General Discussion

Tom Rinaldo

(23,187 posts)

13. When I first joined in 2003 it didn't occur to me that I could use a handle instead

Tue Sep 16, 2014, 08:32 AM

Sep 2014

I was fired up about making my first post and never gave it a thought. It was amusing when I realized what a small minority I was in using my real name, lol. I see pros and cons both ways and I don't regret it. For me the bottom line is that my opinions are my opinions and all things considered I like owning them fully. Ironically it came up with my first OP which was one that was kind of nuanced in partially defending soldiers who served in the Iraq war. I took the position that I wanted a military that followed the orders of civilian leadership rather than one that made it's own decisions when and where to go to war. One response I got asked me "Who are you?" to which I pointed out that I, unlike the person responding, actually was using my own real name.

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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