I notice that some of you use user names from other sites, similar avatars, or otherwise call attention to the fact that you are you when you're posting. You're more than just an occasional poster on one forum, you're a presence on several and have cultivated a reputation over the years.
What's that worth to you? Do you value it? If you had to completely give it up and start posting under a different handle, would you feel like you've lost something important to you?
I'm musing over similar questions and would love to hear anyone's thoughts.
I use J Arcane everywhere I go online, because at this point, it's basically my name, without being my name. My friends in Van called me J or Arcane more often than my real name.
It offers an element of anonimity, something important to me for cautiousness and safety reasons, but it's influence by me, and the familiarity is very much me. It also has the useful property of being quite unique, to the extent that if you see a "J Arcane" online somewhere, it's basically guaranteed to be me. I know, 'cause I've looked.
I did, at one point, on RPGnet change my name for a while, as I was in a particularly unpleasant period of my life, and basically not feeling like myself.
Overall though, it's basically my name as much as my real one, and I couldn't give that up anymore than I could my real name.
I use James McMurray because it's my name, but also it helps people recognize me. I like my reputation as it is, but wouldn't cry if some massive internet catastrophe made the username unavailable and I had to start over with a new name. I'd probably put "I used to be James McMurray" or something similar in my sig though, because I've met a lot of people on a lot of different boards and don't want to lose those contacts.
C.W. ,
Its an honesty thing for me. Might as wll use something close to the handle people already know me by. Plus I met some really GOOD and nice people in TREK fandom over the years.
One of them recognized me by my avatar on the big purple & pink - sent me private mail then called me up. It was good to catch up with her. Unfortunately, I decided to change my avatar over there...so that sort of thing might not happen as much.
The funny thing is its still like I'm a "different" person to different people. One frequent poster on another forum thought I might be bisexual or maybe a pagan. Others assumed I was a right-wing extremist. I'm not ( Don't go there ...its been done before...)
Besides - I don't even know how to make a sock puppet , so I might as well be ME.
- E.W.C.
It means zero. Just like everything else on the internet.
I am who I am.
I'd be me no matter what name I used. I prefer using a handle most places, using my name only in places where I write reviews.
Using a different handle can be hard-I used to use another several years ago, everywhere I posted (except RPG.net) but had some serious difficulties in my life and wanting to remove myself from those memories, and easy tracking me down by people I disliked. I don't hide who I am, but it made it a bit more difficult to just follow me around (I had stalker issues at the time.)
I use my name when I want people to know who I am. Otherwise I don't. On rpg.net I've gone by Scurrilous for a few years because I reached a point of dissatisfaction with the moderation policies that made me feel like I couldn't do more than snipe at the edges of conversations without getting dogpiled.
It just seems courteous. Few gamer geeks online post to just one site. So some will look at my posts, and consistently find them interesting; others will consistently find them dull or stupid, or whatever. If I keep the same handle, they can use it as shorthand to remind them whether or not they want to read what I've said!
Also, I barely remember the different passwords I have, I'd never remember a bunch of different handles, too...!
I use the same login for all the forums I register to but I'd be surprised if more than 5 or 6 people from any other forum recognize me. I'm not a very active poster. Keeping the same login is more for me than for other people. I have a horrible memory and it's a lot easier to remember one login than a half dozen!
Cos I'm short.
I couldn't care less.
Ned
Quote from: Ned the Lonely DonkeyI couldn't care less.
Ned
I used to be apathetic, but then I lost interest.
I lost my faith in nihilism.
Ned
Quote from: JimBobOzIt just seems courteous. Few gamer geeks online post to just one site. So some will look at my posts, and consistently find them interesting; others will consistently find them dull or stupid, or whatever. If I keep the same handle, they can use it as shorthand to remind them whether or not they want to read what I've said!
Also, I barely remember the different passwords I have, I'd never remember a bunch of different handles, too...!
Pretty much my reasoning, I see it as a courtesy thing and as being consistent. If I started a new handle that would be fine, but I'd use that consistently as well.
It's worth approximately jack shit.
Hey, man, I like my handle and my rep.
Quote from: BalbinusPretty much my reasoning, I see it as a courtesy thing and as being consistent. If I started a new handle that would be fine, but I'd use that consistently as well.
Incidentally, I'd use my real name, but I've had a cyberstalker once or twice... you'll never be rid of the hard-working stalkers, but most of them are lazy, so they won't notice posts and sigs linking to places with your real name, etc.
Also, I'm a published writer, though only a few credits, but I hope for more - so if someone does a search for my writing, I'd like them to find that, rather be stuck with zillions of forum posts ;)
Quote from: JimBobOzIncidentally, I'd use my real name, but I've had a cyberstalker once or twice... you'll never be rid of the hard-working stalkers, but most of them are lazy, so they won't notice posts and sigs linking to places with your real name, etc.
Also, I'm a published writer, though only a few credits, but I hope for more - so if someone does a search for my writing, I'd like them to find that, rather be stuck with zillions of forum posts ;)
Yeah, firstly I don't particularly want people searching for my name for work reasons getting a ton of gaming stuff, as that's unhelpful. Secondly, I really don't want some basement dwelling nutjob emailing me at work because I used my name online and said something he didn't like.
1) I have to remember a couple of dozen different login IDs and passwords for work, so having one login for most of the forums I visit simplifies matters.
2) I suck at names.
Here's generally what an online rep is worth: :fart:
I don't give a shit. Also, what Balbinus said.
I suppose it's worth about as much as my meatspace reputation.
I'll tell you what. Once I pick up an online rep, then I'll let you know. I'd be surprised if people had any expectations of me whatsoever, tbh.
I use my name as my handle and my picture as my avatar. I have used my name as my handle since 1997.
I don't have a rep.
I'll echo JimBob's and Balbinus' sympathies. Consistency in identity from one site to the next -- particularly if they related topically -- is a courtesy to others. It also demands more accountability for my actions on my part.
As for names, I also agree with them. Increasingly I need to separate my real name from online discussions (and arguments) for career reasons. At one point I decided that using my full real name was a mark of full accountability, but I've come to view it as more of a liability now -- not just to me, but to my family as well.
!i!
Well, for the most part I don't care. I use the same name from one site to the next just so I can keep track of all my logins ans such.
The other purpose is so that other posters ,that I like, can tell who I am. Makes conversation a bit easier. ;)
I think of my on-line reputation as I do of my real-life reputation. I do my best to talk straight, be myself, and not act like an idiot - not easy to juggle those, as they tend to be mutually contradictory. :D
-clash
Quote from: C.W.RichesonI notice that some of you use user names from other sites, similar avatars, or otherwise call attention to the fact that you are you when you're posting. You're more than just an occasional poster on one forum, you're a presence on several and have cultivated a reputation over the years.
What's that worth to you? Do you value it? If you had to completely give it up and start posting under a different handle, would you feel like you've lost something important to you?
I'm musing over similar questions and would love to hear anyone's thoughts.
I use related avatars and names on related forums. I use a totally different handle and avatar when posting elsewhere. I like to be able to recognize fellow RPG.net posters and for them to recognize me, but I doubt I would meet many (any) of you in other forums covering totally different aspects of my personal and professional life.
And I would lose absolutely nothing if I lost my identity(ies). I think a lot of people take the internet
way too fucking seriously. It's just a lot of digital wind. Now, I'm not saying I don't try to be nice and helpful. Or that I don't appreciate when people are helpful to me. But for a few years I think there was this internet utopia, where people liked to refer to anonymous users as "cowards" and where a lot of people who discovered the internet thought it was going to change the world. I think I bought this too in part.
There's a lot of bullshit going on. I don't feel I have to build a reputation in a virtual world that is even more full of bullshit than the real one.
Quote from: Consonant Dude...people liked to refer to anonymous users as "cowards"...
Yeah, I remember that business. For my part, I wasn't interested so much in real names making
other people accountable for their words as I was in compelling
myself to be responsible.
I think it may have been a sort of counter-"Matrix" reaction-formation on my part, too.
!i!
Thanks a lot for the responses, very insightful.
Some of you that aren't very concerned with reputation certainly have one. I clearly recognize you online and associate positive sentiment with you. I'm glad you try to maintain the same handle.
Just a note:
I try, actively, to use different handles for different boards. On a lifting board I frequent one of the posters used the same handle that he did on a hardcore femdom S&M board; he never lived it down.
I also periodically change handles just to insulate myself from the stupidity that builds up from posting every half-formed piece of loudmouthed ignorance I think of.
I'm akratic in real life, so the pseudonym fits. It's convenient to use the same name on different boards.
My handle is a warning for others.
"Uh-oh, there's that crazy Dr Rotwang! again. Stand by for 80's pop culture references, stupid jokes and ill-prepared statements about the cyberpunk genre in three...two...one..."
"Dude, you could just IL him."
I should note that I am not a donkey irl. Scientists aren't sure exactly what I am.
Ned
I use my real name on forums whenever it's available.
Quote from: Ned the Lonely DonkeyI should note that I am not a donkey irl.
"donkey irl"? You mean, like, opposite of "donkey oy"?
!i!
Quote from: Ian AbsentiaYeah, I remember that business. For my part, I wasn't interested so much in real names making other people accountable for their words as I was in compelling myself to be responsible.
I think it may have been a sort of counter-"Matrix" reaction-formation on my part, too.
!i!
I do get pissed off with the notion, prevalent in the indie scene for some reason, that using your real name is somehow more mature or more honest.
Bollocks, the use of internet handles allows people to post without clues as to their gender, race or culture. That's part of what makes the internet what it is. That and my desire not to have some fucktard stalking me does not mean I don't stand by what I say.
Quote from: Ian Absentia"donkey irl"? You mean, like, opposite of "donkey oy"?
!i!
Look at me when I'm talking to you, irl.
Ned
Quote from: BalbinusI do get pissed off with the notion, prevalent in the indie scene for some reason, that using your real name is somehow more mature or more honest.
Bollocks, the use of internet handles allows people to post without clues as to their gender, race or culture. That's part of what makes the internet what it is. That and my desire not to have some fucktard stalking me does not mean I don't stand by what I say.
You mean your real name isn't Balbinus? I'm really disappointed. I was half expecting you to carry on that bizarre UN convention of silly sectretary general names. Boutros Boutros Ghali, Sun-ki Moon....then when you got elected, Bobby Balbinus.
I'm crushed...:haw:
If i were trying to be billy-badass-full-of-wit, i suppose i might not use my name, but as it is...who cares.
The people who act the most concerned with online anonymity are usually the ones who troll the hardest, or incorrectly assume that they're somehow important.
I'm surprised that nobody has come at this from the angle of the monetary value of an online reputation.
Big companies pay big bucks for guerilla marketing campaigns to tap into exactly this effect ... the warm glow that you have toward people you "know" online, and how that glow transfers to ideas and products that they espouse. Same thing happens on the small-scale as well.
So, yeah, my reputation (both the good and the bad) has measurable worth to me. I can measure it in sales. If I were suddenly unable to keep growing that little identity it would (a) be sorta sad, emotionally and (b) impact my bottom-line.
Few of us have monetary bottom lines associated with our online representation. I imagine anyone who posts as a representative of a company like, for example, Wick, Justin Achilli, Mike Mearls, HinterWelt and others have given considerable thought to the value that their name has on their finances though.
If I were to publish my homebrew setting in exchange for dollah billz, I estimate that I'd go out of my way to bump my personality up a few notches, for example, and change the way I was viewed online because I would both care more, and have more invested in being known.
Quote from: TonyLBI'm surprised that nobody has come at this from the angle of the monetary value of an online reputation.
That's a definite consideration for me as a reviewer. Additionally, I'm more likely to at least look into a game if I know it's written by someone I already respect on roleplaying forums.
Capes, for instance :)
Quote from: C.W.RichesonThat's a definite consideration for me as a reviewer. Additionally, I'm more likely to at least look into a game if I know it's written by someone I already respect on roleplaying forums.
Capes, for instance :)
My problem with that, is that a lot of time it seems to color people's impressions. There is a natural urge to be less critical of people we know. I've experienced that in creative music seminars, where one minute, someone is bashing a well-known rock band and the next minute praising an amateur offering of extremely poor quality because the guy is right in our face and kind of nice.
Not saying you're doing that yourself. But it's something I keep in mind. Internet cliques are part of the bullshit I dislike about this medium and it's pretty clear that people are harsher on games where they don't know the creator. At least, that's how it works on RPG.net in general.
Can't blame creators for using that strategy, though. Internet is becoming a powerful PR tool, especially in such a niche industry. But at the end, I'm just interested in a quality product and not the time spent doing meaningless PR.
I'm more likely to look at past writing credits than posting history.
Dan Davenport's reputation shifts product, a good review from him makes a real difference I suspect.
Same for Shannon Appelcline and Tom Vasel to a degree for wargames/boardgames.
Quote from: Consonant DudeMy problem with that, is that a lot of time it seems to color people's impressions. There is a natural urge to be less critical of people we know.
Agreed. It can be tough, especially when you really want a person to do well (you know they have a financial interest in what you're reviewing) but don't think it's a quality product.
On the other side, an established reviewer like Dan gives us something that others don't - comparison. When you can look back over 20, 50, or 100 reviews you get a sense for what that reviewer thinks is important, what they think is a good game, and that sense is very helpful in making a decision on a product.
So, while there's always the concern that a reviewer is padding a review for a friend, the reputation also helps folk judge those reviews and take more away from them.
(and I take my review hobby way too damn seriously to present a review I wouldn't stand behind).
Quote from: C.W.Richeson(and I take my review hobby way too damn seriously to present a review I wouldn't stand behind).
Fair enough... its tough to find a good series of chapter synopses. You need to put your heart into that shit ;)
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalFair enough... its tough to find a good series of chapter synopses. You need to put your heart into that shit ;)
I can see you feel very strongly about reviews, I think that's great! If you think one or more of my reviews is of poor quality, I encourage you to post in a review thread either here or on RPG.net, or call my attention to something specific you think I could improve on.
This sort of commentary just isn't very helpful.
Relax... I'm just teasing you, I don't really read RPG reviews. The only reason I made a dig at you is because you stuck your head about the parapet in that other thread.
I'm sure you're an immensely talented reviewer, I just have a problem with synopses in reviews. I consider myself a sell-out if I include a proper plot synopsis. Too much reading Sight and Sound.
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalRelax... I'm just teasing you, I don't really read RPG reviews. The only reason I made a dig at you is because you stuck your head about the parapet in that other thread.
I'm sure you're an immensely talented reviewer, I just have a problem with synopses in reviews. I consider myself a sell-out if I include a proper plot synopsis. Too much reading Sight and Sound.
That's cool, thanks!
I actually went looking through some of your movie reviews the other day and found them to be really well done. Have you been putting out any reviews here at theRPGsite? I'd certainly read them.
I'm glad you liked my reviews, I find they vary in quality based upon how inspired I am so I'm currently making a concerting effort to read and write more and review less. Otherwise I get the impression that I'm on a chain-gang or endlessly repeating myself but I hope this approach will result in less burn-out periods and more fruitful reviews when I do write them.
A sizeable chunk of my disposable income actually comes from my reviewing. Between the sites that pay me for my reviews directly, the uncredited stuff I do for a few places and the sheer amount of stuff I get, it's a nice little earner. My blog is essentially there to "grow my brand" as it gets me known and gets me free stuff. I'm not John Clute yet but maybe someday...
I've never reviewed seriously for the various RPG sites out there. Partly now because they don't pay and I don't get free stuff, partly because the network externalities are different (the RPG, film, SF, fantasy and videogame critical circles are very different and don't massively interract) and partly because they're not really part of the plan.
It's comparatively rare that I buy an RPG and I don't really want what the RPG world has to offer. I don't want free RPGs, I don't want to write RPGs and I'm not engaged enough in any RPG community to want to benefit from the gift economics that that kind of free content generally involves. So the RPG scene has never figured in my reviewing really.
Though come to mention it, RPG sites don't demand exclusivity do they? so I could probably put a few up that would otherwise just go on my bog.
Sorry... that probably came off really cold and cynical but even though most of my income doesn't come from my criticism I kind of consider it my day job. Teaching undergrads is like making license plates... pays the bills but it's not what I do so I kind of look at it as a long term career somewhat weirdly.
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalThough come to mention it, RPG sites don't demand exclusivity do they? so I could probably put a few up that would otherwise just go on my bog.
Nope. Cross posting reviews isn't unusual, and it means they get seen by an entirely different audience.
QuoteSorry... that probably came off really cold and cynical but even though most of my income doesn't come from my criticism I kind of consider it my day job. Teaching undergrads is like making license plates... pays the bills but it's not what I do so I kind of look at it as a long term career somewhat weirdly.
*nods* Makes sense to me.
Quote from: JimBobOzIt just seems courteous(Are you takin' the piss here?). Few gamer geeks online post to just one site. Also, I barely remember the different passwords I have, I'd never remember a bunch of different handles, too...!
And there was I thinking that TheRPGsite was the only place a delusional dunny licker like you would be tolerated.
Memory problems eh? Might want to get that checked out.;)
Don't know why I didn't reply to this topic sooner. Guess my mind blanked it out every time I saw it.
My online 'identity' is probably more widely known than my real identity. I've had several people say they thought it was actually my real name. But then again I've gotten some credits in a few books under it.
Sadly the only reason I used a different name than my own online is the fact that I don't actually like my name that much at all. It's just so rather blah. But I've also never went around saying that my real name is PeterAmthor or anything.
Anyways just my rambling two cents on the whole damn thing.
Y'all.
Quote from: AnthrobotAnd there was I thinking that TheRPGsite was the only place a delusional dunny licker like you would be tolerated.
Memory problems eh? Might want to get that checked out.;)
Man, seriously, WTF? You jump into a thread purely in order to insult the guy, without even
attempting to say something on topic? That's pathetic. Don't you have anything better to do than stalk JimBob from thread to thread?
Quote from: C.W.RichesonOn the other side, an established reviewer like Dan gives us something that others don't - comparison. When you can look back over 20, 50, or 100 reviews you get a sense for what that reviewer thinks is important, what they think is a good game, and that sense is very helpful in making a decision on a product.
[SNIP]
(and I take my review hobby way too damn seriously to present a review I wouldn't stand behind).
Yeah, I appreciate Dan for that too! He's a favorite of mine.
And I've started noticing you the last few months. I confess I hadn't a clue who you were before that but I've grown to like what you are doing. I also feel you've improved recently.
We need more reviewers like you, Dan and James Hargrove!
Quote from: AnthrobotAnd there was I thinking that TheRPGsite was the only place a delusional dunny licker like you would be tolerated.
Memory problems eh? Might want to get that checked out.;)
I gotta agree with TonyLB on this one. PLEASE DON'T BE NOX!
We get it that you don't like JimBob. Really we do. Now give this shit a rest and stop trying to derail threads with random attacks.
TGA
Quote from: Consonant DudeYeah, I appreciate Dan for that too! He's a favorite of mine.
Dan's the John Clute of RPG Reviews. I'm amased that he hasn't been snapped up by a dead tree gaming mag. Something like Knights of the Dinner Table would so benefit from giving him a page a month.
I dunno about a reputation, as i'm largely pretty anonymous on the net. But it was only when i actually started making myself known on company forums, making fan material, and the like, that i started to get RPG work. Without internet access, it was all but impossible.
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalDan's the John Clute of RPG Reviews. I'm amased that he hasn't been snapped up by a dead tree gaming mag. Something like Knights of the Dinner Table would so benefit from giving him a page a month.
Every time you mention John Clute, I picture Donald Sutherland :D
Regards,
David R
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalI'm not John Clute yet but maybe someday...
Oh man. Please tell me you DON'T aspire to be John Clute.
- Q
Quote from: AnthrobotAnd there was I thinking that TheRPGsite was the only place a delusional dunny licker like you would be tolerated.
Memory problems eh? Might want to get that checked out.;)
Anthrobot, your sock-puppet-fuelled assault on Oz's finest argumentative bastard has run its course.
- Q
Quote from: David REvery time you mention John Clute, I picture Donald Sutherland :D
Are you comparing Clute's writing style with being attacked by a dwarf in a red anorak?
You have a point :D
Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalAre you comparing Clute's writing style with being attacked by a dwarf in a red anorak?
You have a point :D
I was thinking of Donald Sutherland in the movie
Klute...but yeah, your response works better :D
Regards,
David R
I am not overly concerned with my privacy. Nor do I worry about anonymity, as I pretty much use the same name, or a variation on it everywhere, making it essentially my online identity. If someone were to PM me with terrible threats to my person I'd be happy to send them my address. I'm belligerent and angry, with a mighty smiting ability built in, so what do I care?
Of course, I also alternate between a zest for life and utter apathy towards it, so...
Oh..yeah, real names and why I don't use them. Same reason i don't tell people online much about myself and my demographics. I don't like being pigeon holed. I've found that while I am certainly not a beautiful unique snowflake (that was quite the shock, actually)... I am certainly not at all like anyone else in my 'demographic'. So, by 'hiding' as much of my demographic as possible, I force people to make their inevitable assumptions and pigeonholes based off of what I actually say. Call it an expirement in sociology if you like.
So far I get mixed results. I've had people jump in and make wildly inaccurate guesses and I've had reasonably comfortable 'I know you' type comments as well.
To expand on this: In the World of Warcraft, I had roughly 100+ people in my guild at the time assume that I really was a female player, despite the fact I had never made a claim one way or the other. I have a RL freind who is black and gay, yet on line is typically mistaken demographically as white and female and straight, again without anyone asking. Stereotypes and the way we use them is an interesting thing. They have value, but can often be horribly mistaken.
Quote from: QuireOh man. Please tell me you DON'T aspire to be John Clute.
That makes it sound a bit creepy, he's just someone whose work, longevity and influence I admire. In terms of reviewing genre, he's the man.
The following is just my experience and my weakness - it is not meant to say that anyone else acts the same....
Back in the 90's, when asp chat rooms were all the new rage, I had this kind of alter ego - Feanor. If I couldn't get that name, I'd get one close to it, like Feanoir or something. I convinced myself that I was doing it for the typical aonymous reasons - things I agree with for the most part.
But I found it also kind of allowed me to do things I would normally not do, to act in ways that were passed the bounds I would set for myself IRL. I hated it. And I hated that I had to find ways to gracefully extricate myself from it - the tangled web we weave and all that...
And I started here as Feanor - not for the same reasons, it just seemed natural being RPG's and all. But just having Feanor as my name brought back all the bad memories. So I changed to my real name, demographics, etc. I've got nothing to hid and it's not like I gave my credit card number or something :)
Now I don't think I have a rep here - certainly not a good one if one exists - but if I ever do enough to gain one, I want it to be under my real name. It's who I am, after all.
My online handles will always be sone version of " Koltar " or " Qoltar". One is a klingon phrase spelled properly the other is a phonetic spelling. Also, its what friends in another hobby fandom have known me by for 14 years.
- E.W.C.