BT3Central, A Family??

[Ken Massingale]

I see many, many posts here referring to this forum as kind of a family, and it is. Members help each other with woodworking and other projects, share personal happiness and grief, and just normally treat each other with respect.

But you know, I actually know all my blood family by name. For me one aspect of a family atmosphere that is missing here at BT3Central is lack of names. I respect members who prefer to remain anonymous on the Net but at least a first name at the end of a post would sure be nice. Heck, make one up!
Especially when I reply to a nice finished project or to a post of a members personal tragedy it just seems something is missing when I can't address the poster in a somewhat personal manner.

O.K., I feel better.
Ken

[jaywood]

Thanks Ken -

I like the thought... and, like you, respect other's privacy as well. Most people probably think my name is Jay... since my handle is Jaywood... but it's really John. I chose Jaywood because my brother called me J-Boy (after the Frisch's J-Boy back in the 60's)... I just made up the handle of Jaywood from that.

John

[LinuxRandal]

Carefull Ken, someone may get upset here, and go ask for permission to whack you!

Sorry, different type of family


You can guess my name (hint, it's not the L part), but as this is a family forum, I can't just tell you I normally respond to "hey *$$hole", LOL

Newer members tend to wait and watch a while before using their real first name, at least from my views.

[gad5264]

Ken, I could not agree more. I talk to people on here more than I do some of my family (by choice). My name is in my signature line.

[TheRic]

I agree Ken, the atmosphere around here is like a family. I think that is one of the main reasons people like it here. I think most people could figure out my first name from my username, but I also have it in my signature. Like LinuxRandal I go by many names that can't be repeated on this board.

[cabinetman]

I do agree with name calling. The use of names may have different ramifications for some individuals. For those that deal with the public, that public can view these forums without joining. Speaking for myself, I discuss certain jobs, problems with clients, and techniques and their variables in posting. I can't say that the problem of clients reading about themselves in posts is a common happening. With all the posting I have done on this and other forums, I have only received one phone call from a client that recognized pictures that I posted.

It was a risk I took willingly. As for other information that I shared, may not be best in my own circumstance for my clients to be aware of any medical conditions, or personal lifestyle problems. This is a family by all sense of the meaning but of a different sort. It represents the freedom from retribution for that which may be considered a personal "confession". Therefore, this family offers a kind and helpful "ear" to that which may be problematic or confrontational in the marital or parental scheme of things.

I do respond to earnest PM's and emails with my name. I feel the compassion or personal interest sought by someone deserves that gesture. I'm just spouting off here with my initial response to this suggestion.
.

[Sam Conder]

Heck, make one up!

"Some call me.... Tim."

[Garasaki]

I think it's a cool idea to put just your first name in your sig line.

Some sites require you to use your full first and last name as your forum name. I think that's dumb. I like my forum name...it's unique and easily recognizable. But it's got nothing to do with my real name and I also like the idea of being called by my real name too (if for no other reason then people always mispell my choosen forum name!)

[Ken Massingale]

"Some call me.... Tim."

O.K., Timmy it is!

Timmy Bottlewasher does have a nice ring to it....

[Ken Massingale]

I think it's a cool idea to put just your first name in your sig line.

Some sites require you to use your full first and last name as your forum name. I think that's dumb. I like my forum name...it's unique and easily recognizable. But it's got nothing to do with my real name and I also like the idea of being called by my real name too (if for no other reason then people always mispell my choosen forum name!)

Soooooooo???

[Russianwolf]

I think it's a cool idea to put just your first name in your sig line.

Some sites require you to use your full first and last name as your forum name. I think that's dumb. I like my forum name...it's unique and easily recognizable. But it's got nothing to do with my real name and I also like the idea of being called by my real name too (if for no other reason then people always mispell my choosen forum name!)

In those cases I tell them my name is Russ(el) Ian Wolf. Let them try to prove that it's not my real name.

[Uncle Cracker]

I'm still kind of a noob around here, but I have to cast a dissenting vote here. The fact is, you don't have to know my name to accomplish the purposes of this forum, which is to help each other out. I have a very good reason for not posting it, and I appreciate all who can respect that. One of the best aspects of a forum is anonymity for those who want it, and as long as we are civil to each other, rather than throwing poop around, there should not be any objection. I think I can make the same contribution to the "community" either way. As for "inventing" a name, isn't that exactly what we do when we come up with a handle? Thought so. So I hope that y'all can see your way clear to keep calling me Uncle Cracker, or Uncle C, or just Cracker. I'd appreciate it.

[SARGE..g-47]

Morning Ken...

I agree about first names and a state location is helpful in many cases when answering a question that might have a relation to weather, etc.

John Thompson
Lawrenceville, Ga.

Life is simple until we complicate it.

Regards...

[Garasaki]

The fact is, you don't have to know my name to accomplish the purposes of this forum, which is to help each other out. I have a very good reason for not posting it, and I appreciate all who can respect that. One of the best aspects of a forum is anonymity for those who want it, and as long as we are civil to each other, rather than throwing poop around, there should not be any objection. I think I can make the same contribution to the "community" either way.

I dont think anyone is suggesting making it mandatory. And, yes, you're absolutely right, we can accomplish exactly whatever we want to without knowing your name. Real names can just help people feel a little more "real".

I think just using first names allows the anyonomity (sp?) that is nice on forums.


PS - Is your middle initial W.?

[Uncle Cracker]

I dont think anyone is suggesting making it mandatory.

I didn't think so either. It's just that even my first name could serve to defeat my purpose, and I have a more comfortable feel coming here knowing that those I (and my family) wish to avoid will not see me here. Google and other search bots can be very invasive. Just don't want anyone here thinking I'm trying to be disingenuous in some way. Nuff said.