Upcoming rule change for 2020.

[bdk]

I don't want to use my real name because I don't want yet more opportunities to reduce my privacy. Anyone that needs to know my name already knows it or can ask me. I've been here for a very long time!

[phil65]

Scott; If you were to charge everybody $2/month to post, wouldn't that solve most of the problems ?

Phil

[Craig59]

Not sure I understand the angst over using 'rank' with names on a board like this. I'm military and if someone wants to pretend they are some Colonel or Captain on a board like this, it really doesn't matter to me. No different than people who pretend they are actual warbird pilots. The truth comes out in their posts.

Have to agree.

As a former USAF Captain and current airline captain, I find the whole “stolen valor” argument on a board like this a little silly. It’s not as if I’ve seen any member here attempt to exploit a self-chosen title like that in an untoward manor. And I’m relatively certain any member who did so would be taken to task rather quickly.

Much ado about nothing. YMMV

[Mark Allen M]

Hey!!! my very first WIX login name was "Hellcat Driver" that I came up with to somehow pay tribute to the ole man who actually was a Hellcat driver .... In fact it was my very first internet blog/forum/password login anywhere. I had NO IDEA that some dopes would take it literally. If I would have known there would be backlash to a stupid login name I would have used something like "Go Fubar Yourself" or some other catchy name.

I can completely understand the theory that if a member uses his/her real name that some sort of accountability will prevail. Unfortunately that's just a pipe dream. There's been plenty of people who use their real names (as far as we know) and are just as ignorant, rude and "trollful" as those that go by "General Numbskull".

[K5DH]

I have to agree with those who've opined that these proposed changes won't change much, except to potentially drive some users away. Obviously on any chat board there will be plenty of "internet bullies" who hide behind a screen name and gripe at other users from the sanctity of their mommy's basement. I've never been part of a chat board that didn't have them, and it's always been obvious who they are. The poseurs are easy to distinguish from the real deal. Sure, these folks' antics can "cheapen" the experience, but it's easy enough to ignore them.

As for me, my WIX "handle" -- K5DH -- is my U.S. Amateur Radio Operator call sign, something that's easily verifiable. And I use my full name in my signature block. I've been around WIX long enough for most people to know me (or know of me) and know that I am who I claim to be, and that I am a "real warbird guy" and not a poseur. I'd prefer to stick with what I have until I'm forced to change. If Scott decides to enforce the use of real names, I will comply. I like WIX and I would like to stay a member!

[Richard W.]

Like every other private forum, the guy who pays the bills calls the shots.

I’m on board with whatever happens.

[Jim MacDonald]

Not sure I understand the angst over using 'rank' with names on a board like this. I'm military and if someone wants to pretend they are some Colonel or Captain on a board like this, it really doesn't matter to me. No different than people who pretend they are actual warbird pilots. The truth comes out in their posts.

Have to agree.

As a former USAF Captain and current airline captain, I find the whole “stolen valor” argument on a board like this a little silly. It’s not as if I’ve seen any member here attempt to exploit a self-chosen title like that in an untoward manor. And I’m relatively certain any member who did so would be taken to task rather quickly.

Much ado about nothing. YMMV

I agree with Craig59. I feel the whole "Stolen Valor" thing has gone way overboard. It seems that anyone seen wearing an old field jacket who doesn't fit the Military image is accused of "Stolen Valor". Having a rank mentioned in your signature block, whether it can or cannot be proved that you ever held that rank to me is a lot different than somebody wearing medals they did not earn or claiming to be some Special Forces operator that's had some "really hairy missions that I can't really talk about or I'd have to kill you but if you buy me a beer I'll let you in on some of the details" types that are out there.

Just my 2 cents.

Mac