secret identities

[toddhill]

I'm really struggling with this whole forum thing. I participate in a couple other forums and they are totally different than this one. People state who they are and where they're from. You feel like you're interacting with real people. On this forum most people have code names and give fictional places to be from. I don't get that. There's probably a good reason for it, but I need someone to explain it to me. Don't you want to feel like you're interacting with a real person? I feel scared and suspicious with all of these strange, secret identities interacting in a somewhat impersonal way. I feel like I'm talking to a machine, to a computer. Someone please help me understand this strange world. Thanks. Todd

[Nightshade]

Todd pretend places??where?
hello BTW :wave:
I could say some thing real deep and meaningful about masks and self expression etc etc. but Im not. The thing to do is jump in with both feet mostly we are a loving if crazy lot. You can tell as little as as much of who you really are as matters to you personally I think its best not to go into minute detail ( everyone else can stop laughing, I do Im just like to know vague details) it may seem a bit mysterious at first but really if you stay youll realise that on the most part we are more real that m,ost rel life people, well as long as you havent stumble into a RPG by mistake oh nd the pirates and Amazons? thats just one of the sympyoms of the craziness I was talking about.

:D

[RobinHood3000]

Aye--some of us prefer to have alter egos on here. For me, it's part anonymity, part hero complex. For one thing, it's safer to keep your real identity a secret. It's also incredibly fun to role-play all the time on here.

[Nightshade]

Now how did I know you would be the one to say that :lol:
hey has someone else turned imaginary and mysterious while I was away? becasue Ican only thnk of your really as having a secret identity of and Tailsin of course.

[Xamonas Chegwe]

Actually, there are two conflicting theories regarding all of the anonymity in this forum (three if you count the secret, unmentionable theory that I wasn't even supposed to refer to obliquely - but there you go, I'm a rebel!):

Theory 1 - There are only actually 5 people that post here. Each tries to outdo the others in the intensity, longevity and depth of their various creations; adjusting age, gender, personality, location and other details in much the same way that the rest of the world changes socks. Most of the most heated arguments in this forum are actually between different aspects of the same poster!

Theory 2 - We are all wannabe authors that delight in the opportunities offered for fictionalisation by adopting a ficticious personality and name. Some members are actually 'collectives'; by way of example, there is a rumour that the member known as 'Stanislaw' is actually posted by over 450 different students at the same university, several of their close relatives and friends, and the king of Norway from time to time.

Personally, I favour theory 4, it seems the most likely. :D

[Virgil]

:lol: :lol:
Theory number one seems to fit. Imagine if Xamonas and Virgil were actually the same person! ;)

[Nightshade]

but who would I be?

[Koa]

LOL Xamonas!!!

Well, personally I don't like online places where the real cathegories spring up first - there's real life for that. Here I like to know people starting from another approach. I'd never use my real name as a screenname, but I generally reveal it if asked and if I get to really interact with the people - same with my age and my location (I actually have the real one stated right now). I love to talk with people without knowing much about them and discover little by little. I don't find it unpersonal (impersonal?) at all, a screen can't tell me about feelings or things it does.
I feel much more suspicious of people who say everything about themselves immediately, especially in some forums of my country it seems that people are only looking for people of the opposite sex living in the same area. And I'm not interested in that, I'm interested in exchanging ideas and sharing passions... some people here are a bit mysterious to me but I know the way they think, and for most of them at least it's not a mask, it's just showing a side of one's self that is not the same that comes across first in the outside world. I might be a lunatic, but that's what I like about relating to people online.

If you hang around here a while, you will learn that despite the anonymousity (???) you might feel at first, we all know quite a lot about each other... come on someone state 5 facts about me now :D

[Petrarch's Love]

Well, I'm with Koa that even when people online seem to be giving all their information they could still be presenting an alter ego, but one that is less obviously contrived than the made up names are here. I thought one main reason for the pseudonyms was a saftey concern. I figured people wanted to remain anonymous (some to a greater extent than others) and decided to have a little fun with their anonymous code names/places while they were at it (my screen name contains a hint to my real name, for example, and ties in with the area of lit. I study as a graduate student).

So five facts about koa eh? 1. She's my age (but thinks that's ancient for some reason ;) ) 2. She is very smart with languages, speaks several and has considered being a professional translator 3. She lives to travel. 4. She has a very chic haircut (check out her photo on the photo thread) 5. She lives in Italia, where it's easy to find gelato (but takes all that gelato for granted and wants to go off and live someplace else ;) ).
Maybe we should all list five facts we know about each other to prove to newbies that we actually do communicate like real people. :nod:

Of course, if you follow the Xamonas theory 1, I only know all that because Koa and I are really one and the same person. :lol:

[AimusSage]

Oh my! Secret identities. I always knew something fishy was going on here, I could smell it. :p

Anyway, the only difference between the real me and the forum are my name and my good looks, I look way better on this forum then I do in real life you see. Invisibility has a way of making my features look especially good.

Identity isn't determined by names or location anyway, but by ones actions. They define who we are, and the people of this forum have proven many times over to be a jolly bunch of smart people with great personalities.

[toddhill]

Ok, I appreciate the feedback. I think I just haven't gotten out much, led a much too simple and sheltered life. Maybe this is a very good place for me to hang out. The theories mentioned by Xanomas freak me out, but that's probably my lack of humor. I think someone who holds arguments with himself or herself and posts with multiple identities has a lot of extra time on his/her hands, and maybe something else going on...multiple personality... Wow. Suspicious of people who reveal themselves... that's so strange to me. I'm the opposite...suspicious of people who hide. Why are they hiding? Getting to know other forumites little by little over time, through their posts...I like that idea. I've learned a lot already. This is way out of my comfort zone, but in a good way. Todd

[Koa]

Of course, if you follow the Xamonas theory 1, I only know all that because Koa and I are really one and the same person. :lol:

:lol: That theory made my day!

5 facts on Petrarch's: 1 - she's 24 and feels good about it ;) 2 - I know her real name but I won't mention it cos I don't know if she'd want to 3 - she's a postgrad. student 4 - she speaks some Italian 5 - she's originally from California.

Todd, well, you have nothing to lose by trying :nod: Just don't give out too much if you don't feel like to, so that the 5 of us can't track you down when our personalities go mad with full moon :lol:
Just kidding, don't runaway! I was just meaning that you can give some trust while not necessatrily exposing yourself too much. I babble for hours about stuff but no one here knows my full name nor my home address, I think (except faye because of penpalling, I guess). I actually would find it more strange to find a forum where I know everything about everyone at first, I know only one but it's not international...

[toddhill]

The other forums on which I participate are very international in scope, and they are related to certain crafts. Everyone uses his or her real name and discloses his or her location. Those forums are used by people who are older (upper 20's and on). That probably makes a big difference.

Obviously, all of this reflects our culture. What does it say about our culture that people would rather remain anonymous?

[kilted exile]

It's not really to do with wanting to remain anonymous (for me at least) this is the same screenname my friends see when they use MSN.

However if it'll make you more comfortable

Real Name: Andrew Stuart Hesse MacFarlane (preferrably Drew, will make no response to the hated "andy")

**btw is it not slightly ironic that you ask this and yet have filled out zero in your personal info. fields?

[emily655321]

There are few regular participants on here whose location I don't know—though that doesn't mean street address; country and region is good enough for me,—and that includes those with an cryptic listed location. I know almost no one's real name, but that doesn't make me feel like they're hiding. There are some people on here who go by their real name in posts, even though it isn't in their screenname. Some of those who don't, like Robin and Virgil, I find myself forgetting that those aren't their real names. :p

I guess it just depends on how you define "anonymity." I agree with Koa: I'd rather know how someone would like to be buried, or whether bananas are poisonous to them, ;) than what high school they attend(ed) or the address of their workplace. The sort of personal info you'd put on a job application isn't important to me, and I feel like I know my fellow forumers more intimately (mwahaha) than most people I talk to face-to-face. Perhaps that's why a lot of people don't like to disclose identifiers; we all know each other so well, and it's uncomfortable sometimes to put a name and face to that sort of in-depth knowledge.

That said, a hearty Forum welcome to you, Todd. :wave: I think you'll find that we're a very open, friendly community, and I hope you find something to enjoy here.

EDIT: Kilted (er, should I say "Drew" now? I like "Kilted" better) makes another good point on names. His screenname is a prime example: it tells something about the personality of the poster. It can speak to their interests, favorite author, national origin, etc. They can be much more telling than just a name.

[toddhill]

Andrew, i'm not trying to twist anyone's arm here. I'm just trying to understand the way things are. Maybe I'm not communicating that well. Fair enough on my own lack of transparency... I added some info. Todd

[Pensive]

Welcome to the forum, toddhil. I have never felt the way you did or maybe you need to spend a little more time here to know a little more about literature network.

You give your opinions so decidedly as a newbie, toddhil.

Well, Have a nice time here and you will find lots of hot topics for discussions.

[Nightshade]

Hummm this gives me an idea, Kilted why not andy? actually come to think of it and you and you and-he might get annoying.
:lol: ;) sorry

[Mililalil XXIV]

Seeing as I am Todd, I guess that brings our number back down to three!

[RobinHood3000]

In my life, I have been to exactly one forum where people refer to each other by name, and that was only because we were all well-acquainted with one another in real life. Ironically enough, a big draw at the Forums was the Roleplaying.

[toddhill]

Roleplaying...I've always said I should have taken drama in high school. Maybe I should try one of the roleplaying computer games??? I don't have the time. Plus, I like being myself. I'm not ready for roleplaying yet. Todd

[AimusSage]

I think roleplaying is a great way to discover more about yourself. By being yourself you still roleplay. Playing the role of Todd, in your case, is something you do everywhere, you are always Todd, but is Todd always the same character? Roleplaying can give you new insights into yourself. Every character you play in an RPG, stage play, movie, whatever, has something to teach you; from the most noble hero to the evil villain, all across the spectrum.

[toddhill]

I like that, Aimus. I was just about to edit my post and add: ...maybe I just don't know what I'm missing... I'm learning... and I've got a big curve ahead of me. Todd

[Koa]

The other forums on which I participate are very international in scope, and they are related to certain crafts. Everyone uses his or her real name and discloses his or her location. Those forums are used by people who are older (upper 20's and on). That probably makes a big difference.

Obviously, all of this reflects our culture. What does it say about our culture that people would rather remain anonymous?

Well, as I said, if I want the first thing I know about a person to be his/her appearance and name, then I'll go out to a bar or something. Instead I come here and talk aimlessly of things I'd hardly have any chance to talk to in my regular circle of acquaintances...
That says about my culture that I'm fed up with the outside world and come here to relax and see things my way.

Ahem Todd, I now read your profile after you mentioned people in their upper 20s etc... and before that I thought you were a teenager... :blush:

I've also known quite a few people online who want to keep the aninomousity because they feel safer and fear to be stalked etc... Which is also one thing I keep checked about myself: as much as I trust the people here, I don't forget this is a public forum which any weirdo can see, so the email address you see in my profile is the one I use as public and I don't mind the spam there, while I keep another one to give privately; same for my name and address, I wouldn't mind giving it to Em or Virgil or Nighty or whoever, but if I shouted it here, it'll be in the hands of the whole world, and I don't want the whole world to know me.
Plus, I sometimes fear that I give away too much anyway, since I'm horrified at the thought of someone I know in real life to discover the extent of my online activities: most of them don't know about my poems (some of which are somewhere around this site), nor to which extent my English is good, nor how addicted I am to foruming (and most of them consider it a very weird thing, I've had to "argue" about that not being a thing for lunatics only). I'm not saying my way is the right way of doing it, but it's the way I want it to be.

[Grumbleguts]

I often wonder if anyone that I know would recognise me from my posts here. One already has but he was the person that told me about the forum and was lying in wait for my appearance.:D

[Pensive]

I agree with Koa. She is very right here. *thumbs up to Koa*

I could not have put it better by myself.

[RobinHood3000]

Likewise--Koa knows what she's talking about.

[toddhill]

It's probably the Latin influence in me. I grew up in Brazil and the people there are so open and friendly. You get in a taxi to go somewhere and before the end of the trip, you're best friends and making plans to do something. They gush friendliness. When I came to U.S. for college I went into culture shock. People wouldn't greet me...wouldn't even look at me as we passed. Everyone seemed so cold and suspicious. I've been here for over 15 years and am still not used to it. I guess the way people interact on this forum brought up some of those old feelings. As for freaks lurking about cyberspace...sigh that the world is that way. I'm sorry that we have to worry about that. Thanks for all of your honesty and transparency. Todd

[kilted exile]

Kilted why not andy?

"andy" is fine for a five year old kid, I just happen to be of the opinion that it sounds rather babyish and as a result if people shorten my name I prefer they shorten it to Drew.

* I know this seems damned stupid, but......

[woeful painter]

It's probably the Latin influence in me. I grew up in Brazil and the people there are so open and friendly. You get in a taxi to go somewhere and before the end of the trip, you're best friends and making plans to do something. They gush friendliness. When I came to U.S. for college I went into culture shock. People wouldn't greet me...wouldn't even look at me as we passed. Everyone seemed so cold and suspicious. I've been here for over 15 years and am still not used to it. I guess the way people interact on this forum brought up some of those old feelings. As for freaks lurking about cyberspace...sigh that the world is that way. I'm sorry that we have to worry about that. Thanks for all of your honesty and transparency. Todd

That friendly eh??? Hmmm...I think I'd have a culture shock in your country!

But really, don't generalize everyone as cold or suspicious just 'coz they're not that open, they might just be shy around people, but once you get to know them, they might be the best of all friends you can possibly have. They grew in a place different to yours with the knowledge of rejection, bullying and other torments. Perhaps if they have seen your world they wouldn't be that distant. Like me in person for example...though yes, I can be ruthlessly cold at times, just being honest... :D
-Chris

[ElizabethSewall]

As always you behave like a true knight dear Woeful. :nod:

I guess secret identities are a way to protect ourselves. Not giving everything at the beginning just because we may have suffered in the past.
Moreover, it's quite fun, playing with identity and trying to guess clues about others. We are even more interested about each others because of curiosity. :D
But don't be afraid for the most warm and kind people I have ever met hang on this forum. :nod:

[RobinHood3000]

A single modicum of frigidity and suspicion breeds coldness and suspicion in others.

[Xamonas Chegwe]

A friend of mine once had a really terrible experience with someone that tracked her down from a chatroom she frequented. She used her real name and let slip the town that she lived in. Knowing her, she probably made a few people angry, but nothing to warrant the threats and abuse that she received. She had to change her phone number and go ex-directory. The worst was when a hand written note was pushed through her letter box, saying that if they (they said 'we') had found her in, they would have killed her. The police got involved but by then the threats had stopped - shame, I would have liked to see that bastard dragged before the courts.

I took that as an example of the kinds of nutters that are out there. I don't give out personal details such as real name or address to anyone. The internet is an odd place; the cute little French girl with the freckles that you have been chatting to for months can turn out to be a nazi skinhead from the same town, it pays to be at least a little careful. There is one person here that knows who I am and one other that knows my first name. That's the way I'd like to keep it.

[RobinHood3000]

Grrrrrr...RAAAAARRGGH!!! Cliiiiiiiiiiick...


Green Arrow has some hunting to do...

[Riesa]

Yikes, that is scary. It's easy to start sharing with people after a while, I forget that the freaks are out there, it feels so friendly here.

[jackyyyy]

You're absolutely correct, Xamonas. I had to stop my daughter recently from publishing all her photos and programming work on the internet - she didn't think. She is a computer person, very smart, so I figured she would know this already. Anyway, and she is as obstinate as I am, or more, after I showed her by example, she now uses aliases on the internet period! Life is just too complicated and faster than we are these days, so best keep your private stuff well away.

[emily655321]

I know what you mean, Riesa. I always forget that everything I put here, is out there for good, and millions upon millions of people can see it if they want. I know if someone really wanted to do their research, they could find me, no problem. :eek: A very scary thought.

[jackyyyy]

I like that, Aimus. I was just about to edit my post and add: ...maybe I just don't know what I'm missing... I'm learning... and I've got a big curve ahead of me. Todd

Oiee.. tudo bem , como estao as coisas? vc fala sobre o Orkut ou outro site? Couldn't help noticing you spent time in Brasil, I was out there for many years, abracos!

[Riesa]

yes...and now we are back to Todd's original question about us all. And Xamonas has answered his question better than anybody.

[Xamonas Chegwe]

You're absolutely correct, Xamonas. I had to stop my daughter recently from publishing all her photos and programming work on the internet - she didn't think. She is a computer person, very smart, so I figured she would know this already. Anyway, and she is as obstinate as I am, or more, after I showed her by example, she now uses aliases on the internet period! Life is just too complicated and faster than we are these days, so best keep your private stuff well away.

The thing was, we never knew who it was in the chat room that did this. It might not have been anyone that ever posted. We know it originated there because of what the man said on the phone - he referred to things that she had posted. It might have been someone that she thought she knew and trusted though, that's what scared her the most.

I suppose that the person was scared of leaving a trail if they abused her online first. Nothing ever happened there.

It's not the people that post here that worry me (I really like most of you and I don't suspect any of the ones I merely tolerate of any malice), it's what they might let slip that someone else might use. As I said, best to be safe than sorry, there are always more guests than members walkiing these dark threads at night. If one of them is a psycho that doesn't like my stance on Tolstoy....

[Virgil]

The internet is an odd place; the cute little French girl with the freckles that you have been chatting to for months can turn out to be a nazi skinhead from the same town, it pays to be at least a little careful.
:confused: You don't mean ElizabethSewall is a nazi skin head? :lol:

[Xamonas Chegwe]

Of course not!! She's a builder from Doncaster - added an extension to my garage last year. :lol:

Pardon madame!

[RobinHood3000]

Perhaps now starr (if he were here) would understand why I refused to disclose my girlfriend's name--it is bad enough I am putting myself at risk (albeit limited) by being on the Internet at all. I could not forgive myself if she came to harm or even misery on my account (no pun intended).

[Xamonas Chegwe]

No pun noticed! :confused:

[Riesa]

maybe he meant his post count?

[RobinHood3000]

On my account (forum account) or on my account (my fault).


I give up.

[emily655321]

Hehe. :p Well, I got it, Robin.

[Xamonas Chegwe]

Sorry Robin - when you said 'pun', I was expecting something amusing - my bad! :lol:

[toddhill]

Oiee para voce tamben, Jackyyyy. Que e o Orkut?

Yes, it's a shame that things are that way. I have an older friend on the east coast who lives in fear of the kooks. He won't get a credit card and thinks the world is full of bad guys waiting to get him. He's scared to leave his house. I can't imagine someone freaking out over a position on Tolstoy, but I guess you never know. Once I saw part of a documentary on the guy who killed John Lennon. That was one freaky story. No rhyme or reason to it.

But I guess the draw of fellowship is too strong and here we are...

[jackyyyy]

Oiee para voce tamben, Jackyyyy. Que e o Orkut?
GoogleOrkut is a huge forum, popular in Br. You have to be invited to join it. Kind of in response to your comment about friendly people, etc, that forum really shows this about that country, which is a good thing. However, people even list their whole families, work, home and cell #s which is food for criminals, and because of the activity we are talking about here, its now so full of aliases, fakes and frauds, its value is diminished. Personally, I think we all need a private (official) and a public identity. I am currently Steve Zodiac, btw.... or I could be Robert the Robot.

[Nightshade]

hehe I got the pun Robin :D Actually I almost gave my sel away today with the man story if fact come to think of it Ive given myself away a few times. :eek2: But I thnk I went back and got rid of the most obvious one during my whole Ahhhhhhhh robin could be a psycho killer stage.- In my defense it was late and Id had too much sugar and tea.
:blush:

[Koa]

It's probably the Latin influence in me. I grew up in Brazil and the people there are so open and friendly. You get in a taxi to go somewhere and before the end of the trip, you're best friends and making plans to do something. They gush friendliness. When I came to U.S. for college I went into culture shock. People wouldn't greet me...wouldn't even look at me as we passed. Everyone seemed so cold and suspicious. I've been here for over 15 years and am still not used to it. I guess the way people interact on this forum brought up some of those old feelings. As for freaks lurking about cyberspace...sigh that the world is that way. I'm sorry that we have to worry about that. Thanks for all of your honesty and transparency. Todd

I suppose I'm meant to be Latin (I'm Italian, lived most of my life in Italy so far) but at least here in the north we are very suspicious of people we don't know. We are friendly, like in pubs and social places, we greet each other a lot, we have a casual chat with taxi drivers, but for example I've met people from other countries who've been hitch-hiking and for any Italian the only thought of it brings images of murders and robbers... We are a bit of a contradiction I'd say...
Even though personally I'm much colder than the average Italian, I don't like to speak with strangers and I start to be more interactive only when I feel at ease... which is often the way I behave online anyway.

[Koa]

Hehe. :p Well, I got it, Robin.

I got it too :) God, I'm so smart :D
(sorry, I've been feeling conscious about my English lately ;))

Yeah, I agree with a lot of the positions here...I've never found weirdos online and I'm quite skilled at recognising who's not worth taking into consideration, but there are those people out there...

The only forum where I went a bit more personal is that Italian one I mentioned, but I was thinking we all know each other's first name and city we live in, but I don't know anyone's surname and not even what most of them do for a living. But that's different since I've been to concerts with them (it's a forum dedicated to a band so we met up at music events, and since none of my real life friends like the same music I do, I just joined there).
But still, I don't get people who give out their phone number on a forum or chatroom.. it's at the mercy of anyone, and after all PMs are there for that...

[emily655321]

But still, I don't get people who give out their phone number on a forum or chatroom.. it's at the mercy of anyone, and after all PMs are there for that...
I'm even afraid of PM's. :p Rachel and I just exchanged postal addresses so we could write to each other, and I'm even paranoid about that. Not that Rachel is an axe-murderer (haha!), but that someone will hack into the PM's somehow and come harrass me, or take out a credit card in my name, or something.

Todd, your avatar is hilarious! :banana:

[Nightshade]

I know what you mean about PMs
One of the people I consdier quite good freiends now Started Pming me when they were new and I was Scared witless. :blush:

[AimusSage]

Even though I might be quite the halfwit, I always found PM's to be a great way to completely do something you never intended to do, while still succesfully communicating what you are thinking in a completely polite, and socially acceptable way. Just like normal conversation. They don't scare me witless, but they are intimidating, especially with all the pop up messages all over the place telling me to do this or that, before I'm even able to see what the message says. Now i've confused myself :confused:

[Nightshade]

What!? oh dear the poor nightys brain has gone.... :(

[Koa]

Even though I might be quite the halfwit, I always found PM's to be a great way to completely do something you never intended to do, while still succesfully communicating what you are thinking in a completely polite, and socially acceptable way. Just like normal conversation. They don't scare me witless, but they are intimidating, especially with all the pop up messages all over the place telling me to do this or that, before I'm even able to see what the message says. Now i've confused myself :confused:

:confused: I find them cute, it's like getting in touch with someone without having to look for/ask for their e-mail addy... On another forum I've been having a PM-affair for months now, and it's so cool... it'll move to e-mails when I'll be away working so it'd be easier for me to check, otherwise it'd probably stay like it is forever...

[RobinHood3000]

On another forum I've been having a PM-affair for months now, and it's so cool...
EHHH??

:confused: :eek: :goof: :confused:

[Nightshade]

gasp!http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/traurig/sad-smiley-023.gif

[emily655321]

Yay, Koa's working the internets! :D Go, Koa!

[Nightshade]

Koa 1 you cant just leave us hanging there more info where is that gossip thread when you need it?!

[Koa]

Oh come on... it was a funny weird of saying that!!! :rolleyes:
I'm not looking for internet relationships, the one I had (without looking for it) sucked enough and troubled my life enough! So no gossip, just I have one more penpal even if I use a forum and a keyboard and not a pen and an address...

[Nightshade]

just teasing you koa :blush:

[toddhill]

Jackyyyy, never heard of Orkut. But I've only recently embarked on the net. I'm as newbie as they come. Guess that's why I have so many questions about it. It's a strange new world, albeit not a brave new world. Now I know how to scare the snot out of some of you. Heh, heh, heh... Send you a PM. Don't worry, I'll refrain. :lol: This thread has been a lesson in culture/society for me. What an interesting world. Todd

[Nightshade]

Well hgats off to you todd this has to be one of tghe most interesting newbie threads yet
:nod:

[Stanislaw]

hmm, the anonimity of the internet...I googled my real name and found my address in about .44 miliseconds...

The WWW is not an anonymouse place, but like anyother place, it is like its own country, or rather planet, parralel, yet attached to our planet, and just as you would in everday interactions, you do not disclose all of your info to the first person you meet.

But then again, the e-community can be achance for people to be whomever they wanted.

I think the internet subconsiously creates a sort of schizophrenia in people...people being affeared to reveal to much. :cool:

[Nightshade]

True true. so what your saying is if I had your real name I could find your address in .44 miliseconds :eek2:

[Koa]

and just as you would in everday interactions, you do not disclose all of your info to the first person you meet.

Exactly.


I think the internet subconsiously creates a sort of schizophrenia in people...people being affeared to reveal to much. :cool:


Well I often feel that I'm living two parallel lives...

[Stanislaw]

True true. so what your saying is if I had your real name I could find your address in .44 miliseconds :eek2:

Indeed...the address, postal code, phone number, and where I work, and have worked for the last few years... .44miliseconds is the average google search return rate...

[jackyyyy]

True true. so what your saying is if I had your real name I could find your address in .44 miliseconds :eek2:
I couldn't find my address in Google, so here it is: Room 666, Dracula Castle, Transylvania, Romania. I may be asleep when you get here, just walk right on in.

Even if there were no security issues, its very hard to write anything more than simple over the internet, to people you have no clue about, no face, and no eye contact. Avatars are very misleading and often that is the only clue we have, and other than the words as displayed. Words here can give any number of signals, and one mistook notion is enough to send some people off into the woods. Its a credit to many people here, as elsewhere, that they are smart/mature enough to see the several sides to a sentence and not jump to assumptions. No one here thinks, writes or sees the same.

[Nightshade]

I just noitice Jackkky cheshire wow I might know you wait you might be some one I referred here but didnt tell them who I was :eek:

[jackyyyy]

I just noitice Jackkky cheshire wow I might know you wait you might be some one I referred here but didnt tell them who I was :eek:I was not referred, though often deferred. I was looking up Wuthering Heights in Google, and wanted to argue with the person that gave it only 6 out of 10, so I signed up. Yes, I am in Cheshire during the day, Drac castle during the night.

[AimusSage]

That is one hell of a commute Jackyyy :goof:

[Stanislaw]

yup eportfolio...good yet so bad. :D


Dracula castle eh...have ye heard o a friend of mine? :D

[jackyyyy]

yup eportfolio...good yet so bad. :D


Dracula castle eh...have ye heard o a friend of mine? :D
I don't know, who is this friend, does he/she have long teeth... and only sometimes? Noticed you're in my neighbourhood, castle door is always open, !!! parties everynight !!! and no cover charge for o+, hehegaga.

[Nightshade]

humm I just paid attention to the song thats been playing on repeat fopr like the last month and I just realsied how well fitting it is o the idea that we are all pretending here

But on the telephone line i
Am anyone
I am anything I want to be
I could be a super model or
Norman mailer
And you wouldn’t know the
Difference
On the telephone line I am
Any height
I am any age I want to be
I could be a caped crusader or
Space invader
And you wouldn’t know
The difference
Or would you

:D

who is Norman mailer?:confused:

[emily655321]

Norman Mailer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Mailer

[Nightshade]

thanks


:D

[Koa]

I read that as "normal mailer" and I thought it meant a postman... :lol:
It's only half past 1 am after all... :D

[emily655321]

:lol: @ Koa

As opposed to those abnormal ones. :brow: :D

[kilted exile]

I think probably the more socially adjusted "normal" ones would actually be considered abnormal in this example, hence the term "going postal" ;)

[woeful painter]

I don't know, who is this friend, does he/she have long teeth... and only sometimes? Noticed you're in my neighbourhood, castle door is always open, !!! parties everynight !!! and no cover charge for o+, hehegaga.


Mind I come for a visit as well...I'll be bringing some "red" wines if you may. :brow:
And has anyone seen my dog? He's about 7 foot, has a four inch canine and has black fur... :D I seem to have lost him when I last visited there...

[emily655321]

...I'll be bringing some "red" wines if you may. :brow:Vine? I don't drink... vine.

;)

[woeful painter]

Oh, don't worry...they're just camouflaged in the bottle...they really are what fits your taste best...freshly sucked if you may...LOL :lol:

[answering annie]

:banana: from me...answering annie. ask me a question and i will give u AN answer....no strings attatched, im here til tuesday. in BAGDAHD :rage: YOu are all wrong and it's time to find the answers

[answering annie]

i am answering annie and i say savage garden suck..erin agree's thereforeit must be true...untill next time, I AM answering annie

[subterranean]

I'm really struggling with this whole forum thing. I participate in a couple other forums and they are totally different than this one. People state who they are and where they're from. You feel like you're interacting with real people. On this forum most people have code names and give fictional places to be from. I don't get that. There's probably a good reason for it, but I need someone to explain it to me. Don't you want to feel like you're interacting with a real person? I feel scared and suspicious with all of these strange, secret identities interacting in a somewhat impersonal way. I feel like I'm talking to a machine, to a computer. Someone please help me understand this strange world. Thanks. Todd





Well, I think the personal stuffs would be revealed eventually once you got closer to other members here. I mean I know the real names of some members and I also exchange emails regularly with them. For some, I even know about their family members and more detailed daily activities. Same thing for them about me; they know me deeper compared to other members. So, I suppose its natural thing that people don't just tell who you really are right away, especially in an online forum. And you may also want to check out the Lit forum albums, as there are many members who posted their real photos there ;)

[Miss Smilla]

Um, Toddhill, i hate to seem like i'm picking on you, but after all that, you know, starting your own thread about how you know nothing about anyone and not understanding etc.... Well, did you realise that your own profile is blank my dear?
LOL!

Anyways, i find because i read lots i seem to have enough comman ground for a decent conversation or debate with most of the ppl on here. Maybe try getting close through the exchange of ideas and opinions as opposed to sort of pigeonholeing people into ages and nationalities and such. :) (Having said that however, i think its cool when i know i'm chatting to someone on the other side of the planet, so i kind of understand where you are coming from.)

[WhimsySA]

I'm really struggling with this whole forum thing. I participate in a couple other forums and they are totally different than this one. People state who they are and where they're from. You feel like you're interacting with real people. On this forum most people have code names and give fictional places to be from. I don't get that. There's probably a good reason for it, but I need someone to explain it to me. Don't you want to feel like you're interacting with a real person? I feel scared and suspicious with all of these strange, secret identities interacting in a somewhat impersonal way. I feel like I'm talking to a machine, to a computer. Someone please help me understand this strange world. Thanks. Todd

Hi todd

I understand where you are coming from. My name is Jade & I come from South Africa. Don't be to scared of the people here, they are all really great. I have gotten to know some of them & they are really cool! If you want to see pictures of some of them go to the Lit Net photoalbum. You could also check the polls out if you want to know more.

Have fun!!!!!!!!!

[hyperinsomnia]

I'm really struggling with this whole forum thing. I participate in a couple other forums and they are totally different than this one. People state who they are and where they're from. You feel like you're interacting with real people. On this forum most people have code names and give fictional places to be from. I don't get that. There's probably a good reason for it, but I need someone to explain it to me. Don't you want to feel like you're interacting with a real person? I feel scared and suspicious with all of these strange, secret identities interacting in a somewhat impersonal way. I feel like I'm talking to a machine, to a computer. Someone please help me understand this strange world. Thanks. Todd

I think secret identities are great, when you think about how fast some people are to judge, not on what you write but who you are... Especially when age is concerned.

[pinkmoon]

speaking for myself, sometimes you like your name but you want to know if others will like what you write, and then you may think of telling them about your real identity. and I think I agree with you hyperimnsomnia.

[Niamh]

Em I actually used my real name. I'd done it before i'd realised i'd done it! Oh well. People might as well know me for my real name.

[RobinHood3000]

The nice thing about my name is that it could be my real name, and it could not. :D

[cuppajoe_9]

I feel like I'm talking to a machine, to a computer.It's all an elaborate Turing test.

I'm a bit suspicious of giving out personal information on public internet forums, as I would rather not give the advertisers another way to find me, if I can avoid it. My location information is accurate, though. Yes, there really is a city called Medicine Hat (nickname: the Gas City. For serious). My real-life first name is Alex, but people sometimes assume that it is Joe because of the username. When asked to give my full name in order to sign up for something or other on the internet, I usually give the name Geoff Connor, an entirely fictional character.

[kathycf]

Is toddhill (the person who started the thread) even here anymore? His profile is completely blank and shows his last login was back in November.

He must have decided people weren't open enough for him, or maybe didn't like it here. *shrug* Well, my real name is, oddly enough, Kathy. ;) This is short for Kathleen and Sleepywitch guessed my middle name of Connell. That is enough revelation for me, I certainly would not reveal my surname and there seems no compelling reason to ever do so.

As nice and friendly as our members are, anybody with an interent connection can read these boards. You don't need an account, and I have a real problem with just anybody knowing my surname or where specifically I live. It seems in this day and age, you really need to be careful, there is a lot of danger lurking out there in cyberspace.

[Neo_Sephiroth]

Check out my profile. It's all fake...Or is it?;) Who am I?:sick:

[kiz_paws]

hyperinsomnia made a great point, as did cuppajoe and kathy. :)

My name is a derivative of my nickname in 'real life' and my passion for animals, hence kiz_paws. I don't give my real name for the exact reasons cited by the aforementioned people .... but when/if (???) I ever do publish something, it would be by my pseudonym, Karalynne Ducharme. Why? Because my family would raise their eyebrows over my written drivel... lol!

[Bakiryu]

My name has nothing to do with my real name. Nothing! *laughts*. But is the same in all my forums and cites. I can't help it if people think it is my real name and ask me where I'm from. If a published something I would never use my real name but eould probably post something like this on the back of the book "To anybody from the web: this is Bakiryu."

*hacks over in laughing*

[toni]

Em I actually used my real name. I'd done it before i'd realised i'd done it! Oh well. People might as well know me for my real name.


I'd done it as well, sooo... just call me Toni anytime, anywhere I see you on the streets!

[amanda_isabel]

as far as i know, amanda is my real name.

and, for those of us who choose to use pseudonyms insetad, i don't find a problem. i take it that todd has not been spending so much time around the forums? i mean, it's not difficult to get close with the people around here.

todd, spend some time around. 'a rose by any other name is still a rose' if i'm not mistaken.

[ClaesGefvenberg]

A friend of mine once had a really terrible experience with someone that tracked her down from a chatroom she frequented.There is always that risk, and I have had a bit of experience with troublesome people myself (Not to the extent you describe, though). For a while I had a stalker climbing all over me every time I logged on. Someone kept trying to hack me, and he gave my firewall a really hard time. He never made it through, but it kept me busy, and prevented me from using the web the way I want to use it. After a while I grew tired of it all, and went after him. I found out who he was, and alerted his ISP. They shut him down the very same day. Care to know why he disliked me so much? Well, evidently I had clobbered his bottom in an online game.... Dear me.

I think secret identities are great, when you think about how fast some people are to judge, not on what you write but who you are... Quite true. People do judge books from their covers, and an alias can prevent a lot of that.

Em I actually used my real name. I'd done it before i'd realised i'd done it! Oh well. People might as well know me for my real name.In spite of the above points... so did I, not without thinking, but in fact quite deliberately: Why? Mainly because I don't like hiding. Besides, I am careful never to write anything here that I would or could not say to someone standing in front of me.

Final point: You are never really anonymous on the web, anyway.

/Claes

[Nightshade]

Hummm I rember reading somwhere in a kids book a few years ago--well lets face it everything was only a few years ago for me :rolleyes: --- about everyonr having a true name you coud think of your secret identity as that. I think Night is my true name its a traslation of myreal name but with less of the connotaions and is somehow much more cheerful.

Anyway the thing about me anonymous on the web thre was a period of time when I was certain that project gutenberg's Online book page had there digital eye on me, It might have been becuase I tened to spend around 12 hours a day on there site reading books then I found another site and whenever I read a book there or searched for one withing 2 weeks theyd have it up on the online book page without it having been on the comming soon or 'wish' list. But then I moved countries and I suppose my IP address changed.
:D

[Theshizznigg]

While I prefer to keep my identity a secret, I have the uniformal nickname. All of my forums, all my websites, etc, are usered by TheShizznigg. Course this is not my real name, but the personality behind the name is real enough. I don't assume personas, or act in any different a way. This is me, I'm no different in real life. Except being better looking, and poorer than I like.

[Theshizznigg]

"When the day is done I look forward to the nightimes moon. The gentle lull, the baying swoon. And granted in that place where freedoms rests, upon our hearts wears our noble chest. A feeling of contentment grows and stays, and allays the fears of anothers days."


"When questioned about the little dog, I could hardly come up with any sort of decent answer. As such I decided to see what could be made of the situation, and tried to flubb my way through a decent peroration." - Albert Eggvales - Adventures in the common markets.

[Aunty-lion]

My litnet name is both a description of my life and personality (I am both an aunty and a lion), and it is also a reference to a poem.

Rooooaaaarrrrrr!

[ninacath]

since we are all in cyber space how do you know that the 'real' people you are interacting with on other forums are more real than on here.
and does it really matter

[Haven]

This is the big one for me. I have an unusual first name. It is unique up to a point and as far as I know, but I don't know if there are others with my [real]name on the planet. Know there are similar names but never came across the duplicate.
I've thought about; maybe I am secretive, but friends that I have run that past defeaning sound of laughter :lol:

And so, I like the idea of fantasy. Yes, this is the bit in my life that I can be anything that I want. There are no restraints, I do not have to conform to a certain image of myself and I can be true to my own nature; suppose that means just being who I am. You know not getting up every morning and showering and dressing to fit in with all your colleagues: that's being 'uniform'. Being true to your own nature, do you get to do that often? For me it is the dictates of society and the sphere in which I operate that 'classifies' me and I admit that my self image and the understood status of that self are all in there. It's complicated, doh.

The Web and the Forums release me. Within this 'sphere' I am who I wish to be and there is no-one to tell me who or why I am. I feel so lucky that I can have this option and choose to be myself. And that is why my real name is not appropriate here as Nincath says this is cyberspace and at heart I am a cyberpunk with all that that implies. :thumbs_up

[Bakiryu]

I never use my real name, only my parents use it. My friends call me Ed or JC. Really close friends call me either Jin or 'Ryu.
I like talking on the internet because people can know ME and don't judge me for my accent or looks.