Using pseudonyms, was: [Wikipedia-l] Helga banned

[Jim McKeeth]

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.