Hi,

As you all know, we use real names on this bulletin board because it keeps the discussion more personal and friendly. I believe it is one of the reasons we have avoided so much of the conflict and harshness that you sometimes see on other forums and newsgroups on the Internet.

Anyway, for the past 6 weeks or so, I have been piloting a process in which I approve membership applications to make sure each one contains some version of real first/last name in the Display Name field of the profile. Memberships without a real name are deleted, and the person receives an automatic e-mail reply asking them to register again using a real name.

While a little bit more work for me to review pending memberships each day, it eliminates the need for me to post all those reminders to members asking them to update their Display Name.

The process is working quite well, from my perspective, and I have decided to continue using it moving forward.

So, if you are not a member now and register in the future, please make sure to use a version of your real first/last name in the Display Name field in your profile. The field is clearly labeled:

Display Name (use real first/last name):

Regards,
Chris

Bumping this to the top again. Please understand that using some version of your real name is a requirement of BB registration. I personally review each registration and reject those that do not comply.

For example, if your name is John Smith and your nickname is Scooter, examples of valid display names are:

• John Smith
  
• J Smith
  
• J. Smith
  
• JSmith
  
• J_Smith
  
• J.Smith
  
• John S
  
• John S.
  
• John
  
• John Smith (Scooter)
  
• John S (Scooter)

and so on.

You need to use some combination of first and last name. If you prefer to be called by your nickname, you can include it in parentheses after your display name, and you can sign all your posts using your nickname.

There is usually an approach that allows you to provide some combination of real name that protects your privacy, if you're concerned about that, while complying with this policy that helps make the BB a friendly place to belong to. I believe real names has been one of the most important keys to success of this BB, and that's why I require it.

If you have any concerns about this policy before registering, please do not hesitate to e-mail me so we can discuss...just click "Contact Us" at the bottom of the page.

Thanks,
Chris

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Chris Allingham,

This might be the best policy of all....