Netiquette, at least as far as I have seen, does not say that everyone has to use their real names in on-line communities. In fact it supports the opposite, that we should respect individuals requests for privacy and treat them with respect that every individual disserves. I have been in the on-line community for many years (before the web and most people knew what the Internet was I ran in BBS circles) and handles (pseudonyms) have always been respected where appropriate. A community like this is a perfect example of such an appropriate use of handles.
Granted some people do not like to use handles, but that is their CHOICE. If they choose a handle or not should not effect our opinion in a community. You raise the point of financial transactions, but we are all volunteers here. No one is paying anyone money.
In a community setting like this absolute identity is not necessary. In fact, in some ways I prefer dealing with people who use an obvious handle / pseudonym because then I don't wonder if that is really their name or if they are trying to deceive me.
I have only been here a short time, but most of your posts seem more aimed at making waves then building an encyclopedia. But that is just my opinion.
At 10:02 PM 09/12/2002 +0200, Jaap van Ganswijk wrote:
I think that if Wikipedia is to grow into a serious movement, nay institute even, it's essential that people adhere more to netiquette.
I don't care which babysteps are made by whomever but that things are improved in general. That's why I'd like to point out some issues that can be improved. If you have considered my arguments and decide that you still have a legitimate reason to use a pseudonym, so be it. You will not be taken as seriously at face value, so you'll have to try harder to be respected, but if you choose that road, you have my blessing.