On Apr 13, 2007, at 8:58 PM, Miles Nordin wrote:
>>>>>> "dm" == Dave McGuire <mcguire@neurotica.com> writes:
>
>     dm> It is, at least according to how *I* was raised, generally
>     dm> considered polite and respectful to identify oneself using
>     dm> one's given name.
>
> according to how I was raised on the Internets, it's considered rude
> to demand someone's ``real'' name if they don't want to give it,
> though of course not as rude as outing their real name for them when
> they've withheld it.

   This being primarily an adult forum, I strongly disagree.  This  
isn't some fantasy land where people are playing games, this is real  
communication about real things.

>     dm> You are not Professor Moriarty...why on Earth would you want
>     dm> your "full name" field to suggest that you are?
>
> I can think of a few fairly good reasons quite easily, but why on
> earth would you care, anyway?  I know it's not your Way, and that your
> feelings about real(-sounding) names are common enough in some  
> areas to
> make the guy seem rude, but it always seemed a bit cliquish from where
> I sit.
>
> In my last year or two of BBSing, I picked real-sounding fake names
> just so I wouldn't have to deal with this attitude.  sillyness all
> around, IMHO.  sorry to prolong the pointless OT thread.  I'm not
> eager to see FidoNET resurrected, though.  People always reminisce
> fondly about it, but I think on an honest look it kind of sucked.

   Ahh, FidoNET, yes those memories are fond.  I felt it was decent  
for what it was, with the limits of technology then.  In those days,  
I went by the handle "The Silicon Kid"

   But I was fourteen years old and it was a recreational activity.

            -Dave

-- 
Dave McGuire
Port Charlotte, FL