WIX problems and civility

[gunnyperdue]

Zach, et all-

I've got a modest proposal for you. I propose that you do away with screen names... all posters have to use their real names. I've been a long time member of AVSIG (the longest surviving chat forum on the internet.... since the earliest days of compuserve) and it has always required real names, a couple of other forums I am a member of do the same. It really cuts down on some folks false "courage" and the feeling they can say anything they want while hiding behind an anonymous screen name.

Solid rule... if you take a shot you have to claim it.....

my nickel on the grass,
gunny
aka Scott Perdue

[Zachary]

My screen name is Zachary. My real name is Zachary. I've never tried to hide my identity on the Web or elsewhere. Using your real or a screen name doesn't make one any more civil or respectful. It's attitudes that have to change in my opinion. You can fundamentally disagree with someone on religion, politics, or favorite salad dressing; it doesn't mean you have to hate that person or not be friends. I'd miss out on having some very dear friends if I thought they had to have the same viewpoints as me.

[muddyboots]

Zach, et all-

I've got a modest proposal for you. I propose that you do away with screen names... all posters have to use their real names. I've been a long time member of AVSIG (the longest surviving chat forum on the internet.... since the earliest days of compuserve) and it has always required real names, a couple of other forums I am a member of do the same. It really cuts down on some folks false "courage" and the feeling they can say anything they want while hiding behind an anonymous screen name.

Solid rule... if you take a shot you have to claim it.....

my nickel on the grass,
gunny
aka Scott Perdue

In the real world this won't work. But you're welcome to put your personal info out on the web for anyone to abuse. WHile you're at it can I have your address and social security number? I need a new car.

[gunnyperdue]

Muddyboots and Zachary-

I think you guys miss the point.... using a real name does not equate to forcing the same opinion on any subject.... and in fact this is the real world, maybe even the partially grown up world.... did you miss the point that I've been on a forum that requires it since before either of you graduated High School (most likely, I have no idea how old either of you are)? My experience is that there are always folks that will step on their own .... regardless, but using a real name does in fact put a damper on those folks without the courage to claim their shots.

If you want to try and steal my identity.... go ahead and try.... a rather weak attempt at humor Muddy, try again....

See, we're disagreeing and not defaming.
gunny

[Mudge]

Gunny...All due respect but...how is knowing my real name gonna' make any difference as to how I'm treated here? I think half the troops here already know my real name and still, the great majority of the time, treat me with respect. It's what you post and the manner in which you post it that earns. or loses, respect. If I post something that disrespects someone, intentionally or not, I expect to be called on it. Respectfully , of course. By the same token, if someone posts something that disrespects me, intentionally or not, they can expect to hear from me. As some can attest to. It may be on the forum or via PM, but they will hear from me.

Mudge the mostly respectful

[Zachary]

It's what you post and the manner in which you post it that earns. or loses, respect.

You hit the nail on the head!

[gunnyperdue]

Gunny...All due respect but...how is knowing my real name gonna' make any difference as to how I'm treated here? I think half the troops here already know my real name and still, the great majority of the time, treat me with respect. It's what you post and the manner in which you post it that earns. or loses, respect. If I post something that disrespects someone, intentionally or not, I expect to be called on it. Respectfully , of course. By the same token, if someone posts something that disrespects me, intentionally or not, they can expect to hear from me. As some can attest to. It may be on the forum or via PM, but they will hear from me.

Mudge the mostly respectful

Mudge-

I don't know your name.... and respectfully, while you made a good point about what is posted and what is said, you miss the point of what I am saying. Turn your comments around 180 degrees.... if a poster has to use his/her real name they are less likely to 'go off' on a rant... hiding behind a screen name. It is not about the receiver.... it is about the broadcaster.

Ultimately respect is what keeps a forum alive... disagreement is ok. If ya'll want to cling to your screen names.... do it... I think it is hiding behind a mask. Hide if you wish.

But honestly, I see this flare up of vitriol more often on this forum than the others I frequent.... and frankly it get's a little boring.

gunny

[Jack Cook]

I am me..but I'm hoping to do better

[Hemiman]

We're just one happy clan!

[Mudge]

Gunny...All due respect but...how is knowing my real name gonna' make any difference as to how I'm treated here? I think half the troops here already know my real name and still, the great majority of the time, treat me with respect. It's what you post and the manner in which you post it that earns. or loses, respect. If I post something that disrespects someone, intentionally or not, I expect to be called on it. Respectfully , of course. By the same token, if someone posts something that disrespects me, intentionally or not, they can expect to hear from me. As some can attest to. It may be on the forum or via PM, but they will hear from me.

Mudge the mostly respectful

Mudge-

I don't know your name.... and respectfully, while you made a good point about what is posted and what is said, you miss the point of what I am saying. Turn your comments around 180 degrees.... if a poster has to use his/her real name they are less likely to 'go off' on a rant... hiding behind a screen name. It is not about the receiver.... it is about the broadcaster.

Ultimately respect is what keeps a forum alive... disagreement is ok. If ya'll want to cling to your screen names.... do it... I think it is hiding behind a mask. Hide if you wish.

But honestly, I see this flare up of vitriol more often on this forum than the others I frequent.... and frankly it get's a little boring.

gunny

Sorry Gunny...I still disagree (respectfully). Why do you consider a user name as opposed to a real name, hiding?

Mudge the disagreeable
(That doesn't sound quite right. )

[gunnyperdue]

I am me..but I'm hoping to do better

Jack-

I'd say you're doin' pretty good as you so far!

gunny

[Nathan]

On my aviation forum I suggest everyone to use there real name. As a way to keep the forum friendly, respectful, and easier too remember who is who. Also it just makes the place more like home. I like made up screen names too but its harder to keep track of everyone and hard to remember everyone that way.

[gunnyperdue]

Gunny...All due respect but...how is knowing my real name gonna' make any difference as to how I'm treated here? I think half the troops here already know my real name and still, the great majority of the time, treat me with respect. It's what you post and the manner in which you post it that earns. or loses, respect. If I post something that disrespects someone, intentionally or not, I expect to be called on it. Respectfully , of course. By the same token, if someone posts something that disrespects me, intentionally or not, they can expect to hear from me. As some can attest to. It may be on the forum or via PM, but they will hear from me.

Mudge the mostly respectful

Mudge-

I don't know your name.... and respectfully, while you made a good point about what is posted and what is said, you miss the point of what I am saying. Turn your comments around 180 degrees.... if a poster has to use his/her real name they are less likely to 'go off' on a rant... hiding behind a screen name. It is not about the receiver.... it is about the broadcaster.

Ultimately respect is what keeps a forum alive... disagreement is ok. If ya'll want to cling to your screen names.... do it... I think it is hiding behind a mask. Hide if you wish.

But honestly, I see this flare up of vitriol more often on this forum than the others I frequent.... and frankly it get's a little boring.

gunny

Sorry Gunny...I still disagree (respectfully). Why do you consider a user name as opposed to a real name, hiding?

Mudge the disagreeable
(That doesn't sound quite right. )

Mudge-

The short answer... Experience. On and off line.....

But the bottom line here is that these boards are a way of broadening our collective experience base, of establishing friendships and sharing the love of flying, warbirds, etc. If you are asking me why folks feel freer to 'act out' when using an alias... that is above my paygrade... I don't profess to know much about psychiatry. But I do know that it happens. I know something else... this opinion is not mine alone. I've been a member of AVSIG since way back in the early-80's when it first appeared on Compuserve... full names has always been the policy there. It gave birth to Beechtalk... uses the same policy.... between them over 10k members... must be doing something right.

The friendship part.... I've made life long friendships from AVSIG.... here's an example... Zachary works at EAA, I'd bet he knows Scott Guyette... Scott is one of my closest friends... we worked together on the TV show Wings to Adventure... my friend Tom Gresham came up with that show... I've known Tom for, jeez, something like 17 years... met him on AVSIG, camped next to him at Oshkosh... been to a dozen Rubber Chicken Parties on the first night of Oshkosh... it started as a party for the 20 or so of us camping together... sponsored by Walter Atkinson and Brent Blue.... we all met on AVSIG.... you know your friends by their names. We're still friends... I call them for advice and just to catch up. My life is richer because of this.

I don't know Mudge, or Muddyboots or Becky Feats.... maybe we'd be friends or maybe not... but I have no idea who they are... and not much incentive to know them as people. I don't really care to talk with a handle.... with a persona, a screen name and not a real person. An avatar has no opinion, it isn't real to me.

I can't explain it much clearer than that... if you wish to remain Anonymous... go ahead. I fought for your right to have your own opinion.... have it, I won't take it away from you. But frankly, I don't see how a screen name engenders any level of respect.

In the meantime, I've got friends to meet and talk with..... in the real world. Have a good one,
gunny

[Jack Cook]

Jack-I'd say you're doin' pretty good as you so far!

gunny

I've pissed more than a few folks off (just ask the ladies who run the FTA Forum).
The thread on Bruce Carr is a good example or any one on PB or CY
But, anything I write will have my name attached to it and I wouldn't have it any other way.

[muddyboots]

Muddyboots and Zachary-

I think you guys miss the point.... using a real name does not equate to forcing the same opinion on any subject.... and in fact this is the real world, maybe even the partially grown up world.... did you miss the point that I've been on a forum that requires it since before either of you graduated High School (most likely, I have no idea how old either of you are)? My experience is that there are always folks that will step on their own .... regardless, but using a real name does in fact put a damper on those folks without the courage to claim their shots.

If you want to try and steal my identity.... go ahead and try.... a rather weak attempt at humor Muddy, try again....

See, we're disagreeing and not defaming.
gunny

unfortunately you are operating under the assumption that everyone wil use our names with tact grace and honesty. Not everyone does or will, so I'll stick with muddy.