Author Topic: Pseudonyms (False names) (Read 1754 times)

Matthew · « **on:** February 29, 2008, 11:01:33 AM »

Has anyone but me noticed that MOST people on CathInfo attach their Christian name (first name) to their screen name?

However, Four_Marks never did this. He wanted to stay a "mystery man/woman".

I would recommend the highest level of scrutiny of ANYONE who refuses to identify himself/herself in any real manner. It's simply too dangerous -- you can do/say ANYTHING when there is no connection to the real world.

And yes, that goes for EVERYONE -- not just Four_Marks.

Matthew

PinoyMonk · « **Reply #1 on:** February 29, 2008, 11:15:48 AM »

Matthew,

This may very well be an issue that needs to be discussed, but why is there any need to drag Four_Marks into it? If he's already gone, why don't we just leave him alone?

Just some thoughts...

Pinoy Monk

Matthew · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2008, 11:26:49 AM »

You are correct in your thinking -- however, Four_Marks isn't exactly "gone".

He wrote a letter to the "customer service" department of the place I work for. It was a long letter, complaining of my treatment of him on CathInfo. I got a call from my boss this morning, asking what the deal was. In fact, he thought that Four_Marks might be connected with the large, mainstream Catholic website 4marks.com. I quickly brought him up to speed.

Now even a guest can look at my profile and get my e-mail address -- there was no need for Four_Marks to bring my workplace into it.

Do you know what's funny? He was accusing me of slandering his name -- but he's never -- ONCE -- given us his/her name! How can you slander a pseudonym? I don't think you can -- because he could just ditch his pseudonym and pick another! Your REAL name is a different story. You can't ditch that -- hence the damage that is done if someone takes away from your good name. That's why slander is sinful.

Matthew

Dulcamara · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2008, 11:42:52 AM »

Actually, even though this is a Catholic forum, anybody can join and read it. If people go around giving their real names, that information can be used to get other information. And some of us don't feel okay with that. Maybe it's just idle paranoia, but... it goes along with that "never talk to strangers" common sense. Those who are careful are safe. Those who are not careful may escape any kind of disaster, but of the two they are the more likely to get into trouble.

MaterDominici · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2008, 11:43:42 AM »

My thoughts are that as MOST people are capable of behaving themselves in a manner not unlike that which they would do in person, I don't see a problem with not giving your real name out on an Internet forum.

However, if someone were to attempt to contact me apart from this forum and not use some form of their actual name, that's a good sign that they're not inclined to be accountable for their actions.

I'd never send an email to someone from an address linked enclusively to "MaterDominici".

FWIW,
Jennifer

Matthew · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2008, 11:49:14 AM »

A pseudonym is like body armor --

If I were to shoot -- with a .22 -- someone who was wearing full body armor (a helmet and all), assuming there are no gaps in the armor, I wouldn't be guilty of attempted murder.

It might be vandalism if I damaged his armor or made him replace it, but if it will stop all bullets, I obviously didn't intend to kill him.

All the guy would have to do is replace his body armor if I damaged it.

Apply body armor to a psudonym, and murder to slander, and you'll understand what I mean.

Matthew

Dulcamara · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2008, 11:55:10 AM »

Quote from: ChantCd

You are correct in your thinking -- however, Four_Marks isn't exactly "gone".

He wrote a letter to the "customer service" department of the place I work for. It was a long letter, complaining of my treatment of him on CathInfo. I got a call from my boss this morning, asking what the deal was. In fact, he thought that Four_Marks might be connected with the large, mainstream Catholic website 4marks.com. I quickly brought him up to speed.

:shocked:

"Well, you see Lord... the reason his wife and kids lost their home that time is because that guy had the nerve to kick me out of his forum... (never mind that he said he was leaving anyhow)"

:scratchchin: Hmm... don't think that'd go over too well...

hailmary · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:08:06 PM »

My name is Teresa (I chose HailMary because I wanted to honor our Lady so everytime some one reads my screen name they will praise Mary). Btw FMs real name was Laurence (he told me).

Kephapaulos · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:22:10 PM »

Most name is in my profile actually, but my middle name is an initial. Most have called me simply Teo. What's weird is that my name of "Teo" has actually been on television in two shows and in two episodes of the same show. It's strange because that name is not very common. I mean how many Teos do you all know besides me?

As far as pseudonyms and usernames go, I think it sort of might not matter too much now as far as the powers that be go because they probably could just find out about us anyway. I understand though when one would not reveal his or her name as far as not allowing criminals know who they are and take advantage of them. It would probably be more necessary especially for girls and women who do prefer not to reveal their name publically on the internet. After all, so many wackos are out there now.

Kephapaulos · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:23:12 PM »

Quote from: Kephapaulos

Most name is in my profile actually, but my middle name is an initial. Most have called me simply Teo. What's weird is that my name of "Teo" has actually been on television in two shows and in two episodes of the same show. It's strange because that name is not very common. I mean how many Teos do you all know besides me?

As far as pseudonyms and usernames go, I think it sort of might not matter too much now as far as the powers that be go because they probably could just find out about us anyway regardless. I understand though when one would not reveal his or her name as far as not allowing criminals know who they are and take advantage of them. It would probably be more necessary especially for girls and women who do prefer not to reveal their name publically on the internet. After all, so many wackos are out there now.

Kephapaulos · « **Reply #10 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:24:57 PM »

I guess we can't edit posts anymore. I miss editting posts. :cry:

I'm many times a stickler for being exact and grammatically correct.

hailmary · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:27:21 PM »

I know of some other Teos. For instance on MySpace there are like a million.

Matthew · « **Reply #12 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:32:52 PM »

Maybe we should give our FIRST name, and keep our last name a secret. That should allow for security, without giving a complete cloak of anonymity.

hailmary · « **Reply #13 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:34:48 PM »

Good idea!

Kephapaulos · « **Reply #14 on:** February 29, 2008, 01:49:57 PM »

Quote from: hailmary

I know of some other Teos. For instance on MySpace there are like a million.

Oh, yes, I know there are others, but how many of them do you or anyone else here actually know?

I've never met anyone else with the name Teo, but I have been in the same room as one when I was at a doctors' at one time.