lab here in little Lubbock Tx.
    Yes
    Wesley S. Scott, MBA, MIS, ABOM, NCLE-AC, LDO - SC & GA

    “As our circle of knowledge expands, so does the circumference of darkness surrounding it.” -Albert Einstein

  9. #9
    Slowly Going Crazy Kara's Avatar
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    There is also the huge scare of identity fraud over the internet. Some people would just rather not put themselves in any sort of risk. I don't believe any member on here would do anything like that. Just that once you get in to the habit of being cautious it gets hard to break that habit.

    Just ask my Fiancee about me locking the doors. haha!
    -"Is this a matter of life or death?"
    ---"No. this is a seg height."--
    Seth, and Dalene

    "In matters of style, swim with the current;
    In matters of principle, stand like a rock."--
    Thomas Jefferson

  10. #10
    Slowly Going Crazy Kara's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wes View Post
    Yes
    Thanks! I'll see about changing my name soon.
    -"Is this a matter of life or death?"
    ---"No. this is a seg height."--
    Seth, and Dalene

    "In matters of style, swim with the current;
    In matters of principle, stand like a rock."--
    Thomas Jefferson

  11. #11
    Bad address email on file kelanor's Avatar
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    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.

  12. #12
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    Judy: Seems to me you did for a while. People do this for the same reason many use the internet, they don't want to be held accountable for what they said. If you didn't know my real name, we could meet, have a drink and possibly be friends. Now you know I am the type that would use Robt. E. Lee as an avitar, etc. Pseudonyms are like haveing a mask at a ball, you can say, do, show skin, whatever without reprocussions.
    Once can't really talk about ones boss or place of employment in the negative under one's real name.

    Chip

  13. #13
    Forever Liz's Dad Steve Machol's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmarshall View Post
    Steve will change if we ask?
    Yep.


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  14. #14
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Mine was never intended to hide behind, but really to identify who I am. Obx is where I live, and there are not a lot of opticians here at the beach.

  15. #15
    Forever Liz's Dad Steve Machol's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by chip anderson View Post
    Judy: Seems to me you did for a while. People do this for the same reason many use the internet, they don't want to be held accountable for what they said. If you didn't know my real name, we could meet, have a drink and possibly be friends. Now you know I am the type that would use Robt. E. Lee as an avitar, etc. Pseudonyms are like haveing a mask at a ball, you can say, do, show skin, whatever without reprocussions.
    Once can't really talk about ones boss or place of employment in the negative under one's real name.

    Chip
    Actually there are valid reasons for using a pseudonym - someone may be stalking you, you fear retribution from your employer, etc. However, as you note, people can also use a pseudonym to make anonymous attacks and specific people and companies. The latter is definitely not something I approve of.


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  16. #16
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Since this is a public forum, I'd be reluctant to put my professional name (defined:actual name) out there. A patient/client/customer could take what you say as gospel or use it against you.

  17. #17
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Java99's Avatar
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    My real name is unique, and with one free internet search you can find my phone number, home address, family members names, past places I've lived and usually my age. Anyone can be found this way, and if my name were John Smith I might not be as concerned about safety. I do use my real picture, and link to my real web page in my profile, so anyone who is actually interested can find out who I am. Being this is the internet, most people probably do not care who I really am unless they're looking for information no one should have but me.

  18. #18
    Master OptiBoarder OptiBoard Silver Supporter Now I See's Avatar
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    I used my real name at first, but I decided that when I'm asking questions, I'm asking them of my peers on O'board, like I would ask a co-worker, I want real answers, from the Opticians out there using the products and it seems that I get less advertising and more real answers this way (hence the "now I see!" screen name! )
    ___________________________________________

  19. #19
    OptiBoard Apprentice
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    I never much liked the idea of having my name out for anyone to see, but if anyone really wanted to find out who I am it's pretty easy to look on British Columbia's Licensed Optician Register and take a shot in the dark! (Seeing as I have my town listed on my account) Who knows maybe it'll bring new customers in... here's hoping!
    Jonathan

  20. #20
    Master OptiBoarder
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    I have had to hide from an Ex before, so I understand the need for privacy. Thankfully, it's been years since it was an issue. I kinda like my screen name, so I'll keep on answering to both. I find it a little tacky to complain on an online forum about where you work, especially since my boss is on here as well.

    Unfortunately, I'm of the opinion that if someone wants to find you, they will. You really have to go off the grid to be truly anonymous. If I need to disappear, I'll move to a cabin in the woods and live off the land with a mountain man.

  21. #21
    Underemployed Genius Jacqui's Avatar
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    Real first name only and Frostbite Falls is close to where I live. I suppose if anyone were really interested they could find my FB page and find out more about me.

    http://www.facebook.com/AngelOptical/info

    For anyone checking the FB page, you can also click the 'like' button, we love new members
    Last edited by Jacqui; 07-17-2012 at 01:36 PM.

  22. #22
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    I don't know..................I've always been Fezz!!!

    As far back as grade school, I've been Fezz! In high school, most of the teachers and principals called me Fezz. I even made my own stationary in high school with Fezz on it!

    As far as using my "Real Name" on a public forum, I'll pass. The world is filled with nut jobs, wackos, fruits, psychos, people looking to do me harm, and yardbirds!

    Not using my name on forums is for the same reason that I shred everything, carry concealed weapons, practiced martial arts, travel different routes and routines, avoid confrontations, have few friends, live a rather sheltered life, and always practice situational awareness-I am PARANOID!!!! (I like the song too!)

  23. #23
    Master OptiBoarder mdeimler's Avatar
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    My thought is that we are not that interesting of a group of people, optical people that is. No one really cares who I am or who we are, real name or fake name. Not really a problem IMHO. The only people that worry about us are...us.

  24. #24
    Compulsive Truthteller OptiBoard Gold Supporter Uncle Fester's Avatar
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    Top Ten Reasons I use a nom de plume...

    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

  25. #25
    Master OptiBoarder
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    Quote Originally Posted by Uncle Fester View Post
    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
    You're so funny.

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