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Source: (consider it)
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Thread: Anonymous online? Does it change how we post?
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Boogie
Boogie on down!
# 13538
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Posted
quote:
EtymologicalEvangelical asked:
I know when to put tact before open expression of ideas, but if we can't express how we feel within the security of the anonymity of the internet, then where can we? (And if some people choose to use their real names on the internet, then that is their problem).
and daronmedway said -
quote:
Originally posted by daronmedway:
I chose to start using my real name on the ship some time ago because I realised (after receiving some rather robust "help" from certain shipmates) that I was prone to abusing the anonymity of the internet in order to be a jerk. It's been helpful, if not entirely successful.
Both of these comments made me think.
Which camp are you in?
Do you think that the security of the anonymity of the internet is useful for expressing your feelings?
Or do you think it's better to be up front about who you are, in order to prevent you from going over the top?
I don't hide who I am at all and am easily found from my sig. This is because I believe that we are never truly anonymous online. So I never post anything I wouldn't want my boss/Mum/best friend/husband etc to see. I certainly don't feel 'safe' enough to bare my soul here. So it does change how I post - I assume the world and his wife are watching me (if they wanted to, which I'm sure they don't!)
What about you?
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Garden. Room. Walk
Posts: 13030 | From: Boogie Wonderland | Registered: Mar 2008
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deano
princess
# 12063
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Posted
I’m convinced the anonymity lets people (me) post in a more belligerent manner than in real life, but I don’t actually see that as a bad thing if everyone is doing it. And they do!
Even those who would claim not to would, I’m sure, be much more conciliatory and diplomatic in real life. Would I? Yes of course. But I don’t think it would change my opinions, just that I would express them more moderately. I am quite comfortable debating my views with my family and friends and we (almost) never come to blows!
I do think that anonymity adds to the debate here on the Ship as arguments must be defended. It does appear to testosterone-fuelled at times, rather like a courtroom or Parliament. In fact, in my mind I equate Hell with the House of Commons and Purgatory as the House of Lords! Just my little affectation.
I rather like it to be honest.
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"The moral high ground is slowly being bombed to oblivion. " - Supermatelot
Posts: 2118 | From: Chesterfield | Registered: Nov 2006
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cliffdweller
Shipmate
# 13338
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
Which camp are you in?
Do you think that the security of the anonymity of the internet is useful for expressing your feelings?
Or do you think it's better to be up front about who you are, in order to prevent you from going over the top?
Yes. Both of these.
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"Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid." -Frederick Buechner
Posts: 11242 | From: a small canyon overlooking the city | Registered: Jan 2008
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Frank Mitchell
planked
# 17946
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Posted
I didn't feel any need for anonymity. I'm into Linux where pseudonyms are common, but it would make me feel like a Virus-Writer.
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Faictz Ce Que Vouldras
Posts: 72 | From: Cheshire, England | Registered: Dec 2013
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Doc Tor
Deepest Red
# 9748
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Posted
I'm both anonymous (Doc Tor isn't my real name...) and not (my sig leads directly to my website).
So I assume I'm not anonymous. Does it change how I post? Not really. I have limited people skills (and tend to save them for people who don't spout right-wing tosh) though being on the Ship has trained me to attack the argument, not the arguer, so in that respect, the way I post has changed the way I am in RL.
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Forward the New Republic
Posts: 9131 | From: Ultima Thule | Registered: Jul 2005
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deano
princess
# 12063
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Doc Tor:
though being on the Ship has trained me to attack the argument, not the arguer, so in that respect, the way I post has changed the way I am in RL.
This. The Ship is nothing if not a brilliant asset for people to improve their debating skills.
If anyone posts a link justifying their position, you can guarantee it will be followed and taken apart by someone! There are no hiding places.
That strengthens you and makes you face up to your position. If you can defend it then great, if not, they you are forced to question your position.
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"The moral high ground is slowly being bombed to oblivion. " - Supermatelot
Posts: 2118 | From: Chesterfield | Registered: Nov 2006
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Liopleurodon
Mighty sea creature
# 4836
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Posted
I like that small layer of anomymity that lies between me and the world here although I'm not kidding myself that I couldn't be outed if someone could be bothered to look into it. The anonymity isn't to protect me from people I know in real life (all of whom either know my username or could figure it out pretty quickly if they wanted to - my brother quickly figured out who was me on SoF without being told, and I spotted him from nothing but the content of his posts) but from people I've never met. I'm quite open on the Ship about my mental health issues, for instance, and while I'm not ashamed of them, I'd rather not have them pop up as the first thing to show when someone googles my real name.
So that's my personal take on it. The issue of people using the anonymity of the internet to act like a mob of violent thugs sending rape/death threats is another issue (fortunately not something that happens on SoF). I'm not going to weigh in on their motivations because I don't understand them at all.
Posts: 1921 | From: Lurking under the ship | Registered: Aug 2003
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no prophet's flag is set so...
Proceed to see sea
# 15560
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Posted
I am a licensed professional. There are 2 cases locally that have led me to post anonymously, plus a personal experience in a non-internet context. The internet cases both involved someone who posted as private people, but someone decided to print it off and send it to their professional regulatory bodies because crazy people sometimes do stuff like that. One is from my profession, another from a different profession. Both them had the usual experience when a member of the public complains - about 2-3 years of sheer hell, where the investigations people audit (go on a fishing trip) through their professional practice, looking things to justify their employment.
If I was to blame someone for needing to post anonymously, I would blame the lawyer group who advised government to pass such broad acts that allow the public to complain about anything whatever - it is easier for lawyers and good for their income if they are needed and if regulatory acts are all the same. I myself had to go through investigation due to a newspaper article that said I said something I did not say. It may sound incredible but it's true. That one cost me $6K to quash.
So anonymous it is, and will continue.
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Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety.
\_(ツ)_/
Posts: 11498 | From: Treaty 6 territory in the nonexistant Province of Buffalo, Canada ↄ⃝' | Registered: Mar 2010
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LeRoc
Famous Dutch pirate
# 3216
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Posted
The reason why I post anonymously is that I'd like to keep my personal identity on the web and my professional identity separate.
When I post something, especially in topics related to development cooperation, I want to make clear that I speak on personal grounds, not as a representative of the organization that currently employs me. I hope that having an anonymous avatar helps toward this.
I certainly feel that I can express myself more freely on the Ship in this way.
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I know why God made the rhinoceros, it's because He couldn't see the rhinoceros, so He made the rhinoceros to be able to see it. (Clarice Lispector)
Posts: 9474 | From: Brazil / Africa | Registered: Aug 2002
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lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by deano:
I’m convinced the anonymity lets people (me) post in a more belligerent manner than in real life, but I don’t actually see that as a bad thing if everyone is doing it. And they do!
Even those who would claim not to would, I’m sure, be much more conciliatory and diplomatic in real life. Would I? Yes of course.
I am less diplomatic face-to face. In part because there is more context, in part because of the lesser accountability online. Certainly, the relative anonymity of online communication allows one to be less polite, but it does not require it and need not necessarily lead to it.
quote:
Originally posted by deano:
I rather like it to be honest.
Honesty does not preclude courtesy.
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I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning
Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
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Arabella Purity Winterbottom
Trumpeting hope
# 3434
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Posted
I have always assumed that, given a bit of effort, my real identity could be discovered, so I never post anything I wouldn't want my clients to find. I'm also a fairly prim kind of person anyway.
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Hell is full of the talented and Heaven is full of the energetic. St Jane Frances de Chantal
Posts: 3702 | From: Aotearoa, New Zealand | Registered: Oct 2002
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jbohn
Shipmate
# 8753
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
I don't hide who I am at all and am easily found from my sig. This is because I believe that we are never truly anonymous online. So I never post anything I wouldn't want my boss/Mum/best friend/husband etc to see. I certainly don't feel 'safe' enough to bare my soul here. So it does change how I post - I assume the world and his wife are watching me (if they wanted to, which I'm sure they don't!)
This. I've always been of the mind that if you can't back it, don't say it - in person or otherwise.
I think some folks definitely use their pseudo-anonymity online to be the kind of jerk they'd never be in person. Me, I'm the same kind of jerk either way. ![[Biased]](wink.gif)
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We are punished by our sins, not for them.
--Elbert Hubbard
Posts: 989 | From: East of Eden, west of St. Paul | Registered: Nov 2004
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Oscar the Grouch
Adopted Cascadian
# 1916
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Posted
Anyone who wants to could work out who I "really am". I know I have left enough clues behind. And there are a few people who DO know me in real life - although those seem to have stopped posting on the Ship in recent years.
But I deliberately choose the path of relative anonymity on the Ship, because it gives me the opportunity to express opinions that I might otherwise keep to myself. I can also be more assertive and argumentative than I allow myself in real life.
But this has changed since I joined the ship. First of all, over 10 years ago, I would use the Ship to express views which I was only partially committed to - as if I were trying them on for size. As a result, I became more confident in them and so in some ways my Ship anonymity has helped me to work through some issues and be able to reach the place where I am now.
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Faradiu, dundeibáwa weyu lárigi weyu
Posts: 3871 | From: Gamma Quadrant, just to the left of Galifrey | Registered: Dec 2001
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
The woman driver who knocked a cyclist off his bike then bragged about it on Twitter thought she was anonymous on-line until the police knocked on her door. Story.
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Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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balaam
Making an ass of myself
# 4543
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by deano:
I’m convinced the anonymity lets people (me) post in a more belligerent manner than in real life, but I don’t actually see that as a bad thing if everyone is doing it. And they do!
Yes they do, a few of them. But most here are honest. You can tell the ones who post in the belligerant manner, they are the ones who get called to Hell regularly.
This type of posting does not go down too well here. Everyone isn't doing it.
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Last ever sig ...
blog
Posts: 9049 | From: Hen Ogledd | Registered: May 2003
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Barnabas62
Shipmate
# 9110
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Posted
People can also lie about who they really are, even pretend to be someone else. There are such things as false trails.
Speaking as a Host, I don't have to worry about who people really are, just how they post. Whatever we call ourselves here, I think it is better that everyone starts with a clean sheet, and everyone has to take responsibility for the mud they splash on their own cyber-reputation. Sincerity is not assumed.
But, as in real life, the insincere, the liars and misrepresenters need to have good memories. In the long run, sincerity and honesty pay off, simply because they require less record-keeping. Even if a Host misses it, be sure that some eagle-eyed Shipmate will spot your messing about.
Penalties for discourtesy vary! The ability to deliver a telling insult in Hell is normally good for reputation. Just don't try it here.
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Who is it that you seek? How then shall we live? How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Posts: 21397 | From: Norfolk UK | Registered: Feb 2005
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Barnabas62
Shipmate
# 9110
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Posted
I think that's true, mousethief. Some initial contract (e.g. abide by the 10Cs), coupled with use of Moderators, will reduce the risks.
I don't tweet myself and make only restricted use of Facebook. It bothers me just how naively open some folks are on Facebook - and Twitter, from what I hear and read.
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Who is it that you seek? How then shall we live? How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land?
Posts: 21397 | From: Norfolk UK | Registered: Feb 2005
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JoannaP
Shipmate
# 4493
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Posted
When I first joined, my displayed name included my full surname but I changed it when I wanted to pray for Mr P on the prayer thread, to protect his identity. I am not aware that the change has made any difference to how I post, apart from asking you to pray for my nearest and dearest.
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"Freedom for the pike is death for the minnow." R. H. Tawney (quoted by Isaiah Berlin)
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin
Posts: 1877 | From: England | Registered: May 2003
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Og, King of Bashan
Ship's giant Amorite
# 9562
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Posted
ESPN (the cable sports network) recently shifted its comment system from one which required a ESPN-based username and password to one which required a linked Facebook account. I am sure money was the main reason, but I think it was also intended to take away from the anonymity which was allowing some pretty awful behavior, ranging from simple trolling to frequent racial attacks on one black female writer who writes a lot of stories about race and sports. I would say it has made a slight improvement in the quality of the website comment sections, but there is still a lot of trolling that goes on, probably based on the fact that most users know they will probably never encounter someone they are trolling in real life. The vastness of the Internet releases you from a good deal of accountability, even if your name and picture are out there.
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"I like to eat crawfish and drink beer. That's despair?" ― Walker Percy
Posts: 3259 | From: Denver, Colorado, USA | Registered: May 2005
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Deputy Verger
Shipmate
# 15876
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Posted
I'm semi-anonymous. I use a bland and androgynous username on the Ship, but I go to Shipmeets, so I am not an unknown quantity here. If you want to know my name, PM me and tell me yours. I even have a couple of Shippies as Facebook Fiends, so they know what I do and where I live and work. It's certainly not about diplomacy, which is not one of my stellar skills even in Real Life; I don't mind Shipmates finding out who I am, but I don't necessarily want RL acquaintances lurking and listening on board. So I don't post a lot, and I don't post anything personal.
Posts: 475 | From: London | Registered: Sep 2010
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Heavenly Anarchist
Shipmate
# 13313
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
I don't hide who I am at all and am easily found from my sig. This is because I believe that we are never truly anonymous online. So I never post anything I wouldn't want my boss/Mum/best friend/husband etc to see. I certainly don't feel 'safe' enough to bare my soul here. So it does change how I post - I assume the world and his wife are watching me (if they wanted to, which I'm sure they don't!)
That basically sums up my situation. My sig also links to my shop and UK trading regulations stipulate that my name and contact details are displayed there so I'm very easy to identify.
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'I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.' Douglas Adams
Dog Activity Monitor
My shop
Posts: 2831 | From: Trumpington | Registered: Jan 2008
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hugorune
Apprentice
# 17793
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Posted
I use a pseudonym (obviously enough, for anyone who knows where my nickname comes from ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif) ) out of habit rather than any particular desire or expectation to remain anonymous. I try to never say anything that I wouldn't feel comfortable saying to a person face to face (Although for some weird reasons, which constern me greatly, I articulate stuff better online than I do in verbal conversation).
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“A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something that is above you.”
C.S. Lewis - Mere Christianity
Posts: 47 | From: Melbourne | Registered: Aug 2013
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Gwalchmai
Shipmate
# 17802
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Posted
As a relative newcomer to the ship, the attraction of anonymity is that there is no embarrassment if I say something that is stupid or not properly thought through. If there are any shipmates who know me in real life, they have probably worked out who I am from the clues scattered through my posts (although so far no shipmate has introduced him/her-self to me.
Posts: 133 | From: England | Registered: Aug 2013
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Lamb Chopped
Ship's kebab
# 5528
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Posted
I'm only semi-anonymous, but I treasure that semi- as it allows me to post asking for prayers, advice, etc. for the people we care for. (I would have to be even deeper under cover were it not for the culture boundary, which means that very few of you are ever apt to run across the people we pray for).
Posts: 20059 | From: off in left field somewhere | Registered: Feb 2004
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deano
princess
# 12063
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Posted
But doesn’t anonymity give a voice to those who suffer in real life from social anxiety or other forms of disability? They can speak with a determination that they would not be able to do face to face or if they [i[believe[/i] their identity is compromised.
Some people have problems in the real world and the anonymous nature of the Internet actually gives them a voice.
To be honest Karl could probably identify me easily if he wanted, and if you wanted to put the effort in I’m sure many of you could, but c’est la vie!
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"The moral high ground is slowly being bombed to oblivion. " - Supermatelot
Posts: 2118 | From: Chesterfield | Registered: Nov 2006
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lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by deano:
But doesn’t anonymity give a voice to those who suffer in real life from social anxiety or other forms of disability? They can speak with a determination that they would not be able to do face to face or if they [i[believe[/i] their identity is compromised.
Some people have problems in the real world and the anonymous nature of the Internet actually gives them a voice.
Anonymity serves more than purpose. Like Barnabas62, I see the placing all of one's life online as reckless.
I hang out here because it is a controlled environment. Accountability is, to a point, enforced. It is one reason I hate reddit and dislike twitter and facebook.
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I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning
Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
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Palimpsest
Shipmate
# 16772
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Posted
In my experience the ship is an anomalous environment. It's extremely well moderated, which allows the luxury of anonymous posting. A number of sites which had unmoderated anonymous posting have switched over to requiring identification because they swamped with trolling and racist/sexist comments.
One should be grateful for all the work that the hosts and administrators do to maintain this environment.
Posts: 2990 | From: Seattle WA. US | Registered: Nov 2011
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Evangeline
Shipmate
# 7002
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Posted
In many ways I believe the "mask" of anonymity allows us to be more ourselves. I suspect many people wouldn't be as honest about their trials and struggles on here if they were forced to have their real names published and for their out of context comments etc to pop up every time somebody did a google search of their name. On Fbook everybody portrays the most positive aspects of their lives, everybody's livin' the dream ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Posts: 2871 | From: "A capsule of modernity afloat in a wild sea" | Registered: May 2004
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Augustine the Aleut
Shipmate
# 1472
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Posted
As for my first decade (eek!) on the ship, I was a senior grants officer in two politically sensitive areas of the Canadian government (enough so that my very first task when I began the first of these was to prepare a briefing note answering a Globe & Mail editorial attack on the programme), and that alone would have given me a very minor but also vulnerable profile.
As well, there was a civil war going on in my parish, which eventually got dragged out of the ACoC on the pretext of The Issue. Anyone aware of Anglican internal fights is also aware of the extraordinary viciousness and shameful vileness in play (from all sides, and I can chapter and verse this). Even the most anodyne observations on anything relating to The Issue would have made me the target of some very unpleasant stuff (there was enough of that anyway).
Given these two realities, I could only post under a pseudonym. Neither situation applies any longer, but I'm now in the habit of it. My FB postings tend to focus on what I serve my friends for dinner.
Posts: 6236 | From: Ottawa, Canada | Registered: Oct 2001
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Boogie
Boogie on down!
# 13538
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Palimpsest:
In my experience the ship is an anomalous environment. It's extremely well moderated, which allows the luxury of anonymous posting. A number of sites which had unmoderated anonymous posting have switched over to requiring identification because they swamped with trolling and racist/sexist comments.
One should be grateful for all the work that the hosts and administrators do to maintain this environment.
Yes.
Even the most vitriolic have to abide by the 10Cs - so anonymity seems to cause folk to be more honest about their deepest feelings/thoughts/ideas.
But it could work the other way -
quote:
Originally posted by Augustine the Aleut:
As well, there was a civil war going on in my parish, which eventually got dragged out of the ACoC on the pretext of The Issue. Anyone aware of Anglican internal fights is also aware of the extraordinary viciousness and shameful vileness in play (from all sides, and I can chapter and verse this). Even the most anodyne observations on anything relating to The Issue would have made me the target of some very unpleasant stuff (there was enough of that anyway).
It could have happened anyway, mind you.
In my early Ship days one of my work colleagues asked if I was 'Boogie' on the Ship. Her friend is a Shippie and she'd been sent an interesting link. I don't hide who I am but, even so, I think you could have been noticed - especially in a Church environment.
If you are trying hard not to give yourself away by your words and style, then you will be less upfront imo.
Of course, how we start off is how we'll continue - and maybe we were not thinking of such things in our first days of Shipdom.
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Garden. Room. Walk
Posts: 13030 | From: Boogie Wonderland | Registered: Mar 2008
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lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
If you are trying hard not to give yourself away by your words and style, then you will be less upfront imo.
Of course, how we start off is how we'll continue - and maybe we were not thinking of such things in our first days of Shipdom.
I disagree. I've no wish to reveal myself, yet I find myself being more open as time passes. At least with sharing my general experiences; details remain private.
Perhaps I am odd person out, though.
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I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning
Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
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Rowen
Shipmate
# 1194
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Posted
I'm basically "out"... But then, I have always assumed that whatever I write is public, can be tracked back, and must be at least vaguely nice. So it is... At least I think so! Same with FB.
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"May I live this day… compassionate of heart" (John O’Donoghue)...
Posts: 4897 | From: Somewhere cold in Victoria, Australia | Registered: Aug 2001
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deano
princess
# 12063
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Posted
I must admit I have thought about this. I reckon that in a few years time, some prostective MP or minister or whatever, who posted something stupid on a forum when younger, will be confronted by that post after the newspapers track and hack through forum memberships and related posts.
Not me as I don't intend standing for public election, but I think that the time will come when a prospective minister (or US equivalent) will be asked...
"Whe you posted at 21:38 on May 16th 2002 that 'Eugenics was okay in principle' on the Ship of Fools forum where you were logged in with the user name 'GodLovesMeLongTime', what did you mean by that? doesn't the public have a right to know?"
I do wonder when the press will turn their attention to the mass of potentially embarrassing quotes left lying around on 'net fora by our future leaders, or indeed, footballers.
[ 07. January 2014, 14:17: Message edited by: deano ]
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"The moral high ground is slowly being bombed to oblivion. " - Supermatelot
Posts: 2118 | From: Chesterfield | Registered: Nov 2006
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Gwai
Shipmate
# 11076
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Posted
It's funny the ramifications of anonymity. For instance, I have discovered that a spiritual leader of a community who I respect is friends with two Shippies who live in different states from each other and from him. Now, he could know them off the ship, but the odds are decent are that PA is a shipmate. Curiosity makes me very much want to know who he is, because I bet what he has to say here is worth attending to too. But there's no PA registered, so if he is here, he chooses to be anonymous. I'm not going to ask him because I don't want him to answer if he'd rather not.
(Even posting this could be unhelpful, but I have worded it in such ways, that I doubt anyone will clearly be able to be sure I'm talking about them to feel pressured.)
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A master of men was the Goodly Fere,
A mate of the wind and sea.
If they think they ha’ slain our Goodly Fere
They are fools eternally.
Posts: 11914 | From: Chicago | Registered: Feb 2006
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lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
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Posted
Another thought on anonymity: Being judged by one's words alone.
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I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning
Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
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Boogie
Boogie on down!
# 13538
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by lilBuddha:
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
If you are trying hard not to give yourself away by your words and style, then you will be less upfront imo.
Of course, how we start off is how we'll continue - and maybe we were not thinking of such things in our first days of Shipdom.
I disagree. I've no wish to reveal myself, yet I find myself being more open as time passes. At least with sharing my general experiences; details remain private.
Perhaps I am odd person out, though.
What I meant was - if we start off using our real name there is no way back. Or is there on name amnesties?
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Garden. Room. Walk
Posts: 13030 | From: Boogie Wonderland | Registered: Mar 2008
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lilBuddha
Shipmate
# 14333
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Posted
Funny, for a person who wishes to remain anonymous here, I truly hate name change amnesties. I build contextual mental constructs of posters and associate them with their board names and avatars. This allows for a more appropriate response to statements made. Name changes demolish this for me.
quote:
Originally posted by Boogie:
What I meant was - if we start off using our real name there is no way back. Or is there on name amnesties?
Same for strong statements. Even though we can grow and change,our earlier positions can haunt.
[ 07. January 2014, 19:09: Message edited by: lilBuddha ]
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I put on my rockin' shoes in the morning
Hallellou, hallellou
Posts: 17627 | From: the round earth's imagined corners | Registered: Dec 2008
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daronmedway
Shipmate
# 3012
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Posted
quote:
Originally posted by deano:
I must admit I have thought about this. I reckon that in a few years time, some prostective MP or minister or whatever, who posted something stupid on a forum when younger, will be confronted by that post after the newspapers track and hack through forum memberships and related posts.
Not me as I don't intend standing for public election, but I think that the time will come when a prospective minister (or US equivalent) will be asked...
"Whe you posted at 21:38 on May 16th 2002 that 'Eugenics was okay in principle' on the Ship of Fools forum where you were logged in with the user name 'GodLovesMeLongTime', what did you mean by that? doesn't the public have a right to know?"
I do wonder when the press will turn their attention to the mass of potentially embarrassing quotes left lying around on 'net fora by our future leaders, or indeed, footballers.
That's me stuffed. I'll never make Bishop.
Posts: 6976 | From: Southampton | Registered: Jul 2002
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rolyn
Shipmate
# 16840
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Posted
I've also come to the conclusion that no one using the internet is anonymous . Neither are we anonymous when we use our mobile phones come to that . Going a bit tangent-wise on surveillance paranoia I know .
What did change my posting style was the realisation that posting on the Internet ,(or even passing on a link), is in effect publishing and therefore subject to libel laws .
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Change is the only certainty of existence
Posts: 3206 | From: U.K. | Registered: Dec 2011
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Gee D
Shipmate
# 13815
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Posted
Anyone who was at school with me or who knows me socially, or from many of my professional contacts, would very easily identify me. That ease of identification makes me very careful in what I say - just as I would be in any public context.
A few years ago, Duo Seraphim let slip that she had sent out fee notes in a particular case. From that, I knew instantly who she was. I'm fairly certain that I know Multipara socially and that our parents also knew each other. Still miss her postings, with their strong dose of common sense.
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Not every Anglican in Sydney is Sydney Anglican
Posts: 7028 | From: Warrawee NSW Australia | Registered: Jun 2008
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Chorister
Completely Frocked
# 473
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Posted
I'm me and fairly easy to find. I chose a nickname online because my real name is rather boring and choosing a nickname is fun. But I don't ever kid myself that it provides anonymity.
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Retired, sitting back and watching others for a change.
Posts: 34626 | From: Cream Tealand | Registered: Jun 2001
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Dennis the Menace
Shipmate
# 11833
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Posted
I would be extremely easy to find from my surname of which is the only one left now in Australia. However, Dennis is not my real name, it is the name my Mum wanted to call me but Dad won!!
As said previously, one should never say anything on social media that one wouldn't say in public.
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"Till we cast our crowns before Him; Lost in wonder, love, and praise."
Posts: 853 | From: Newcastle NSW Australia | Registered: Sep 2006
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Bob Two-Owls
Shipmate
# 9680
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Posted
The workplace has turned largely to short term contracts these days so I am likely to be interviewed for a job at least once a year. In the past I have had questions on my extra-curricular interests that could only have come from a net trawl based on my name, nothing on my CV, nothing I have mentioned. Fortunately these have been limited to the few sports and hobby sites where I use my own name, martial arts, cycling etc. If I were required to use my real name everywhere on the net then I would never use places such as the Ship, it would be too risky for future employment. Not because of anything controversial I might post but just because I would be showing an interest in something of which an employer may disapprove.
Posts: 1262 | Registered: Jul 2005
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