Alan,
Thanks for raising this important issee of "handles", "self-branding" and true identity. Here's my response, not just to you, but to clarify our strict policy. I'm just exploiting your post!
If there is a real reason, such as being chased by a stalker, gang, crazy ex-spouse, then sure, contact me directly and then I will solve the issue for you. This is a professional forum and we need the same assurance, as we would, when using any professional service: a doctor, lawyer or to tutor your child.
Else, only if we are doing something degrading or illegal, might we have to hide our identities.
This open forum, OPF, is something, like a ship at sea that cannot be left with out attention. The rudder, ballast, trim of the sails and the route we course must be maintained. There is but one Captain. I have the had the vision and others have valiantly manned positions to get us on our way. People who I never knew before took on duties without asking or pay. We have worked literally "around the clock". This ship, OPF, has to be, now, protected. My best judgement, therefore, is to demand true identities.
We are an open forum. I don't wish to have to delete professional posts or allow this to be a place for spamming, trolling or nefarious activity.
The long term consequences of aliases or "handles" is not good. We are not in a "masked ball" in 16th Century Venice where the masks permit permissiveness.
Consider "Real Names" as a kind of "payment" for entry. It says, "I'm straightforward when I give advice or ask a question".
Then, when one speaks, we give a that real photographer credit and also hold him or her responsible.
One might answer, I am "Polaroid2430" and everyone knows my studio in Paris. Fine, but what about all the other "handles" that are not such a "brand name". There's a place for such "handles" and that's in your signature!
Andrew Rodney IS the "Digital Dog". He registered with his full name.
That's how we do this unless there is a real threat of harm, in which case, let me know by PM.
We all have expensive gear. (BTW, I need specific insurance. I worry too!)
However, somewhere along the line, trust, the glue of all human relationships, must be invested.
Asher
P.S. To Get your name to Real Name, First and Last, PM Michael Tapes. He's waiting to help you.
PPS Use your "handle" too in your signature with any website or gallery URL you have, (except pornography which of course cannot be linked under any circumastances).
Alan321 said:
I'm not keen on the idea of having to use to use real names for two reasons:
1. I'm building a presence on more than one forum with the same alias, and I don't want to spoil that.
2. more importantly, I don't want my name appearing on google searches along with info about my gear and my preferences. That's my business. I can share it usefully here without identifying myself to all and sundry. While we may all be mature adults here the internet is full of low lifes too. This view in no way impedes other people from sharing whatever the moderator allows them to in their posts, and nor does it prevent them from accepting my posts as representing what I think.
I ask the owner/administrators/moderators to relax this 'use full real name' rule.
cheers,
- Alan