Here is a question fopr all to consider including the STAFF.

What is the purpose of an alias unless you have a need or reason to hide behind your original handle.  I myself do NOT see the need for an alias.  If you have something to say.  have the guts to step up the the plate and say it.

I personally think Aliases should be removed and not allowed.  Please irrigate my mind if I am missing something about Aliases!

I would appreciated any feedback and opinions.

There is absolutely no reason that aliases should be tolerated!

I use an alias alot because one of the providers knows my
real handle and watches what I write and complains to me in emails me when she reads something nice I have written about another provider. With an alias I am free to express an honest opinion.

If you are truthfuland not vindictive, there is no reason for an alias.An alias usually means you can't justify what you have to say.

OMT...I would give some serious re-consideration if your one provider emails you with complaints when/if you write something nice about another provider. Sounds like she is a bit jealous!

You should NOT have to hide behind an alias to express your honest opinion.  Look at me..have you ever seen me to pull any punches or candy coat it??

People may not always agree with my opinions but, it is their RIGHT to disagree and have their opinion.

hounddog not wanting to offend you but you are getting on thin
ice, there is no reason to ask MDL if that is his given name.
it should suffice to say that it is the handle that he or she
uses here on this board and that alone should be enough for
anyone, I hope that you will take my advice with a smile
no harm intended, but let the name thing stand as it is.
                               Trooper

Anyone with any sense knows that what one says can be evaluated on its merits without knowing its origin. Justification has to do with evidence and reason, not "handles." (Which by the way are also "aliases").

Chill out trooper.  You aren't used to humor are you?  LOL

-- Modified on 12/30/2003 10:44:09 AM

I really have mixed feelings on this topic.

I think there's two schools of thought about TER handles--some are public about their handles, the others are anonymous.  In other words, some hobbyists are known to providers by their handles.  Others don't have any linkage between who they are and what their handle is.  I suspect the first group is more inclined to used aliases.

I used to be really open about mine.  I have seen almost all of the providers that hang around TER...  About 2/3 know who I am, that is, they know the connection between the handle and me.  The other 1/3 don't, at least they've never asked and we've never talked about it.

Honestly, if I had it to do all over again, I probably would have kept my handle secret and probably wouldn't have written any reveiews either.  (I don't anymore)  There have been several benefits to being open about my handle, but there have been a few downsides too, and the downsides over all have outweighed the upside.

For instance, I had a provider not agree to see me about a year ago not based on my demeanor or on my reviews, but based only on her disagreeing with something I said in a very non-controversial, mundane post.

I'd be curious to learn from those who have chimed in on each side of this debate, do the providers you see know your TER handle?

I have kept mine to myself. I kinda got grilled by one gal about it but I wouldn`t tell her what it was. She got pissed off and I never bothered calling her back . (btw, she is on the so called "A list") I don`t believe I`m missing anything from it.
These days I stick with one gal. A former party time dancer who has become a very good friend,and for $$$$ for the whole night i`ll stick with her for the time being.

Here is my 2 cents:

Alias should be used to emphasize a comment or discussion not to hid behind.  If you really want to hid behind a name, create a new account.  Last I checked it is pretty easy to create a new email account for free and then sign up for a new TER Account.

As for names vs alias.  Dont get the two mixed up.  I am sure most users real names have little to do with their TER Names.  

Of course I may be an expection, my name is Steve and I wont feel offended if everyone knows.  Just dont ask for any more info (haha)

Steve

PapaStevie, I'm puzzled by what you meant.  Whether I create a new account or simply create an alias on my existing account, the outcome would be identical.  Whether I created a new account with the screen name "BaldScrotum" or simply created an alias "BaldScrotum" you would see my posts as "BaldScrotum" and have no idea that that had any linkage to OmegaZap.

H2L, Your post is a perfect example of what I mean.  If you can win the fight (and it does end up being a fight) to keep your handle/screen name anonymous, then aliases serve no useful purpose.  But if you are known in the hobby by your screen name, then aliases are a little easier to justify.

Wow, Hangin, you should thank your lucky stars! Sounds like you hit the "provider jackpot". I don't suppose she's looking for new clients???

Let me clarify.

First I dont believe people should hid behind alias. If you feel strongly about something then say it and let everybody know it is you who said it.   Now in some of the discussion above, there was talk about that some people do not want to use the same name with the providers and when they post comments or review.  In some circumstances, I guess I can understand their concern over privacy so I suggested they just get two independent logins and use them consistantly. I look at this quite differently than using an alias just to flame someone.  Finally, I am not completely sure but I have gathered that ones Alias can be discovered and thus only creates animosity among others on the board.

Finally I dont know about anyone else but being new to this hobbie, I look to this board for information and ideas, not flamming wars.  Speaking of ideas, I have had one that maybe it is time to start a new thread on

yes aliases are annoying because they allow morons to post moronic crap and trolls to start flame wars and all that.  

but they also have their benefits, chief among them that the LITTLE CONTROL FREAKS on this board have to keep on their toes. You know who you are.   It just plain bugs folks that they can't get retribution sometimes.

Well, free exchange, however inaccurate at times, has made the net the great place it is.  

Furthermore, Handles or Aliases gain street cred over time  They can loose it too.  I changed mine fromt the dreaded theSmurf to RipEmoff to MrBlueEyes to my current handle. Yup.  All the same.  Why?  

Because I friggin felt like it.  Who really cares.  Relax and get a life.  If you feel like this board makes or breaks your business as a client or provider, you probably really are a screw up OR you just are paranoid and need to get out more. Get a life.  Diversify.  Create a new handle.  hehe.