Names/anonymity

[adamanteus]

So you can't see my name?

[Cazador]

I'll admit to using my super-hero moderator powers for no good. A long time ago, I didn't know that only moderators could see people's first name, and I used them freely (never last names, though). I soon realized that this type of disclosure had a positive effect on our sense of community, and nobody had ever brought up the issue of disclosing first names before. Perhaps I innocently started a trend, but I intentionally continued that trend after visiting the forum without logging on and learning that not everybody can see first names. Once or twice, I've even sent friendly PMs to people that haven't disclosed their first names, hoping to learn their first names. Yah, I'm rotten like that, but I also think that's the way friendships are born. I'm glad to have many friendships with people on this forum who I've never met, and that would be difficult to achieve if I didn't know their first name.

Now that Ermingtrude Doodlebah (oops... used her last name) has pointed it out... I have to make a decision. Ceasing to greet people by their first name won't atone for disclosing the names of those who've already been greeted. I fear it will only change the level of civility that we enjoy on this forum. If Ermingtrude, or anyone else, is truely bothered... not just joking around, then send me a PM, and I'll stop using first names to greet new members. Moreover, I'll GUARANTEE the confidentiality of your request!

Personally, I wouldn't want anything to change on this forum (except perhaps the line stating that names won't be shared), but I can't speak for anyone who might have been offended.

Sincerely,
Rick Looselips

[CrazyHedgehog]

Only as your signature, that shows in your public profile hang on, I will take a screen shot of your public profile and send it to you..

[Lulu Bennett]

this is all you can see:
Date of Birth: December 5, 1960 Age: 46 Biography: 40 years of reptile keeping experience, amateur and (occasionally) professional. Location: Cheshire. (Near Manchester). Home Country: United Kingdom Interests: Reptiles, wildlife/ecology, drawing/painting, reading, cycle touring, travel, martial arts. Occupation: Construction management. we can only see your name in your sig lol
Tut tut tut James lol

[CrazyHedgehog]

How about just changing the wording of the profile entry screen...
Your first name will be used to politely befreind you!!

[adamanteus]

Well, once again my naivity shines through! I didn't realise it was just we 'chosen few' that could see the names! I must agree with Rick though, the use of first names does create a more friendly atmosphere, and I'm pleased that he started that trend. I will continue the trend until someone shoots me!

[adamanteus]

martial arts.

That should read 'marital'!

[CrazyHedgehog]

I think its ok, but maybe change the wording....



oh...you can't see it too well

[CrazyHedgehog]

I was just changing my name sig... thought I would add my animals like some have done, but it said there were tooooooo many!!!
Inge
1.3.0 Florida Blue Garters
2.2.10 common red sided
1.1.0 Oregon red spotted
1.1.0 Chequered garter
1.1.0 Albino Chequered Garter
2.1.1 San Francisco Garters
1.1.0 Pickeringi Garters
0.1.0 Eastern Blacknecked Garter
1.0.0 Eastern Blackneck cyrtopsis cross
0.1.0 Anuristic Canadian Plains Garter
1.1.5 Canadian Plains (babies het..)
1.1.0 Santa Cruz Garters
1.1.0 Californian Red Sided Garters
1.1.0 Flame Garters
2.1.0 melanistic Garters
0.1.0 Pariatelis true red garter
0.1.0 Common Boa pastel phase
1.1.0 Cats
1.1.0 Leopard Geckos
1.3.0 Yemens Chameleons
1.0.0 Panther Chameleon
0.1.0 Chinese Water dragon
0.2.0 Italian Crested Newts
26.100.40 Mice !!
0.0.1 Koi mix colour
0.0.2 Ghost koi
0.0.27 Gold fish
1.0.0 monkey - well teenage son!
Do I now include stickleback..crickets, grass carp, pond frogs?

I nearly bought a rabbit the other day too, just soooo cute.. maf just looked at me in dismay..I took the hint...lol

[adamanteus]

Inge, you have 50 Garters now!