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Posting on IOSH forums using pseudonyms, aliases and avatars etc
Rank: Super forum user 
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It's my firm belief that this practice should be outlawed.
An interesting letter to the Guardian today [19th Feb]supports the prohibition of posting anonymously because it may give rise to rude, insulting, bullying and worse behaviour. Honest debate is best served when no one hides behind a pseudonym. Whistle-blowers of course should be protected by the 'name and address supplied' reference and similar protection should be provided to those in precarious employment and the like
There have been many such examples of posting on these discussion forums which should never arise again.
When the issue was put to our branch meeting the vast majority agreed that it should indeed be outlawed
What say you?
Regards
Mike
PS This is my given name and you can see my passport details to prove it if necessary
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Rank: Super forum user
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Wouldnt have a problem with it.
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Rank: Forum user
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No problem:
Robert Hansler
J.I.B. Approved Electrician
NVQ Assessor
NEBOSH occupational and construction certificates.
City and Guilds 2382 (17th) , (2391,2394,2395 (inspection and testing)2400 (electrical design), 2377(P.A.T.),2399 (Photovoltaic)
D32/33 assessor.
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Rank: Forum user
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thankfully Freedom of Speech and thought says different
L
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Rank: Forum user
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I have to use 'Flashman' as I keep getting banned when I use my real name as I, and others, hate people giving dangerous electrical advice. Ops... here we go again...
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Rank: Forum user
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Quite right Lojikglos but that does not necessarily work on here mate. Many toes etc.
If you don't here from 'Flashman' you know what has happened :-)
Another day, another name I guess.
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Rank: Forum user
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I don't have a problem with it personally but there will be occasions when some people will want to gain information from this forum as a valuable information source - for example:
1) if they want to discuss sensitive issues about their (not named) employer but where the employer and employee would be "discoverable" through the posting; or
2) if there is an on-going legal case where information is requested.
I'm sure there are many other valid reasons why people would want to remain anonymous and I'm sure a long list could be developed.
As it stands, however, IOSH have moderators and a code of practice to weed out nefarious postings and surely this should suffice?
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Rank: Forum user
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Quite right martin.
Nefarious posts are one thing, but trying to drive a point home when some people are giving out misleading and on times, quite dangerous information is another and frustrations creep in.
I'm all for the people who give out advice making public their qualifications and training to do so. Or otherwise refrain from doing so.
An opinion (what you think is wrong and putting forward a point of view of how it may be improved from a layman's point of view) is one thing, but giving unqualified advice on how it should be done is quite another.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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MikeKelly wrote:
PS This is my given name and you can see my passport details to prove it if necessary
I've never come across anyone whose actual given name is "Mike" before. All 'names' are just labels anyway. I have no problem with people using different labels in different circumstances. That is, it doesn't matter to me whether 'Lojikglos' (to pick one from the thread) uses some other label when they are corresponding with, say, HMRC or their granny - I judge Lojikglos on this forum on the basis of my accumulated knowledge of Lojikglos' interactions on the forum, not on whether they are likely to use that same identifying label throughout their life. (Sorry Lojikglos - I just picked one that looks to me unlikely to be used in correspondence with HMRC).
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Rank: Super forum user 
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IMHO forum pseudo names should remain permitted so as:
1) To protect the employer / employee who are the subject of a particular post
2) To distance any respondent from being seen to represent a particular company or employer when expressing their personal views, opinions, beliefs and interpretations - oh so easy with Google, Linkedin and other search systems to look up companies based upon a name
3) To protect past employers / previous work colleagues when providing examples of situations the respondent has experienced in reply to a post
4) To protect the individual when seeking the forums advice regarding a work situation that has the potential to be career terminating if an irate employer finds out the matter has been discussed publicly (think of the on-going NHS whistle blower situation)
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Rank: Super forum user
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IMHO forum pseudo names should remain permitted so as:
1) To protect the employer / employee who are the subject of a particular post
2) To distance any respondent from being seen to represent a particular company or employer when expressing their personal views, opinions, beliefs and interpretations - oh so easy with Google, Linkedin and other search systems to look up companies based upon a name
3) To protect past employers / previous work colleagues when providing examples of situations the respondent has experienced in reply to a post
4) To protect the individual when seeking the forums advice regarding a work situation that has the potential to be career terminating if an irate employer finds out the matter has been discussed publicly (think of the on-going NHS whistle blower situation)
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Rank: Forum user
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MikeKelly wrote:It's my firm belief that this practice should be outlawed.
An interesting letter to the Guardian today [19th Feb]supports the prohibition of posting anonymously because it may give rise to rude, insulting, bullying and worse behaviour. Honest debate is best served when no one hides behind a pseudonym. Whistle-blowers of course should be protected by the 'name and address supplied' reference and similar protection should be provided to those in precarious employment and the like
There have been many such examples of posting on these discussion forums which should never arise again.
When the issue was put to our branch meeting the vast majority agreed that it should indeed be outlawed
What say you?
Regards
Mike
PS This is my given name and you can see my passport details to prove it if necessary Completely disagree with everything you said, forcing people to use real names will stifle debate as many will not want their real name in a public forum if they are raising issues within their own company - career suicide anyone? as for name and address supplied - how will that work? a full time job for a moderator to decide if the information posted is sensitive enough to warrant it? The points you raise regarding being rude, insulting and/or bullying are what forum rules and moderators are for. It is my belief that anonymity is the only way this forum could ever function. Regards AlanD76 PS why would I need to verify who you or anyone else are via passports or other means? this is a forum for professional opinion, nothing more and certainly not for consultation. Knowing someone's full name changes nothing in this regard - you take all advice given on face value and make your own judgement.
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Rank: Forum user
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There's quite a good thread about this in the members area, where views were equally split.
As a thought, is there any way of linking the screen username to the members directory located in the MyIOSH area of the website?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Indeed, this matter has been discussed several times before on this site. I don't have a problem with psdueonyms, just can't spell it!
There are many good reasons why someone may wish not to use their real name. I would like people to use their first name sometimes when they post a thread or comment, at least that way we can say Dear Fred, or whatever.
Ray
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Rank: Super forum user 
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RayRapp aounds like a pseudonym to me Ha ha ha.
I can't spell it either but the spell checker seems to know?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I use my name because it was the first thing that came into my head :-) I agree sometimes it would be nice to see more first names on there, but at the same time this might defeat the object of the pseudonym- often when you exchange email addresses their name is on there or they have a signature anyways so its 6 of one and half a dozen of the other I suppose.
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Rank: Forum user
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The modern world dictates that we use forums and other forms of online networking as part of our personal and professional lives. Using a pseudonym is pretty much standard practice and in some cases a wise thing to do. I see no reason why IOSH discussions forums should be any different.
IOSH and its members need to embrace modern culture for good or bad so setting rules such as only using your real name would be a backwards step.
All my love
Godfrey Gumball (I'll give you a clue.....that's not my real name)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Oh no here we go again....
I am sure we have had this discussion before....
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Rank: Super forum user
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What would be gained by forcing the use of given names? Other than online stalking, of course.
This is a free forum, and the discussions here are worth exactly as much as you invest in the place - there's no money involved so that's down to time and experience.
I've come to respect and value the contributions of some around here (on both sides of this argument!), and whether or not I know how they sign their cheques has absolutely nothing to do with that.
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Rank: Forum user
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I'm on linkedin if any one cares to look.
Use my real name (before the inevitable ban) andi can be found at 'My Local Electrician'. Pop in and say hello (or sod off if that's how you feel) Free help if needed. And I'll take the time to email any information you may need.
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Rank: Forum user
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or say sod off... was not intended to read quite like that :-)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Mike
I don't use my full name to give me a little more freedom to say it how it is.
People who need to know, know who I am.
I always try to be polite but have (quite reasonably) had my knuckles rapped by the moderators a few times.
If your proposal was to be enforced I'd simply stop posting.
I've just checked your "contribution" to this community: 10 posts in 8 months
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Rank: Super forum user
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quote=MikeKelly]When the issue was put to our branch meeting the vast majority agreed that it should indeed be outlawed
Less than 10% of the membership regularly attend branch meetings so not even slightly representative is it?
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Rank: Super forum user
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For what it is worth....
I don't see any reason why this could ever be a problem. IOSH knows who the people are so any cases of harassment or trolling are easily dealt with. A proactive and very much alive team of mods patrols the forums (we see them shut posts down, move posts etc all the time!).
If we cant be grown up enough to understand that people have a right to privacy and we cant be grown up enough to accept that not everyone wants to have their names plastered on the www for all and sundry to see, then how in gods name can we be grown up to put measures in place to save peoples lives as H&S professionals.
Also, I really think some people need to think about the pointed comments that they make towards other users of this forum. If someone needs help they should feel comfortable enough to ask. At least they have the guts to ask it. Perhaps a more helpful and constructive post on the right topic would enhance their understanding, rather than shooting them down on another post without offering an iota of help...Alistair ....
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Rank: Super forum user
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ashleywillson wrote:For what it is worth....
I don't see any reason why this could ever be a problem. IOSH knows who the people are so any cases of harassment or trolling are easily dealt with. A proactive and very much alive team of mods patrols the forums (we see them shut posts down, move posts etc all the time!).
If we cant be grown up enough to understand that people have a right to privacy and we cant be grown up enough to accept that not everyone wants to have their names plastered on the www for all and sundry to see, then how in gods name can we be grown up to put measures in place to save peoples lives as H&S professionals.
Also, I really think some people need to think about the pointed comments that they make towards other users of this forum. If someone needs help they should feel comfortable enough to ask. At least they have the guts to ask it. Perhaps a more helpful and constructive post on the right topic would enhance their understanding, rather than shooting them down on another post without offering an iota of help...Alistair .... Great post Ashley. BTW - Ray Rapp is my real name.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Like Ashley says, I've no desire to see my name anywhere on the WWW so I don't do face thingy etc
Real (looking) names are no guarantee of integrity.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I agree with Ray, Alistair and Walker and I am absolutely against any such ban. For that is what it would be, a ban. As OSH people we should understand only too well how ineffective they are when applied simply because something might happen. Isn't the better way to promote acceptable behaviour to simply report concerns about posts and let the admin or mods deal with it? Perhaps this blog provides a better illustration of the case for pen names (easier to spell than pseudonym?) than I can provide. https://www.eff.org/deep.../2011/07/case-pseudonymsp48
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Rank: Super forum user
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Completely disagree with everything you said, forcing people to use real names will stifle debate as many will not want their real name in a public forum if they are raising issues within their own company - career suicide anyone? as for name and address supplied - how will that work? a full time job for a moderator to decide if the information posted is sensitive enough to warrant it?
The points you raise regarding being rude, insulting and/or bullying are what forum rules and moderators are for. It is my belief that anonymity is the only way this forum could ever function.
Regards
AlanD76
PS why would I need to verify who you or anyone else are via passports or other means? this is a forum for professional opinion, nothing more and certainly not for consultation. Knowing someone's full name changes nothing in this regard - you take all advice given on face value and make your own judgement.
Completely agree with Alan. My nickname is used by friends and colleagues but I have also included my real name so there's no issue with whom you're dealing with. It's bad enough that the forum nearly died when it moved to its current format and we lost so many contributors, (that said one or two were logged in twice with different names and argued with themselves just to get a discussion going). Also noted we do have the mods to slap you down when you have stepped out of line. So for this forum, I say NOT required. Badger
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Rank: Super forum user 
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One post removed and one can't be displayed - inevitable really
Come on, who wouldn't want to get safety advice from Beelzebub DCLXVI
By the way I'm all for anonymity
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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No further comments possible....
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Rank: Super forum user
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I cannot believe a post citing a letter to the Guardian has lit up the forum like this.
There is no evidence from what I have seen on this site that those like me who post under pseudonyms are more likely to give dodgy advice or enters aggressive or rude troll-like posts and I will bash anyone who says so ;)
My employer would not be pleased if I owned up to posting some of the stuff that I have on here and other forums as I have signed a binding confidentiality agreement. So to protect my employers reputation and prevent me being sacked, I will remain hidden (but known by some) behind my comfort blanket.
Remove my anonymity and I will be off this site as quickly as a Greek Finance Minister who has been offered a cheap loan ;)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Freedom of speech?
Get outa here. This is England. The English are, and always have been, free to say only what they are allowed to say, about what they are allowed to speak.
Just look at the ongoing furore about victimised/bullied/sacked NHS whistleblowers.
Then wander into the world of employers/officialdom keeping an eye on employees social media activities.
You must truly be extremely naive, and I am trying to be nice.
In my humble opinion, those insisting on total exposure of everything are usually the ones who need several eyes upon them.
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Rank: Super forum user
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JohnMurray wrote:Freedom of speech?
Get outa here.
Ha Ha, I think John has a valid point here, just look at some of the posts that have been pulled on this thread alone, how ironic.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Well its certainly ironic how a certain discussion forum controlling body won't allow free speech, objective criticism and a bit of mild mickey taking of it.... mentioning no names.
I couldn't possibly say.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Isn't the point that anonymity allows more people to speak freely or have I missed the point of the posts above?
The esoteric point about whether freedom of speech is a reality or a myth put about by those would control us seems irrelevant to me.
No society can exist without some limits on freedom; the alternative is anarchy'
p48
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Rank: Super forum user
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Pete48 wrote:Isn't the point that anonymity allows more people to speak freely or have I missed the point of the posts above?
The esoteric point about whether freedom of speech is a reality or a myth put about by those would control us seems irrelevant to me.
No society can exist without some limits on freedom; the alternative is anarchy'
p48 Profound and true. Likewise, argue about what is right - not who is right.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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mssy wrote:I cannot believe a post citing a letter to the Guardian has lit up the forum like this.
There is no evidence from what I have seen on this site that those like me who post under pseudonyms are more likely to give dodgy advice or enters aggressive or rude troll-like posts and I will bash anyone who says so ;)
My employer would not be pleased if I owned up to posting some of the stuff that I have on here and other forums as I have signed a binding confidentiality agreement. So to protect my employers reputation and prevent me being sacked, I will remain hidden (but known by some) behind my comfort blanket.
Remove my anonymity and I will be off this site as quickly as a Greek Finance Minister who has been offered a cheap loan ;) DITTO! BTW I'm Brian and so is my wife ;-)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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No you aren't, I'm Brian.
He's a very naughty boy.
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Rank: Forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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MikeKelly wrote:It's my firm belief that this practice should be outlawed.
An interesting letter to the Guardian today [19th Feb]supports the prohibition of posting anonymously because it may give rise to rude, insulting, bullying and worse behaviour. Yeah. Sure. The guardian supports it because they make a living out of exposing things/people. Anonymous doesn't do much for newspapers. If secrecy is good enough for .gov, it's good enough for .me. Nothing online is secret anyway, while I could connect via anon servers, I connect via an ISP...the connection route is logged and stored by them (they have to, it's the law) and the website has the full route from computer to website, which given the time/date will give the user.... Anyway, I'll only be on here for another few months, then it's off to [retirement] pastures new.
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