Yes, and for almost[1] all other things on the internet for that matter. "We should try to be happy, if only to set an example." -Jacques Prévert I try to be as open and plainly honest as possible, and I think using my real name keeps me from being inflammatory, and I think it also keeps other from doing the same to me (at least a little). Put another way, I think using real names makes an atmosphere of more empathy…
Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
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Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#82Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#83Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#84Yes, and for almost[1] all other things on the internet for that matter. "We should try to be happy, if only to set an example." -Jacques Prévert I try to be as open and plainly honest as possible, and I think using my real name keeps me from being inflammatory, and I think it also keeps other from doing the same to me (at least a little). Put another way, I think using real names makes an atmosphere of more empathy…
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#85Knowing what I know now from a year's worth of participation I wouldn't mind posting under my real identity on many topics.
However, I would have to censor myself often. I don't think I say much that's particularly controversial, just that I work for people who I've regularly witnessed stalking the online habits of coworkers.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#86This is me on Wired.com: http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2008/05/man-allegedly-b/
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#87This is partly for historical reasons: in almost all cases, I had a pseudonymous account first. However, it’s also partly for flexibility. For example, if I’m giving a personal recommendation or criticism, then I always prefer to put my name to it. On the other hand, I am very conscious of privacy concerns and very careful not to give away anything I shouldn’t about other people or businesses. Posting with a pseudonym means I can still contribute controversial viewpoints or relevant information to some discussions that I wouldn’t be comfortable leaving on the public record.
For the record, I make no secret of having multiple accounts for any affected site admins, who in general could trivially identify any pseudonyms I use with a quick search of private e-mail addresses if they wanted to. Also, my pseudonymous accounts tend to have feedback via votes/moderations as favourable as my “real” accounts or even a little more so, and I never abuse multiple accounts by voting in ways I otherwise couldn’t. I’d stop if anyone running a forum asked me to, but that would be disappointing as I’m careful not to abuse the privilege and I think I can make more interesting/valuable contributions as things are.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#88It's interesting, considering that (at least to my limited knowledge on this subject) pseudonyms were much more common about five or ten years ago.