Generally, why would any of us spend time on this forum if we didn't care a thing about what is discussed?

If we don't care, then sure, stay anonymous, say what you like because ultimately to you - who cares.

Ah, but if we do care, even just a little, and go through the time to actually post, why would anyone resist signing what they have to say? I don't suggest first and last names with accompanying address, but some sort of manner in which everyone is able to qualify the individual.

If a person isn't willing to do this, after you strip all the layers aside, there can only be two possible reasons:
One, they do in fact use this as a 'second' sort of incognito life due to self esteem issues, or
Two, for one reason or another, they genuinely want to express a side of themselves that they are insecure with thus far (ie, they want to comment and feel they have good contributions to make, but are afraid of being 'attacked' by the more educated and possibly more eloquent writers that lurk around these parts).

So for me, I'm for owning up to what you post. Don't waste my time making me sift through/past your posts if you don't even think what you have to say is worth it's authors autograph!

OK, here's where I'm coming from on this.

I had a customer misunderstand something that I wrote here. My name was googled and the person was led to this forum. I was not able to explain what I really meant because I was not with the person when they read and misunderstood what I wrote. I found out later while having a discussion with the person. So, I no longer have my first and last name as a signature in order to avoid such misunderstandings in the future..... So there it is.

That's to bad Byron. I've actually gotten quite a lot of work, phone calls, private emails, private PM's and have made appointments with new customers because of this piano forum and my postings. Not that I'm any brighter than anyone else in here. Maybe my bulb is even dimmer! NO COMMENTS ON THAT ONE NOW!!!

I've also been fortunate enough to make some pretty good friends in here since I started. I'm keeping my name in here. That's my story and "I'm sticking to it!"

I obviously don't care anything about being anonymous, but I know for a fact that some people don't care as much about remaining anonymous on a forum, as they do remaining anonymous on the Internet.

I don't know what kind of trouble you can get into if you name is known to the world but apparently it can be a problem. Maybe someone can tell what issues there could be.

Anyway, I certainly respect that reason and support their decision.

I think I've read threads here about people who have changed their names because of various issues.

And, seriously from me this time...I really don't care if the folks posting are using their sir names or not. I use RPD (my initials and why couldn't my last name start with "T"...just kidding guys)

Anyway, I've had great discussions with people who use their sir names, and also others who slightly veil their names like I do (one click away, and there I am). I don't take too seriously critics or techs who speak in negative terms but only give their alias names, but that's just my view.

Its all good.

RPD

I consider you a friend Jerry, I really do.
And my finger print record is clean, so are my socks and underwear. My full name is Jack Byr-n Ens-gn III. Sorry, too much information... huh?

Well, even though I've never actually met him...face-wise...I don't like Jerry...I think he's too frostbitten to be congenial to us warm-folk...AND IN THIS, I AM UNANIMOUS!!!

Dangit...now I can't loose my tongue from my cheek...blech...

Thanks Byron, the feeling is mutual.

Is that really your name or are you having funnin with my widdle mind again?



Just for that, may all of the bats in the belfry flip around and join the bats in your belfry and fly around your head for hours on end while you run and hide trying to get away the next time you tune in an old church JD!

Cool, I like it.