Author Topic: Pseudonyms (False names) (Read 2111 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