How many out there use their real names here? (vanity)

[Peter J. Huss]

Just wondering. I switched a little while back, mainly because I didn't see why I should hide behind a fake name.

When I started using my real name, I was a wee bit more careful about what I posted.

Anyone care to chime in on this? Am I being foolhardy?

[LadyShallott]

I would advise caution when using your real name. Not because you have anything to hide, but because others can easily target you. For example: My husband and I last summer had a certain gentlemen (I use this term with sarcasm)start to send us death threats via Freeper mail. It got to the point that I called the police where he was living. Apparently he has a very long rap sheet and has been in and out of jail since his teens. I thank God we didnt give our real names. If he could have found us, he would have. He wasn't joking either. Stay safe and do what you think is best.

[Gil4]

My screen name gives out exactly as much info as the back of my softball jersey. If you see a 235 lb shortstop (down 25 lbs from last year) wearing # 4, that might be me.

[kissmyconservativebutt]

My name is honestly Kissmyconservativebutt R. Johnson.

[cupcakes]

Kenton,
Send that to me as well. I've had a run in with such kooks and it is why I stay reasonably anonymous.

[Bringbackthedraft]

Gosh, if I used my real name I couldn't handle all the fan mail.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Don't tease a man suffering from Unrequited Narcissism. :)

[bert]

OK, you outed me

My real name is Voltaire.

[dawn53]

Just curious Peter, is this your state and zip?

WA 98629

If so, anybody that has a problem with one of your postings can go to a website, plug in your name and come up with your exact address and phone number.

[Bluntpoint]

I beat that rap.

[Salo]

My opinion is that you may be putting yourself or your family at a slight, but unnecessary, risk. You never know what nutjob is going to fixate on something you say, and google can make it easy find you - or your family. JimRob has a rule that no one is to post personal information about someone else on this forum - I think it is prudent to not post personal information about yourself, but it's certainly your call. You could always use the name of someone you don't like....:-)

[cupcakes]

real names=real name--no I don't have several;-)

[KentTrappedInLiberalSeattle]

My name is honestly Kissmyconservativebutt R. Johnson.

Not of the Boston Kissmyconservativebutts, surely...? :)

[Types_with_Fist]

Well, although I probably shouldn't, I use my real name. Just the other day, a friend of mine said, "Types, aren't you worried some wacko might find a way to steal your identity or something?" I told my friend, Steely Dan, of Pennsylvania (not his real name), "I don't think I have anything to worry about, considering how so many people have the last name of 'Fist.' I guess I'm just brave about these things. I probably also put more info on my "about page" than I should...:-)

[bondjamesbond]

I was going to use my real name, but there is already a FReeper named Tonto Kowalski.

But seriously, back when I used my real name, I got into a flame war that spilled over into phone calls. Not a good situation.

[COUNTrecount]

"Psychologists have noticed for years that going online seems to have a catalytic effect on people's personalities. The most quiet and reserved people may become deranged loudmouths when they sit behind the keyboard, staying up until dawn and conducting angry debates on discussion boards with total strangers."

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/21/magazine/21ESSAY.html?th

[hellinahandcart]

Oh, I remember that! That was the schizophrenic that thought FR had his every move under surveillance and was taunting him with thread titles, right? WEIRD. SCARY. And a very good reason to stick with nicknames on the net.

[Allan]

Personally I think the coolest screen name is one's real name.

[Publius6961]

Oh it's my real name all right. My father was Publius6960, and my sons are...
Never mind. I hate getting suckered into **** like this.

[guitfiddlist]

How many out there use their real names here?

Hillary needs to know. She only has 900 files, and would like to add about 80,000 more.

[SunnyUsa]

yikes! That's a chilling reality check about some of the kooks out there!

Peter:

I think you should rethink using your real name, and maybe send JimRobinson a freepmail to see if you can change it now, I see you just re-upped this month so it's not a bad time to rethink the real name thing.

I think you can answer your question by just looking over the forum, and even this thread - not too many use their real name!