So why am I dead against putting YOUR ACTUAL name as apposed to monikers / anonymous on the web?
Simple answer: it gives a modicum (or fig leaf) of privacy.
Anonymity and privacy are two different kettle of fish. Your real name is your legal name and every time you use it on the web you leave a digital footprint which cannot be erased completely. We have all used out legal names countless times when filling in forms etc so none of us is digitally clean. It is an impossibility on this day and age - but we can limit it to important things only.
Whilst we do need to use out real names on bank websites and the like, do we really need to use it on social media and all the other websites we visit that try to elicit personal information? Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg thinks we should and wants everyone to use their real name but why should we listen to him? He is a young fool for all his genius.
I believe one should aim to keep a Google search of one's legal name as minimal & clean as possible. It helps to keep your name out of other people's search databases. I make decisions everyday whether or not to use my legal name or one of my 2 monikers (itshometome is purely for enbloc matters). Another word for moniker is 'handle'. I would encourage everyone, especially children, to use handles in all their online interactions. It is essential for their online protection.
It's the same with photos. I would never put up a photo of myself or family members and tag it with real names. Parents who have blogs tagging their children's milestones and comical poses are not doing them a favour. When they reach the age of adulthood, do you really think they will appreciate a search of their name dragging up a photo of their chocolate covered face, bare bottoms or themselves as a teenager with french fries up their noses? Children today have no clue what damage improper instagram images can do to them personally and professionally. Unless technology comes up with a solution to erase your legal name from past indiscretions it is best to keep well out of it.
Anonymity has a dark side - it can bring out the worst in people. Just today, I had an Anonymous post telling me to 'FO and not come back from my holiday'. Sorry to disappoint, I am back safe and sound.
But privacy trumps all in my opinion and a handle offers a degree of online protection.
I have a moniker 'itshometome' but if someone really wanted to find out who I was they could, as it is linked to my real name somewhere on google (Blogger is Google). When I replied to the Today newspaper reporter's email - sent to itshometome - telling her I was not interested in an interview I signed off with my real name. Hence my surprise when she used it in the article! I wont make that mistake again :)
Everyone knows who I am in TC - I am not anonymous at all.
You mean when you attack our team using "MC/MA/Lawyer" in your blog, people who are interested to know won't be able to find out they are ?
ReplyDeleteStop been so self righteous and your preaching about the upbringing of other peoples' children. You are not their guardian angels. Leave it to their parents on decide on how much freedom to allow them in social media.
And stop be a dictator and decide on what are allowed & not allowed in TC enbloc process ! If you are so smart, join the CSC in round 4 if we do go to the stage.
You are over reacting - I thought this post would stop people from always grabbing the wrong end of the stick.
DeleteThis post is merely to explain why I, personally - the owner of this blog- am against the use of real names across the board , inside and outside of the tiny world of enbloc'
Please, all the TC SPs, majority & minority are adults, many are eldery folks. We don't need your preaching on internet security. Don't insult our intelligence. Go be a teacher and preach to the kindergarten or primary sch students if you are so free.
ReplyDeleteAiyo, going around in circles here.
ReplyDeleteI say no one should use real names on the web- enbloc FB website included
Most people say it is okay - but are careful to use Anonymous when making their comment.
Others castigate me for 'practicing what I preach'
Still others castigate me for 'preaching' when it is merely an explanation on why I feel non one should use their real name on the web
Round and round we go.
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