OT: The time has come for real names

NH0401 · **Posted:** Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:17 pm

I note that when I write a letter to the editor to a newspaper, they call the supplied phone number and verify the fact that I actually wrote the letter.

That being said, I don't know how they could determine if the name I supplied was real or made-up.

Suppose the only solution is a moderator with a quick hand on the dump valve.

Dave(my real name)

Bobharbison · **Joined:** Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:42 pm **Posts:** 3011

> note that when I write a letter to the editor to a
> newspaper, they call the supplied phone number
> and verify the fact that I actually wrote the letter.

My local paper e-mailed me and asked for my name and town, along with asking permission to publish a comment I'd e-mailed the editor. As you said, there really was no way to verify the info was accurate.

Sincerely,
William Gate.. Errr I mane Bob

mxdata · **Joined:** Thu Jun 16, 2005 11:54 am **Posts:** 609

Requiring real names makes it very simple for those of us who have spent many decades in equipment maintenance and operation in the railroad industry, and are still active in the business.

Knowing that taking part in public forums under your real name has the potential to cause problems with your employer, there would no point in offering any help or information on this site any more.

m.x.data (not my real name)

Ron Travis · **Joined:** Sun May 15, 2005 2:22 pm **Posts:** 1543

I really don't regard flames as being all that problematic. Sometimes they are a very interesting study of human nature. Besides, if someone's post pushes too far out of line, there will be plenty of responders to restore justice and prevent damage. It seems like a self leveling process. I don't think it's a problem that needs fixing.

RTK

mjanssen · **Posted:** Wed Apr 12, 2006 10:57 pm

I recently joined a forum that required sending the password by snail mail to a physical address. It included a one-time $25 fee via Paypal. I think that was reasonable.

"He who knows how to paint does the painting, not he who wants to."
- L.D. Porta

Chris Salmonson · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:45 am

The time has come for us to discuss rail related topics.

Stephen S. Syfrett · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:52 am

Thank you, Chris. Between the previous lengthy thread on this same topic, and the apparently unstoppable "Young Guns" thread, there hasn't been much discussion of rail topics here lately.

Anyone heard the phrase "beating a dead horse"?

It often seems that when I post it winds up being the final post to that thread...maybe that magic will work here.

jasonsobczynski · **Posted:** Thu Apr 13, 2006 10:13 pm

Agreed Dave! Is true for several(most) of the controversial posts....but sadly not all.