General Discussion

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)

5. It's the Internet, there are crazy people who would be willing to try to ruin a career.

Tue Sep 16, 2014, 08:23 AM

Sep 2014

Many of us might not have a worry, but others might be public figures or otherwise hold jobs that could be jeopardized by the exposure of our political beliefs.

It's not about shame so much as awareness of the evil that others might do.

A certain website/board invests a remarkable amount of effort in identifying DU members.

If a person here was, for example, gay or transsexual and held a job in public education, they might prefer that their identity on this board be kept private.

It's kind of a big deal!

I'm reminded of a phrase that I think relates well to the issue: "If you have nothing to hide then you won't mind being searched..."

We might have nothing to hide, it doesn't matter, our privacy is still invaluable.

I'm glad you brought up the topic, Mary

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Just curious why so few people use their real names. [View all] marym625 Sep 2014 OP

More people in Austin know me as Hobbit than by the name I live under. hobbit709 Sep 2014 #1

Ha! that's a very cool reason! marym625 Sep 2014 #17

what makes you think unblock is not my real name? unblock Sep 2014 #2

I'm sorry, Unblock. marym625 Sep 2014 #18

no worries, "mary" unblock Sep 2014 #67

LMAO marym625 Sep 2014 #73

! unblock Sep 2014 #79

I maintain anonymity because of my political connections... brooklynite Sep 2014 #3

Awesome reason. Thank you! eom marym625 Sep 2014 #19

Unfortunately, there are people whose idea of political discourse is to try and damage others FrodosPet Sep 2014 #4

Have actually had that happen to me. marym625 Sep 2014 #21

That happened to me back when I was on AOL. Le Taz Hot Sep 2014 #81

Exactly. deafskeptic Sep 2014 #143

I had no idea marym625 Sep 2014 #196

I know! He wasn't the only one either. I'm glad i left that forum. n/t deafskeptic Sep 2014 #199

Why would people marym625 Sep 2014 #209

They were very against sign language for deaf children. There's more to it though than that though. deafskeptic Sep 2014 #213

I have seen some of that marym625 Sep 2014 #225

you're welcome. deafskeptic Sep 2014 #249

It's the Internet, there are crazy people who would be willing to try to ruin a career. NYC_SKP Sep 2014 #5

I totally get there are legitimate reasons. marym625 Sep 2014 #22

I have realized over time that it's probably better to have a gender-neutral screen name. pnwmom Sep 2014 #150

sad world we live in marym625 Sep 2014 #176

I don't post much on this site, but I spent quite a bit of time trying to spread the liberal word Vinca Sep 2014 #6

Yeah. I actually watched Duchess St Rollins marym625 Sep 2014 #26

If you were here in the Bush era CJCRANE Sep 2014 #7

I wasn't here marym625 Sep 2014 #27

That's my main answer as well. (It's not paranoia if they really are out to get ya.) Gidney N Cloyd Sep 2014 #84

Good rule. Thanks! eom marym625 Sep 2014 #116

stalkers BanzaiBonnie Sep 2014 #8

Really good reason! marym625 Sep 2014 #37

yep--DU is relatively civil on some other boards, you run into people you really don't want to know yurbud Sep 2014 #106

Reducing one's digital footprint is a priority for many. Mercy_Queen Sep 2014 #9

I am a computer idiot. marym625 Sep 2014 #39

It's just internet safety JustAnotherGen Sep 2014 #10

I understand that as well marym625 Sep 2014 #41

Same as #10. ChazII Sep 2014 #198

That's so completely understandable marym625 Sep 2014 #201

Because I... onyourleft Sep 2014 #11

Well that's a good reason. marym625 Sep 2014 #28

Because DU is full of sock puppets, party flacks, marketers, "ex" freepers, and the like. Romulox Sep 2014 #12

There's a reason marym625 Sep 2014 #42

When I first joined in 2003 it didn't occur to me that I could use a handle instead Tom Rinaldo Sep 2014 #13

Very interesting. marym625 Sep 2014 #29

Oddly enough Egnever Sep 2014 #97

It caused more of a ripple than I expected at the time Tom Rinaldo Sep 2014 #100

wasn't around DU at the time marym625 Sep 2014 #115

This message was self-deleted by its author NightWatcher Sep 2014 #14

I have no special tools - only Google gollygee Sep 2014 #20

I used Google too. I'm not logging in to one of the pay services NightWatcher Sep 2014 #23

That didn't even occur to me! gollygee Sep 2014 #25

Me either marym625 Sep 2014 #47

I know I can be found. marym625 Sep 2014 #31

This message was self-deleted by its author marym625 Sep 2014 #45

It's not the people who are trying to help you that would be a problem. peace13 Sep 2014 #76

Thank you, Kim. marym625 Sep 2014 #78

I do business with people from all points on the political compass. Throd Sep 2014 #15

Another good reason marym625 Sep 2014 #46

When I joined over 10 years ago I was too ignorant to Ron Green Sep 2014 #16

Good for you. marym625 Sep 2014 #33

Many people in this world are assholes el_bryanto Sep 2014 #24

Hi Bryant! marym625 Sep 2014 #34

I think people just use "things" for usernames...Check this out, from our past: ScreamingMeemie Sep 2014 #30

Hi Laura! marym625 Sep 2014 #35

Memories... TreasonousBastard Sep 2014 #40

It is such a bittersweet thing, to read through that thread. ScreamingMeemie Sep 2014 #44

That's sad. marym625 Sep 2014 #50

It's not always assholes moving in... TreasonousBastard Sep 2014 #52

True. good point. Thank you. eom marym625 Sep 2014 #57

Thank you so much for posting that link!!! femmocrat Sep 2014 #182

Thank you for that link marym625 Sep 2014 #219

I'm with you Mary. JNelson6563 Sep 2014 #32

I agree. marym625 Sep 2014 #36

First, I don't want my politics to lose me jobs Maeve Sep 2014 #38

Good reason marym625 Sep 2014 #48

I'll admit to a certain amount of cowardice... TreasonousBastard Sep 2014 #43

I don't think protecting yourself is cowardice marym625 Sep 2014 #49

I have always posted under my "real" name. IdaBriggs Sep 2014 #51

Seems we are much alike in some ways. marym625 Sep 2014 #55

Most welcome. It is an interesting discussion, isn't it? IdaBriggs Sep 2014 #91

Yeah, Michigan and Wisconsin marym625 Sep 2014 #114

Your husband is a wise man FrodosPet Sep 2014 #190

Truth! IdaBriggs Sep 2014 #217

Job is top of the list get the red out Sep 2014 #53

Looks like that is true for most marym625 Sep 2014 #58

It's not that I'm ashamed of my political beliefs. I just value my online privacy. Tommy_Carcetti Sep 2014 #54

Which is your right marym625 Sep 2014 #59

Because people would make fun of me. I don't see what's funny about Cecilia Snottygrubble... Violet_Crumble Sep 2014 #56

Never, Ms. Snottygrubble! marym625 Sep 2014 #62

Back in the 1990s, "Internet security experts" said Trillo Sep 2014 #60

I do remember that marym625 Sep 2014 #66

Death threats. That's my reason. riqster Sep 2014 #61

Very good reason marym625 Sep 2014 #68

I received internet and snail mail death threats Generic Other Sep 2014 #89

Yep. Same here. riqster Sep 2014 #90

Some people just outright SUCK marym625 Sep 2014 #118

Oh I've gotten those, fun times. joshcryer Sep 2014 #215

A general lack of trust bhikkhu Sep 2014 #63

I get that marym625 Sep 2014 #69

several mercuryblues Sep 2014 #64

That sucks! marym625 Sep 2014 #70

Several reasons. MadrasT Sep 2014 #65

Great reason! marym625 Sep 2014 #71

I list my rank and name Capt. Obvious Sep 2014 #72

Thank you Captain Obvious! marym625 Sep 2014 #74

Hey! Nobody said there was an officer in the thread!!! ladyVet Sep 2014 #88

Yes, much craziness out there marym625 Sep 2014 #119

I am in an area where my thoughts are a distinct minority - TBF Sep 2014 #75

Me too marym625 Sep 2014 #80

I truly appreciate all the responses marym625 Sep 2014 #77

To me it's a matter of control, privacy and management of ones time tularetom Sep 2014 #82

A good point marym625 Sep 2014 #120

I had my life threatened once on DU by DU Mail. Today, anyone, can be physically located. RKP5637 Sep 2014 #83

I understand that marym625 Sep 2014 #121

I know. xmas74 Sep 2014 #185

This message was self-deleted by its author ann--- Sep 2014 #85

Hi Ann! marym625 Sep 2014 #123

This message was self-deleted by its author ann--- Sep 2014 #241

There is very little reason for using your personal information and ladjf Sep 2014 #86

I think it's just the opposite marym625 Sep 2014 #125

I take it you haven't had someone threaten to kill you on DU. valerief Sep 2014 #87

Not anything I took seriously marym625 Sep 2014 #126

i think there are many good reasons to not use real names BUT La Lioness Priyanka Sep 2014 #92

No doubt. marym625 Sep 2014 #127

Because the internet is full of crazy people. nt Marrah_G Sep 2014 #93

Given the frequency of identity theft. . 99Forever Sep 2014 #94

I have no idea what the actual statitics are marym625 Sep 2014 #129

Plus...back in the day it was normal to use a made up name. CJCRANE Sep 2014 #95

That's funny! marym625 Sep 2014 #131

I don't know who I'm talking TO zipplewrath Sep 2014 #96

Anonymity is a fine default for the exchange of ideas. Orsino Sep 2014 #98

I don't think anyone is wrong for using an alias marym625 Sep 2014 #133

Anonymity definitely is a form of freedom bhikkhu Sep 2014 #192

i have wondered the same. i use at least my first name (ellen) and usually my state (fl). ellenfl Sep 2014 #99

Yes marym625 Sep 2014 #134

I'm not ashamed of my political beliefs, and I thank you for the advance judgement. arcane1 Sep 2014 #101

Best answer on the thread. woo me with science Sep 2014 #105

"... well, if you have nothing to hide!" RKP5637 Sep 2014 #110

so glad you added about the OP marym625 Sep 2014 #139

Yep! I thought it was a good question, marym625. I wish we could ALL be more open. What our RKP5637 Sep 2014 #153

I cannot understand marym625 Sep 2014 #162

Many Americans are brainwashed. They are conditioned to believe, but never to RKP5637 Sep 2014 #194

True. Actually marym625 Sep 2014 #195

Which is horrid marym625 Sep 2014 #137

I agree marym625 Sep 2014 #135

II like using a pen name for privacy reasons. And to confuse anyone who might want to find me-- Louisiana1976 Sep 2014 #102

I guess because I would never try to find someone marym625 Sep 2014 #138

Couldn't tell you. WilliamPitt Sep 2014 #103

You're my FAVORITE marym625 Sep 2014 #140

My car was keyed in real life for having DU and John Kerry bumper stickers... steve2470 Sep 2014 #104

Probably stupid marym625 Sep 2014 #142

I live in a small, conservative town xmas74 Sep 2014 #107

people in deep blue areas don't understand.... steve2470 Sep 2014 #108

Yep. xmas74 Sep 2014 #111

wow glad you're ok steve2470 Sep 2014 #113

This was a heavy Bush county xmas74 Sep 2014 #183

That truly sucks marym625 Sep 2014 #145

Better than it used to be. xmas74 Sep 2014 #184

Let's hope marym625 Sep 2014 #187

I get that marym625 Sep 2014 #156

See #83. n/t RKP5637 Sep 2014 #109

YIKES marym625 Sep 2014 #144

That's a good reason enough to not use your name on a forum xmas74 Sep 2014 #186

Someone posted a link to an older marym625 Sep 2014 #189

I thought I replied to you marym625 Sep 2014 #151

holy fuck shit. that's awful La Lioness Priyanka Sep 2014 #152

But not surprising xmas74 Sep 2014 #188

My daughter is a prominent journalist Bragi Sep 2014 #112

You don't need an excuse marym625 Sep 2014 #148

Because there is always a small minority on any internet group who can be malicious and cause troubl LeftishBrit Sep 2014 #117

what a horrible, paranoid person marym625 Sep 2014 #149

Engage in heated arguments with pro-gunners for a while, then get back to us. Paladin Sep 2014 #122

I have. Many many times marym625 Sep 2014 #155

"Makes me think people are ashamed of their political beliefs." Oh, right. BRILLIANT deduction. WinkyDink Sep 2014 #124

It is not an unwarranted deduction marym625 Sep 2014 #158

Because tazkcmo Sep 2014 #128

I actually do use mine for a couple of reasons. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Sep 2014 #130

I love that reason marym625 Sep 2014 #159

If I've got any excellent writing, it's probably by accident. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Sep 2014 #163

using your real name on a public forum is not a smart thing to do. still_one Sep 2014 #132

Can't I'm a nurse ismnotwasm Sep 2014 #136

Completely understand that marym625 Sep 2014 #164

Because you don't know who's reading. nolabear Sep 2014 #141

true. Thank you. eom marym625 Sep 2014 #171

Before this facebook social networking BS Kurska Sep 2014 #146

I understand that marym625 Sep 2014 #165

i would be looking for my shoulders. nt seabeyond Sep 2014 #147

I used to use my name in posts Kelvin Mace Sep 2014 #154

Thank you, David marym625 Sep 2014 #166

Oh, I thought we were all using our real names. ZombieHorde Sep 2014 #157

Shhhhhhh... don't give anyone any ideas! FrodosPet Sep 2014 #191

I've had multiple dear friends driven off-line due to anti-feminist activism. politicat Sep 2014 #160

Thank you marym625 Sep 2014 #169

HIP & HAM? politicat Sep 2014 #172

Asshats they are! marym625 Sep 2014 #175

it is something prudent to have a handle samsingh Sep 2014 #161

Anonymity is a double-edged sword. alarimer Sep 2014 #167

That's how I feel marym625 Sep 2014 #170

There are extremely creepy people at this website who like to research other posters DisgustipatedinCA Sep 2014 #168

I believe you marym625 Sep 2014 #173

Safety. nt LeftyMom Sep 2014 #174

i used to post on huffington post drray23 Sep 2014 #177

I didn't realize they did that marym625 Sep 2014 #181

Amazing how many different responses marym625 Sep 2014 #178

Because if the women of DU knew my real name Blue_Tires Sep 2014 #179

Oh, to hide celebrity is definitely a good reason! marym625 Sep 2014 #180

I can't ever use my real name who would want a logon of jeffjohnson1317868358136 LiberalArkie Sep 2014 #193

That's one hell of a lot of marym625 Sep 2014 #205

Interesting. Quantess Sep 2014 #197

The only reason that isn't legitimate marym625 Sep 2014 #202

There is way to figure out my full name JonLP24 Sep 2014 #200

Now I can't decide if marym625 Sep 2014 #203

I've also been online since the 80s OriginalGeek Sep 2014 #204

I understand that marym625 Sep 2014 #206

The design of DU predates the "social" Internet Recursion Sep 2014 #207

I guess I don't remember it that well. marym625 Sep 2014 #208

People often do not talk politics at work applegrove Sep 2014 #210

In the way I suggest? marym625 Sep 2014 #211

You did say �It seems odd to me�.... Which implies applegrove Sep 2014 #212

and that suggests to you marym625 Sep 2014 #214

I just don�t think we should be weakening applegrove Sep 2014 #216

I never suggested marym625 Sep 2014 #223

Because it's a big risk Shankapotomus Sep 2014 #218

It's a risk I am willing to take marym625 Sep 2014 #221

It's one thing to not be ashamed of your political affiliation Shankapotomus Sep 2014 #245

No need for sorry. marym625 Sep 2014 #246

It's about privacy. LWolf Sep 2014 #220

What I find surprising marym625 Sep 2014 #222

Cyberstalking TexasMommaWithAHat Sep 2014 #224

I'm sorry you had that happen marym625 Sep 2014 #226

I use a screen name because merrily Sep 2014 #227

Thank you marym625 Sep 2014 #229

You're welcome. merrily Sep 2014 #233

cute cartoon marym625 Sep 2014 #234

I don't live in fear. merrily Sep 2014 #235

incorrect characterization marym625 Sep 2014 #236

Oh, I didn't think you were judging me at all. merrily Sep 2014 #237

Thank you n/t marym625 Sep 2014 #238

I Use My Real Name RobinA Sep 2014 #228

Good policy marym625 Sep 2014 #231

Red state greymattermom Sep 2014 #230

Holy crap marym625 Sep 2014 #232

The R and P in rppper are my initials rppper Sep 2014 #239

left of Attila the Hun! marym625 Sep 2014 #240

Well, I do post pictures.... rppper Sep 2014 #242

I will. marym625 Sep 2014 #243

If you are able to post under your real name in an ungated community Ms. Toad Sep 2014 #244

Quite a bit there marym625 Sep 2014 #247

There are some very sick people on the internet who have no qualms about... polichick Sep 2014 #248

That's true. There are marym625 Sep 2014 #250