Why hide?

[StevieM]

I've been thinking!
I know why people have user names, (previous threads have shown up all sorts of reasons), but I can't really understand why not show real names on the profile?
What's the harm in having at least first name, age, and where from on there?
I'm sure there must be a good reason for some people, but can't think of any right now
Hope asking this hasn't upset anyone? I'm just curious really.

[Greeny]

I think it's hard for a newbie to realise what a friendly, open place this is when they first join (unless they've lurked for a bit). My first user name was LesPaulGoldTop (which I just chose on a whim during sign-up), but I changed it to Greeny when I felt at home here. The only downside with that is that it's quite confusing for other users when they're familar with you under a certain name!

Totally agree though - especially when a lot of us have soundclick and myspace sites where there's lots more personal information.

I think most people slowly come round to being more 'open' - there's a lot of people on here now who I know by first name, and have conversed with via email.

[guitarron]

it's cautious times we live in
you can call me ron if ya want

[Ferryman]

Habit I guess. Names are usually taken, I know Ferryman_1957 never is (altho Ferryman on its own is sometimes taken). So I just went with that when I signed up but I always sign my posts with my real name.

Cheers,

Nigel

[AndyR]

This is my real name

EDIT: Although I would rather be called Andrew

And people I know from my gigging days still think my name is Angus!

[Ferryman]

And people I know from my gigging days still think my name is Angus!

Have you stopped wearing those shorts and school cap then? 

[Tony W]

I just changed my name, thanks Stevie. When I first joined this forum, I originally thought I'd get in, get some information about the Micro Br, and remain a lurker. I'm not a very good lurker.

[Greeny]

I just changed my name, thanks Stevie. When I first joined this forum, I originally thought I'd get in, get some information about the Micro Br, and remain a lurker. I'm not a very good lurker.

Ha ha... nice one! Hello Tony!!!! I wonder if anyone else will do the same!

[Bro]

I'm danish! It's not that easy for you british folks to find a way to say my real name. Thats why, but my age and so can all be seen in my profile

[StevieM]

Hey Tony,we're glad you're not a very good lurker .

I don't want anyone to get me wrong on this, I've got NOTHING against user names, some of 'em are really good, and funny.  On a couple of history sites I'm Gimley, and Planet Rock it's ----Eeyore. That way I can be a right grumpy old sod and get away with it!!!!!

It's just that I don't see the need to not at least put a first name on your profile. At least then if, lets say, there's a PM either way, it sounds a bit friendlier than just putting 'Hi there' or something?

Just my thoughts on it, that's all.