What is an alias (in TER world)? how is it used?

and click on it, one of the options that appears on the left is "manage my aliases".  If you then click on that, you will see a window, into which you can type an alias.  When you do so, you may then post comment and new messages using that alias.  For obvious reasons, you can not use an alias that is the screen name of a current member.

The reasons for doing so are up to you.  You maybe are known to some people on the board (through meeting providers, for example), and want to post something that maybe would compromise your standing with them were they to know who really posted it.  You can also post a humorous alias to underscore a subtle irony, should you be so linguistically inclined.

Or, it might just seem like fun.

When you post under an alias, the little envelope icon that normally appears at the start of your post will be missing, thus tipping off the savvy reader that an alias is being employed.

Also note, that if you use an alias to make ad hominem attacks on someone, TER management may just pull the rug out from under you and substitute your normal screen name for the alias, so do not go that route.

that there is virtually no situation where you need to use one of these aliases. Your identity is already confidential. A significant fraction of the posts that use aliases are snarky and/or insulting. Better in that case to use your regular TER handle.

For example, if you want to voice an unpopular opinion and do not want your hobbying affected by it.  Believe it or not, some providers and hobbyists will actually make hobby decisions about you based on some of your posts on these boards if they strongly disagree with you.  One way to prevent that is to use an alias.

Also, and unfortunately, some people on these boards take things waayyy too personally.  To the point of holding grudges and never letting anything go.  If I disagree with someone like that, and I have been able to identify them from their posting history, I will sometimes respond to them with an alias so that I don't have to deal with them cyberstalking me every time I post something. Has nothing to do with fear (as alias bashers would have you believe) - just not wanting to have to put the mental energy into dealing with it.

An alias should never be used to slam or flame someone, which is against the new rules anyhow, but it can be used effectively and appropriately.

By the way, the alias I used for this post is an illustrative example of using an alias in a gently satirical way to poke a little good-natured fun at the poster to whom I immediately responded.

In addition to the ones outlined by Fisher. I only get irritated when someone uses an alias to attack or insult someone or when requesting 411 on a provider. Also, if you choose to start using an alias I don't think you can do that in the same thread you have used your real handle.