MstrG.
My only online personna for several years now, as I have no trouble standing behind what I say regardless of the forum or topic. Of course, 'MstrG' in itself is an alias, isn't it?
That said, I'll play devil's advocate for a spell....
Disclaimer: this is RW's forum and he is free to do with it as he sees fit. What you see below is opinion.
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by Dog Breath:
If you want this place to grow I don't think discouraging membership is the way to go.[/quote]
This to me is one of the biggest reasons for not restricting registrations, though there are several layers embedded within it.
First, you have the new people who are unwilling to provide you with their "real" email address (perhaps it contains their real name and they strive to protect their online privacy/identity).
You also have existing members, who for various reasons, might want to express a viewpoint without it being linked with their primary personna. Don't take this lightly; everyone here projects only what they want others to know about themselves.
You have people like Dog Breath who jump around ISPs. No sin there. It's nice having a 'permanent' address you can rely on.
You have people who borrow computers from others.
You have people viewing from their offices.
You have 'kids' using their parents' computer.
You get the picture. I could go on.
<BLOCKQUOTE><HR>Originally posted by RogueWarrior:
...It has come to my attention that both of the UBB's we're all ao familiar with have people who use multiple aliases/personas. That's fine for them, but it's not going to happen here. There are over a hundred registered members names at the SPF that are simply alternate identities for existing members.
That's a bunch of bullshit, and I won't have it here if I can help it.[/quote]
Truth is: you can't help it. If someone is determined to post anonymously (whatever that means), or with an alias, they will. You're only pushing them to be a little more inventive, the means are available. In the mean time, all the various people above are unlikely to take the time to figure out an alternative.
All of this of course begs the question: why? You and I haven't conversed on this topic RW, so I can only guess ...
Perhaps you think it will provide an extra layer of protection from people who come here with less than honorable intentions? No, it won't. They'll find a way. But so what, you have their IP numbers.
Or, perhaps it's an attempt to create a forum with "the right kind" of posters. Hmmmm, where are all those posts talking about "country clubs"?
Maybe you think there's something disingenuous about it, and it just rubs you the wrong way. That's your call, but you have to accept the consequences of it.
Certainly you don't really care whether that little number on the UBB index page actually reflects the number of people who actively post here?
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In some ways, I can see how this approach to membership parallels your personal views and politics, and some of your reasons for starting this site in the first place. On the other hand, I can't help but be perplexed about the irony in calls for free speech in light of edited posts and a limited registration process. Just something to consider.
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SETI@Home (http://www.asylumnation.com/asylum_html/rec.html) : join us!
[This message has been edited by MstrG (edited 01-30-2001).]