Hey, man, I like my handle and my rep.

Quote from: BalbinusPretty much my reasoning, I see it as a courtesy thing and as being consistent.  If I started a new handle that would be fine, but I'd use that consistently as well.

Incidentally, I'd use my real name, but I've had a cyberstalker once or twice... you'll never be rid of the hard-working stalkers, but most of them are lazy, so they won't notice posts and sigs linking to places with your real name, etc.

Also, I'm a published writer, though only a few credits, but I hope for more - so if someone does a search for my writing, I'd like them to find that, rather be stuck with zillions of forum posts

Quote from: JimBobOzIncidentally, I'd use my real name, but I've had a cyberstalker once or twice... you'll never be rid of the hard-working stalkers, but most of them are lazy, so they won't notice posts and sigs linking to places with your real name, etc.

Also, I'm a published writer, though only a few credits, but I hope for more - so if someone does a search for my writing, I'd like them to find that, rather be stuck with zillions of forum posts

Yeah, firstly I don't particularly want people searching for my name for work reasons getting a ton of gaming stuff, as that's unhelpful.  Secondly, I really don't want some basement dwelling nutjob emailing me at work because I used my name online and said something he didn't like.

1) I have to remember a couple of dozen different login IDs and passwords for work, so having one login for most of the forums I visit simplifies matters.
2) I suck at names.

Here's generally what an online rep is worth: :fart:

I don't give a shit. Also, what Balbinus said.

I suppose it's worth about as much as my meatspace reputation.

I'll tell you what. Once I pick up an online rep, then I'll let you know. I'd be surprised if people had any expectations of me whatsoever, tbh.

I use my name as my handle and my picture as my avatar.  I have used my name as my handle since 1997.

I don't have a rep.

I'll echo JimBob's and Balbinus' sympathies.  Consistency in identity from one site to the next -- particularly if they related topically -- is a courtesy to others.  It also demands more accountability for my actions on my part.

As for names, I also agree with them.  Increasingly I need to separate my real name from online discussions (and arguments) for career reasons.  At one point I decided that using my full real name was a mark of full accountability, but I've come to view it as more of a liability now -- not just to me, but to my family as well.

!i!

Well, for the most part I don't care. I use the same name from one site to the next just so I can keep track of all my logins ans such.

The other purpose is so that other posters ,that I like, can tell who I am. Makes conversation a bit easier.

I think of my on-line reputation as I do of my real-life reputation. I do my best to talk straight, be myself, and not act like an idiot - not easy to juggle those, as they tend to be mutually contradictory.

-clash

Quote from: C.W.RichesonI notice that some of you use user names from other sites, similar avatars, or otherwise call attention to the fact that you are you when you're posting. You're more than just an occasional poster on one forum, you're a presence on several and have cultivated a reputation over the years.

What's that worth to you? Do you value it? If you had to completely give it up and start posting under a different handle, would you feel like you've lost something important to you?

I'm musing over similar questions and would love to hear anyone's thoughts.

I use related avatars and names on related forums. I use a totally different handle and avatar when posting elsewhere. I like to be able to recognize fellow RPG.net posters and for them to recognize me, but I doubt I would meet many (any) of you in other forums covering totally different aspects of my personal and professional life.

And I would lose absolutely nothing if I lost my identity(ies). I think a lot of people take the internet way too fucking seriously. It's just a lot of digital wind. Now, I'm not saying I don't try to be nice and helpful. Or that I don't appreciate when people are helpful to me. But for a few years I think there was this internet utopia, where people liked to refer to anonymous users as "cowards" and where a lot of people who discovered the internet thought it was going to change the world. I think I bought this too in part.

There's a lot of bullshit going on. I don't feel I have to build a reputation in a virtual world that is even more full of bullshit than the real one.

Quote from: Consonant Dude...people liked to refer to anonymous users as "cowards"...

Yeah, I remember that business.  For my part, I wasn't interested so much in real names making other people accountable for their words as I was in compelling myself to be responsible.  

I think it may have been a sort of counter-"Matrix" reaction-formation on my part, too.

!i!

Thanks a lot for the responses, very insightful.

Some of you that aren't very concerned with reputation certainly have one.  I clearly recognize you online and associate positive sentiment with you.  I'm glad you try to maintain the same handle.