Just curious why anonymity rules when giving personal opinions in online forums, responses to articles etc.... what's the purpose? Most everywhere else in our society we are out in the open when giving opinions or communicating why not online?
Replies
54
Admin
It goes back to the early days of the internet. There are still plenty of people who want to remain private, or be free to say what they want with freedom from consequence. Sometimes this is good and sometimes bad.
Sites like Facebook are getting people more comfortable with putting personal info online. Ironically though, privacy on Facebook is a complete illusion.
Sites like Facebook are getting people more comfortable with putting personal info online. Ironically though, privacy on Facebook is a complete illusion.
Beach Fanatic
Just curious why anonymity rules when giving personal opinions in online forums, responses to articles etc.... what's the purpose? Most everywhere else in our society we are out in the open when giving opinions or communicating why not online?
I have noticed that people will tell you how they really feel when they use an alias. Which is good. You can really learn a lot about an issue when people are willing to really tell you the way they feel. I use my name and would imagine it has cost me a few votes in my business life. Oh well. ;-)
Moderator
I use "singinchicken" because it was the login name I have always used for everything. One less thing to remember. On the other hand, I'm one of maybe 10 people I can think of on the board who actually has a picture of me as my avatar...
SoWal Expert
I use an alias because of how many people view the site - and how crazy some of them are.
My guess is that about 90% of the regular posters also know each other by "real" names - it's a big website and a small town so we are only "anonymous" to a few.
My guess is that about 90% of the regular posters also know each other by "real" names - it's a big website and a small town so we are only "anonymous" to a few.
Edited
Beach Fanatic
It's easy to anonymously throw mud or controversial ideas.
SWGB
It's easy to anonymously throw mud or controversial ideas.
Says the anonymous poster.
got any pics?
If I told you my real identity then you would tell your friends and they would tell their friends, then pretty soon all kinds of people would be call me on the horn asking me to perform at Birthday Parities and Bar Mitzvahs... It would get out of hand real fast ...
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Edited
Beach Fanatic
Maybe part of it is the fun of having an alter ego.
Admin
Or 2. RO - what exactly do you "PREform"?
Banned
We use aliases online because we can.
got any pics?
Or 2. RO - what exactly do you "PREform"?
I have a interpretive dance routine demonstrating my life with lysdexlia :angry:
Beach Fanatic
It is fun and most of us SoWal regulars know who each other are. Newbies can crack the code fairly easy by being active and showing up sometime at a soiree. If you ask, most people will tell you -- in person -- of course. Anonymous names aren't anything new, either. It is a long standing tradition that goes back to at least 1726. Many had "correspondence circles" back then and they used aliases when they wrote letters to each other. Other authors have used aliases. The History of New York was written by Diedrich Knickerbocker (Washington Irving). We might not have the New York "Knicks" without his creative mind. With over 9 or 12 million views on SoWal, imho, it is probably okay for not everyone to know who we are. Adds to the mystery of SoWal. 
Beach Fanatic
I thought it had to do with virtual realities....
Beach Fanatic
It is fun and most of us SoWal regulars know who each other are. Newbies can crack the code fairly easy by being active and showing up sometime at a soiree. If you ask, most people will tell you -- in person -- of course. Anonymous names aren't anything new, either. It is a long standing tradition that goes back to at least 1726. Many had "correspondence circles" back then and they used aliases when they wrote letters to each other. Other authors have used aliases. The History of New York was written by Diedrich Knickerbocker (Washington Irving). We might not have the New York "Knicks" without his creative mind. With over 9 or 12 million views on SoWal, imho, it is probably okay for not everyone to know who we are. Adds to the mystery of SoWal.
DL, Love your history lessons -- I always learn something! and I like the mystery.
Dave, you are truly one of the "good guys" too good to keep secret!
Beach Fanatic
We use aliases online because we can.
Dude. You're SO deep.
I thought it had to do with virtual realities....
I adore the Enchanted Forest!
Beach Fanatic
I have a interpretive dance routine demonstrating my life with lysdexlia :angry:
Now, that's funny......I don't care who you are!:funn:I remain anomalous because my given name isn't nearly as descriptive of "who I am" as my autonomous one.
SoWal Insider
Dude. You're SO deep.
I adore the Enchanted Forest!
SoWal Insider
I hope this doesn't bust too many bubbles, but "Mark Twain" wasn't really "Mark Twain", and Bob may not be Bob.
Beach Fanatic
Or 2.
Isn't it OK to have two as long as you do not talk to yourself?
SoWal Expert
Or 2.
Isn't it OK to have two as long as you do not talk to yourself?
Some people have multiples. It's usually kinda obvious though.
Beach Fanatic
It's kind of tough if you have a alter ego. Then you have to keep up with what he is doing and what you are doing. It can get very confusing. Now, who did I post under??????
Beach Lover
I didn't realize some people posted under multiple names. What would be the purpose? An alias is much different than an alter-ego. The latter suggest a possible psychological disorder.
Beach Fanatic
Maybe part of it is the fun of having an alter ego.
....or multiple personalities! There really are a lot of crazy people out there.
Beach Fanatic
On the other hand, I'm one of maybe 10 people I can think of on the board who actually has a picture of me as my avatar...
And me!
Banned
Poppy is my real name, just ask my grandkids.
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