Real Names instead of Nic Names?

I understand this will be implemented soon and I was wondering why not just show the real names in the individuals profile and leave the nic name on the surface as seen in posts etc?

Good point

That is probably what they will do.  Even the beta isn't really set up for full implementation of real names yet.  Wonder how the adult site folks will respond to that - they are probably half the people here.

Well, as I understand it the real name usage is for here at Unity and not on D7. On D7 the use of only nic names is an absolute must. If it's changed on D7, it will be a deal breaker for so many people.

For the life of me I don't see why this change is necessary. It seems like such a trivial matter to be concerned about and Boonex has much bigger issues to contend with.

I think the use of real names in intended for use in sections that deal with sales. Primarily the extensions and jobs section. To satisfy those that want to know who they are buying from.

Company name should also be available so that either could be used. Real names for those that are operating under their own name or a business name for those operating under a DBA.

But i also agree that nick names should remain the primary used throughout the site and the rest available on the profile or provided during business transactions.

I think it's just a way to try a fix some of the current problems expertzzz has.

That makes sense Deano, if it is for those sections. I was under the impression it was for all of Unity, even here with our posts.

Hello everybody.  Let me introduce myself.  My name is George Washington.

Although I have no objection to using my real name on this site, I don't think it will accomplish much... if anything.  What's to keep people from just making up some fictitious name?  Is Boonex going to verify the real names of 45,000 members?  That would not be an easy task.  Without a verification process, I don't see the point.

I do see one HUGE problem with the use of real names on this site.  I doubt if many of the female members of this site will want everyone to know their real name, along with the name of the city they live in.  It's asking for trouble if you ask me.

I hope boonex realizes if they use real names on here us women can be stalked to easy. You can goggle a name and get the address to their home so easy. I goggled my name and it took me to my front door on the google map. All i put in was my real name and there I was. This is REALLY scarey and I hope boonex puts into place some type of legal formality in it to keep them from being sued if someone is stalked from here and harmed in any way. Please think twice about this boonex!!

Everyone has a good point here. If you sell mods and such, you should be required to list your real name, DBA or business entity. But on here...as long as one is not selling product or services...I think the real name is best kicked to the curb!

They won't do it.  That would only work if they had started the site that way - it is too ingrained in the culture to change that here now.  I have been using my real name since the start here - it has only been a problem with one extremely creepy person.   I know women who don't think twice about having their real names (and city) up on Facebook, Linkedin, etc - and their own blogs and business sites - but they would never use their real names here- too many weirdos.  Real name sites and fake name sites are two entirely different kinds of cultures - they don't mix and match so easily.

I don't think the public display of real names is necessary.  You can't compare internet transactions to walking into a physical store and buying something face-to-face.   I do believe it would be a big step forward to know that a persons identity has been verified, but this doesn't mean that the persons real name has to be known by the general public. People here only talk about protecting buyers from shady sellers, but this should be a two way street. Sellers should also be shielded from lowlife buyers.  Making everybody's real name and address public is not the answer. If anybody on this site wanted to pay me a visit, I would not be too worried... I might even send 'em a plane ticket.  Others might not like unexpected visits so much

A persons real identity should only be a concern when financial transactions are involved.  Many members of this site may never be involved in financial transactions, and their real name is really none of anyone's business.   If Boonex want's to be a forum for financial transactions, then they need to assume a more active role.   Let Boonex go ahead and verify names and addresses of sellers and buyers, but keep that information known only to Boonex.  Require sellers identity to be verified, and give them a 'Verified Seller' badge.   Do the same thing for buyers, but don't require it.  Verified buyers would receive a "Verified Buyer" badge.  Sellers could then require buyers to be verified before they could purchase anything.  Any seller that dealt with an unverified buyer would be on their own, and Boonex would be free of any obligations.   Making the whole buying and selling process secure for everyone is not a trivial matter.

With all that said, I don't think it will happen, because I don't think Boonex can commit sufficient resources to police the buying and selling process.  Perhaps sellers should just list their mods on ebay.... why try to reinvent the wheel.  However, even on ebay, things get a little flaky when buying and selling software/scripts, and it's just about impossible to dispute a Paypal transaction involving software/scripts.... even if the php script you bought was a complete ripoiff and you can prove it.

There's a ton of issues to consider.

Okay... I sort of agree with footman but I KNOW I am right in saying the following: LEAVE OUR NICK NAMES ALONE! PLEASE JUST MAKE OUR FORE NAMES AND SURNAMES PUBLIC IF WE HAVE TO DO BUSINESS. I like my nick. I have it on all my websites. I also make my first name, second name and last name public on all my web sites. 

I want to keep my nickname!!! If people want to address me via my first or second name, then make it available via my profile. 

Okay, please just refer to me by my exciting proper name of MrPaulHargreaves 'title''forename''surname' from now on. Please do not disrespect me with other references. cbassthefish is now illegal.

ok here's my ten penneth on the subject (5 cents worth )

I dont really agree with making people to use their real names, unless of course they are offering some financial service (selling things and so on) to members, then i dont see whats wrong with the system they have for pundits etc, where you have to send your drivers licence in (online) to prove who you say you are.

I know that i wouldnt want to use my real name online, people already go about stealing your online photo's, now if they could put a real name to it, and maybe get your date of birth, then your into a world of trouble, identity theft being the biggest growth in crime

Sorry but really bad idea for users (members privacy and security)

regards

tyke

I am almost positive they don't plan to get rid of user names.   That is not all that easy to do in Dolphin anyway - ask anyone here who has tried.  Probably all they are planning is to add "first name" and "last name" fields which you can leave blank if you want.  Andrew was a little mysterious when he posted this announcement, but he definitely said they were going to "request" real names, not "require" them.  He did allude to something about the "user experience" being better if you used your real name, but he probably just meant that people who add their real names will be able to conduct commercial transactions here - something like that.  Had they required real names when they first started Unity, they might have pulled it off.  They could have then cleaned up Expertzzz and kept it for the people who prefer to be anonymous - but now I am sure they will have to give people the option.    

I sign my real first name to many of my posts here because I have always found it a little odd to be called "caltrade".   Like many people here, I used the domain name where I was planning to use Dolphin when I first registered - but "caltrade" is just the name of one of my websites - it is certainly not my identity.  Unless they have something weird in mind, this will likely be a harmless improvement.  Years ago, I had a paid account (for exactly one month) on Yahoo Personals right after they got rid of usernames and started using real first names instead.  Most people seemed to like it, and it was much less awkward.

Rob

It does seem rather cryptic as it stands now. Andrew wasn't clear at all about it so it gave me pause and brought up lots of questions. Not the least of which is- To what end? As was mentioned above. It really makes no point to make real names public knowledge. I do alot of affiliate work and while my real name, company, mailing address and sometimes a phone number are verified and kept by the sponsor, no one outside of that needs to know.

I would tend to agree that this won't be a big deal and more than likely fall by the way side.

I'd be more willing to believe this is going to be a requirement if you want to participate in selling mods & such on the Extensions part of the site.  Especially since he referenced it WITH the expertzzz being shut down in the near future and so on.

Curious, how are they going to line it all up between Expertzzz and Extensions to ensure people don't lose all the mods they've paid for?

I hate to say this, but I'm in a situation where I will probably use a false name, not in defiance of the Boonex Staff, but for personal safety.  There are certain people out there that would be more than happy to tie me in with this site and follow a trail or two to locate me personally that I am not comfortable with.

While the internet is an anonymous venue, it seems like more and more sites are forcing users to use real names.   I agree with Caltrade's statement that anyone can use a generated name or otherwise fake name.

Please Boonex, reconsider your decision to force real names on everyone.

I can think of several reasons why I don't want to post my real name - and none of them have anything to do with hiding anything that *I've* done.

Here are a few of problems I have with this...........

1. Boonex is going to have a few kinds of users. The one's who comply and give their *real* names, the one's who don't - and give phony names, and the one's who stick to their nicknames.

2. There have already been a HUGE number of issues with women getting harassed here. To force ANY woman, even those who create modifications, to use their *real* name? You have to be kidding me. That is just asking for trouble.

3. It will cost Boonex money. If names are going to be publicly available, nobody is going to buy their products. Period. It's not the business of the whole world what my real name is, or anyone Else's for that matter. If Boonex wants to know - fine. Anyone else can piss off.

4. WHY did Andrew NOT say that this would be specific to people posting mods? I find that very troubling. Why would they even be required to show everyone their real name? If Boonex wants the liability of knowing everyone's real names - fine. But you would have to be an idiot to put your actual name out on ANY internet site for public consumption.

5. There are those who have family ties to other members here. They will be easily connected if this garbage idea is ever implemented. That means that any crazy bastard that has a problem with YOU - can now threaten your family as well. What a wonderful idea..... and right before Christmas!!!  :o )

6. What's the point? What is to be gained by showing the world my name? (it's Mickey Mouse BTW)(OK - I lied. It's really "Popeye "The" Sailor Man")(Crap! You caught me! It's actually Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln (Jr.)(The 83rd))

7. Legal problems. Someone is bound to sue Boonex for everything it is worth, and everything it ever will be worth - PLUS anything else they can get their hands on.

8. Imagine Charles Manson - a commune / community kind of guy wants to start a social networking site. Seriously, can you imagine what an asshole like that could do with even a "few" real names? Does Boonex realize how many inmates have access to computers? WTF?!?

9. As was mentioned earlier - the hours it would take to check everyone out would be enormous.

10. This is only here because I didn't want to leave it at 9. It didn't seem right somehow.

This is just a horrible idea from beginning to end. I really think that it would be extremely beneficial for everyone to finally find the "Unity" that is supposed to exist here and tell Boonex - in one very clear voice - "No. You will not make using real names in public mandatory."

I can't think of any other site on the Internet today who would force people to do something so foolish. It has nothing to do with "hiding" anything. It has to do with personal safety, period. If Boonex is demanding that people relinquish this for the privilege of using their scripts, they will find themselves with a big empty site and no income what-so-ever. I guarantee it.

Funny how this came up without any mention of getting rid of thieves like buxton/eyeway. I guess he will be able to screw people here the way he has on expertzzz now huh???? Anyone want to know his real name? I can tell you exactly how to get ahold of him & Boonex didn't have to force him to disclose it. They should have forced him to leave expertzzz a hell of a long time ago though. They didn't. Now they want OUR real names. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

 Now I can create a list too, kewl, I like making shiny lists!

1.  Noone said Boonex was going to FORCE the use of real names, only that those who chose to remain anonymous will probably have reduced access to site options.  This means it's a conscious choice you can make.

2.  You'd have to be far ruder than I am to have people take the time to troll you all over the net, follow you home and feed your dog.  I mean, seriously, very few people have the time for that, at least they'd give it some water and a chew too toy, don't you think.

3.  Yes, accountability always costs a company money.  After all, noone wants to do business with a reputable company, and most definitely they would never do business with reputable people who are part of a reputable company.  Better give all the employees pay cuts to prepare for this one Andrew.

4.  Because he wanted to make everyone jump through tons of hoops starting threads to discuss it a million times over.

5.  Again, I'm sure the dog is safe.  Do you really think that the members of this site are that industrious?  The vast majority won't do a simple search for a problem on their sites, do you really think they're going to do a search for anyone's family tree?

6.  Personal Responsibility.  If people know who YOU are then you are more likely to conduct business in a manner that will not injure your name.  It's easy to change screen names, company names and so on.  Takes a lot of legal footwork to change your Real Name.

7.  Boonex is not responsible for how other members conduct themselves.  Again, it's been made clear that providing your full name will be voluntary and not mandatory, so you will still have control.  If a company could be sued just because your name was public, then the government can be sued by lots of people every day.  Look at property records, they show what you own and are open to everyone if the property is in the United States, with addresses and such.  Court records show it all.  Phone books have real names, addresses and phone numbers.  Hey, let's sue the phone companies, they're always letting telemarketers call my house trying to sell my goldfish a new watch.

8. No, Charles Manson is dead.  And if he could do anything with our names then he already has them and doesn't need Boonex to get them.  After all, he'll get more names and information from the phone book, courts and Recorder's office than he will from Boonex. 

9.  And the hours it takes to deal with all the issues that an anonymous system causes are far more immense.  Just look at Victor, he was 14 when expertzzz opened, he's 15 now and looks 51.

10.  Lists such as the one provided show just how far people will go to come up with reasons to continue to hide behind a curtain.  Personally, I find what Boonex is proposing to be exactly what is needed to clean up things as far as the expertzzz/extensions issues goes.  If your not willing to post your real name to something, then there is most likely a reason for it that you should review very long and hard.

11.  I just wanted my list to be longer!

Actually... Charles Manson is alive.

 Dang it.. Now I gotta make a whole new list...

1. Fine, then share your name "mydatery". After that you should share your address, phone number, social security number, and anything else that may be requested by Boonex in the future. You have nothing to hide so why not just put it all out there in advance?

2. I don't feel like I should be punished in ANY WAY by not wanting to give my name. Period.

3. Charles Manson is still very much alive. Shows how much you really DON'T know now doesn't it?

4. I'm glad YOU are so willing to risk MY information under the idea that "the members of this site"... AREN'T "that industrious?" - but you know exactly what I think of you and your crap. You leave my security to me - and I'll leave you to keep shoveling your dung.

5. If you don't like lists - move on. I didn't ask you to read my list - but then I wouldn't. Your opinion doesn't matter to me. I prefer to associate with less abrasive, more intelligent types.

6. I don't have anything to "hide" myself. The fact that you are so game to get every one's name tells me more about you - than my *not* wanting to share should tell you about me. Show up at my door pal. It will be the last thing you ever do. That much I promise.

......then again, don't show up. You still aren't worth the hassle. Not even the hassle of filling out the police report.

I'll keep locked and loaded -just in case. I can conceal and carry legally. Can you?

7. Again, go away. I don't like you, don't appreciate your attitude, don't appreciate your sarcasm, don't appreciate your opinions, and I want you to leave me alone. You have absolutely nothing I want or need, so just do your thing and I will do mine. Got it? Does "piss" + "off" add up to anything in that head of yours?

I doubt it.

I've said this same thing to you several times already and you don't listen. Just that fact alone should tell everyone what a stupid idea asking people to share their personal information with others here is.

Telling people that they need to use their real names instead of nicknames is moronic. I don't care what anyone says.

If Boonex wishes to punish people for looking out for their own personal safety, and the safety of their loved ones? It will hurt Boonex, not me. If that's what they want, so be it.

At least we will all know what "mydatery's" real name is after this post since he's all for this "real name" idea.

That will make all of this typing worth while.

It's called "whois". Most people don't sign up for privacy when it comes to a domain name. It's a preference thing. I know a few moderators that ran forums and moderated social sites that had their house called and threats made because they banned an unruly member. People in my opinion will take the time to look you up. I would! I have! lol I'm no threat to anyone, just the curious type.

Great list Mydatery, but this is a "culture clash" issue - no one is right, and no one is necessarily wrong.   If you start a website with the expectation that only real names are to be used, then it is not a problem - but that is not what is happening here- they are trying to change a culture that is already in place.  I decided long about that the best defense is a good offense, so use my real name whenever I register for a site or post an opinion somewhere, but I understand that not everyone wants to do that.  In some cultures, "anonymous communication" is critical to the development of free speech - i.e. Iran, China, etc.  In other cultures, it may be doing much more harm than good - i.e. America.  Maureen Dowd had an interesting column in the New York Times about this a few weeks ago.  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/26/opinion/26dowd.html
It was about a rather strange court ruling when some blogger called some model "a skank".  That seems about as mild as you can get in the Internet world, but some Judge ruled that the blogger's identity had to be revealed.  Read some of the comments in this article, and you will see why this debate is unlikely to be resolved here anytime soon - but you can also see that the people with the fake names are much more nasty then the people using their real names. 

As soon as I saw that post, I knew some people here might freak out but I was more curious about how they came to that decision.  I was the one who pushed for "real name" support in D7 and got it in the final feature list, but it was only a few months ago when they came up that "Unity Constitution" that they emphasized the importance of being anonymous here.  They even said that you could lose your account for "outing" someone on Unity- i.e. revealing their real identity.  Maybe Andrew saw successful real name sites like Facebook, Linkedin and others and wished Unity was more like that?  It is a nice thought, but it is probably too late.

Rob

I got to say this. OMG kaution your pic scared me..lol Here i am reading about Charles Mansion and then scroll slowly down and see jacks ugly mug staring out at us...lmao   too  funny.... And yes he is still alive and always trying to get his parole yet he loses it because he always tries to take control of the meeting with the parole board.

Theguypc wrote

"But you would have to be an idiot to put your actual name out on ANY internet site for public consumption".

Well there are 200 million using their real names on Facebook, about 35 million on Linkedin, and countless other sites that use real names - that's a lot of idiots.  Just calm down theguypc - no one is going to force you to reveal your name.  No one is going to come after you.  You've got your anonymity, you've got your gun - you are safe.

Kaution wrote:

It's called "whois". Most people don't sign up for privacy when it comes to a domain name. It's a preference thing. I know a few moderators that ran forums and moderated social sites that had their house called

When I read that I wondered if Boonex was going to do something really dirty and start charging for the fake names.  Not as outlandish as it seems - as you pointed out you have to pay whois for "privacy" for domain names - or for that matter to have your phone number not listed in the phone book.  Some people who use pseudonyms don't realize that they leave traces all over the place- if you really wanted to you could find out most peoples name.

On the moderation issue I've gotten those phone calls - in my case for daring to say that I didn't think Iraq had WMD.  I think they expected me to be freaked out and hang up in panic, but I just kept asking their name - and when I said I thought they sounded familiar they got scared and hung up.

I agree on that, if someone wants you bad enough, they can find your name. We leave little puzzle pieces all over the internet that can be pieced together, and it help to have a connection and know how to truly utalize a search engine. Everyone does have their right to their opinion, that's what my site is based on. I stand by my decision to use screen names to so to speak keep the honest, honest! lol

If someone wanted my name, I have no doubt they could get it. I've been on the internet about three short years and never once printed my name in text except for online purchases. Even though I was a newbie to the internet 3 years ago, I knew that the internet is just one huge data collecting machine!

Another good point you raise, some folks that use screen names tend to be more mouthy to a degree. I agree.

I think BoonEx should know the identity of every member doing business on its site, name, address and telephone number.  When an altercation arises that the seller refuses to take care of BoonEx should give all identifying information to the victim; that's what eBay does.

I think its redundant already since paypal has this feature already, I think what boonex should do is provide a place where transaction can have a first level of dispute and also bonnex community can act as the jury. Like for example voting who will win the dispute, winner should reach 90% to win the dispute in a certain period of time. just an idea that pops up in my mind right now lol

Regards,

Dolphin Bug Fixing

In my opinion Boonex has no need to know the real identities of anyone here on Unity, even if they're selling mods. It would be NICE for them to know and have some control and be able to hold the sellers of mods accountable, but I don't think it's something they need to get involved in. If I make a mod (highly unlikely by the way) for my D7 installation and someone wants it for their site. The only person who MAYBE could possibly want that info is the buyer. The buyer knowing a 'real name' doesn't preclude this transaction from going south. If you think knowing a supposed real name will make people more apt to be legit, think again.

Now if Boonex is going to set up a way that THEY confirm the the validity, competency of a seller then it's a different story. Boonex is putting their stamp of approval to my name as a seller, for example, so they now have some vested interest in my dealings even if not monetary. Their name is associated with me. This still doesn't not make it right to tell the world the real names. Boonex can keep this info and the buyer will have the comfort that Boonex stands up for me.

But still, under no circumstances should Boonex give out the personal information of anyone TO anyone. It's personal information.

I'm talking about members whom have been ripped-off, no member jury is going to help. What does redundancy has to do with it?  Two of the biggest transaction sites (eBay and PayPal) use this method, it must be a descent solution.  With this information you can report, or start a dispute resolution with the BBB, local police dept., Federal Trade Commission, or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

@Footman what's the big deal of knowing the identity of a  person whom has been ripped you off?  I'm not suggesting the information be available to all; just when goods aren't delivered, or wasn't delivered as promised, and no resolution on the seller part can be made.

Your statement on BoonEx setting up a way to confirm the the validity, competency of a seller is not a bad idea.

For the record, my reference to being able to "conceal & carry" was NOT in ANY WAY intended to be a threat to anyone.

The point of my saying what I did -  is that a person has to be squeaky clean where I live to be able to have such a license. This was a direct response to being accused of "having something to hide" because I don't wish to reveal my real name.

Unless a person is planning on tracking me down and harassing me or my family, in person - they have absolutely nothing to worry about. I thought I was very clear about that - but apparently not.

To the extent that my words were taken as a direct, or indirect threat to ANYONE, I sincerely apologize. I wouldn't hurt a soul unless it was in self defense. This hasn't been necessary to date, and God willing it won't ever be.

That said, I have no intentions on disclosing my real name to anyone who wishes to see it. Neither do I enjoy being pestered by a certain person who doesn't understand the concept of leaving people alone when asked to do so.

I won't be posting here anymore as a result so I hope we all can consider this issue closed.

Thank you.

Corey

For example if I have a problem with a product I bought at a store I can go back to the store to solve it. Speak with the owner, fight, scream etc. But I still have no right to his/her personal info outside of the business. Same thing in this case.

Now if Boonex puts their stamp of approval and essentially backs a particular person here then they have part in the transaction, even if it's just their name. This will give the buyer of a mod some ease. I still contend that even if a business deal goes bad in this hypothetical situation, Boonex still doesn't have the right to release the persons personal info. They could in fact institute their own minimum standard for verification of a seller. Something akin to other affiliate programs where the program owner requires a name (personal or company), address (mailing or office) and contact phone number. If a dispute arises then Boonex may need to step in and moderate or something like that. BUT I contend it's not appropriate for Boonex to hand out the private personal info for any reason, save a legal warrant to release such information.

Now, it's not unreasonable to think the buyer should get some info prior to working with the seller. Company name, contact name etc. The buyer has a responsibility to do their part in ensuring a smooth transaction. Both parties are equally responsible. Perhaps setting up a business section where those who make and sell mods or anything else helpful to the project would show some basic 'company' or 'business' information. But certainly not their personal private info.

I Just think it is so nieve to make people use their real names, coltrades comment about facebook users already using thier real names reminded me of something that keeps happening. i have a 24 year old daughter who is on facebook, just an ordinary kid, mates all over the place so she loves to share info and her photo's on that thing. just lately though ive noticed in my email junk folder that im getting emails not using my daughters email addy, but her real name and her real photo to get me to join website's that i know she just doesnt go on, you know the thing (gemma as left you a message on morons are us community site please join  to read this important message) Now these details have been stolen from facebook, probably from some face book app they have on that thing, made all the more powerful that they have her real photo and real name, how long is it going to be before some sex site gets the details and starts emailing at random using her real photo and real name, and many other innocent young girls are in the same situation because they just dont understand the nature of the internet.

Now i say all this not because i have something to hide, as a pundit boonex knows my name and home address, and thats fine because they are people i trust with that info, but i certainly wouldnt want it publishing for any old spammer to get their hands on.

This is very easy... If you want to trade, then do what they do for pundits, privately supply your details to trusted hands, but nothing published in public. then people who trade know if they try to rip anybody off they will be some come back, in the proper way like ebay  and pay pal do...  all this is fine and done with the right intentions, but who uses their real full name on the net, only people who are nieve im afraid, and dont really know what people get upto with your photo's and names. trust me on this, you put out a real name, and a real photo, then you will have a profile on every shady dating site before too long.

regards

tyke