I'm not a WoW player cos I think it's for saddos at a level beyond what my self image is comfortable with. However recently there has been some controversy about Blizzards plans to make people that post on their forums do so using their real names. The justification was that it would remove trolling and make people more accountable for what they say. This, understandably, caused a major outcry and the plans have been shelved.
(http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news...ire-Real-Names)

To be honest, I regret using my real first name on this forum (though I was more naive back in 2005), but fortunately I'm not googlable and you can't find me using pipl.com either (I tried, lots of people with my name, but not me). I understand that users of facebook might have a different view of what anonymity means to us normals, but if BE pulled a stunt like that I'd probably not post here anymore (cue predictable jokes).

Alan is your real name?

Oink Smith?

Well, 2005 isn't my real surname.

year of birth?

Surprisingly enough, Chookie isn't my real name... but it was a nickname of mine when I was a wee lass.

And it starts with the same letter as my real name...

I doubt I would post or register to post on a forum with my real name - I prefer a certain amount of anonymity (plus I actually hate my real name!)

it reflects my mental age.

I'd be surprised if there were many people left. There are a few that do post using their full name, e.g. I think JamesM used to, but he changed it.

I tried a couple of search including pipl.com and couldn't find me and I do use my real first name and the first letter of my last name.

However I agree with you if BE went to full name or no posts then I would be gone.

There are times I would agree with this.

I wouldn't post here under my real name. Apart from the loss of anonymity and the posting on a public forum on company time (and from a work PC), I speak for my employer on a number of matters including some on which I post personal opinions on here. It would be tedious if I had to put a conflict-of-interest disclaimer on every opinion I offer.

It would not take a genius to work out who I am IRL if they searched the CGA website. So I have to watch my Ps and Qs. I'd probably have been banned by now if I was posting anonymously.

I would never post on a public forum under my real name .............

Oh .................crap


Seriously this is the only one that I do.

I don't know why I decided to , I know why I didn't use my real name on the times Ed forum I post on, but I reckon even on that I could be recognized now coz I am past caring if my cover is blown. However when I was still teaching I needed to be able to slag off senior management somewhere

Mine is an anagram. I'm just not very good at anagrams.

I wish I hadn't used my real name...stops me saying somethings I would LOVE to say...maybe it is a good thing actually...

duh! ..... Oinks real name is Billy Casper!