OK, I’ve searched this Newbie Board back 300 days and still don’t have much of an answer about the “principled” purpose of aliases.  On my local Board I see mostly complaints about members who write with an alias: inquiries (and inquirers) scorned because an alias was used, complaints about flamers hiding behind an alias,  remarks about the unreliability of alias users, etc.  

Now I can think of a couple of what I would call legitimate uses; e.g.
-  A provider who might want a second tier of anonymity b/c her livelihood is at stake
-  A member who might want to enquire about unconventional enthusiasms or fetishes

But for most purposes within TER’s standard of decorum, isn’t the admittedly and perhaps thin layer of anonymity TER already provides sufficient?

So, ARE there “principled” or “legitimate” reasons for using an alias that I can’t think of? (And anyway, how do I know an alias is in use on a given post?)

If there's no little envelope next to the author, it's an alias.

Being the board's moderator, I've adopted several different persona's.

I use "TERs_Welcome_Wagon to welcome new providers.

I also post as UncleJazz, when I have unsolicited advice.

CupidJazz even recently posted a Valentine's Day message.

On the newbie board, I usually post my "real name", no matter the alias.  The alias just sets the tone of the message.

jazz32

applying the term "principled" to alias usage is IMHO dubious.  The fact that TER has enabled such a feature, legitimizes its usage.

Many providers ask for your TER handle for screening, thereby compromising your anonymity.
Hence the need for an alias.

I think the fine line is on what you post under the alias.  "Normal" questions/responses will not be problematic.

But inciting/provoking posts, (being a d*ck in general) when posted under an alias will generate most resentment.

That is my humble take on the subject (and yes, this IS an alias)

They are free. They are legal. They sometimes serve a useful purpose. Although remember, if you use aliases you will eventually feel the verbal yet impotent wrath of someone in the camp of “I’ll never use an alias and no one else should as well ! !”. My main disappointment in aliases is that the software here (and the rules) allows one to use multiple aliases in the same thread.

Use this test. Ask yourself. Am I saying something that might embarrass someone else? Might anger someone else? Might hurt or injure someone? If so, then not only forget the alias, it would probably be best to just keep your mouth shut.

-- Modified on 2/18/2008 4:55:35 PM

It is not the use of an alias but what you use it for that matters.  I have a couple of aliases but I can't even remember the last time I used one of them. I guess there are a few good reasons to use one but I haven't posted anything yet that made me stop and think "gee, maybe I should use the alias for this one".

that being, all our screen names are aliases in the first place, and necessarily so because of the clandestine nature of this enterprise.

So why take on a second alias, is the real question.

As Mr. Fisher, I have taken on a certain persona, and as Ed has intimated, there are times that I feel like mouthing off in a very "un-Mr. Fisher-like manner", so I have given consideration to the idea of using an alias.  Alas, after consideration I decided that the ends would not justify the meaness and dropped the plan.

If you ever discover my evil twin brother on here, you'll probably be able to pick me out anyways.

Though the software will allow it, I was certain that I read somewhere that it was against the rules to use more than one alias in a single thread.

If no one who knows better jumps in I will try to look it up later when more time allows.

The software might let you, but the rules don't. From the Message Board Policies:

- One username/alias/handle per person per thread.

b-

Our friend JackO often argues with himself, using multiple aliases in the same thread.

Of course, that's the P&R board, maybe that's why they separate us from civilized society.

but only at times when I thought I had something that needed saying and because of it's unpopular or controversial (or potentially unknown) nature I thought it might cast a light upon myself that could be misinterpreted by Providers, thus hampering my future chances at a successful rendezvous. Self serving - Yup. I don't mind going out on limbs and risking many things of personal interest to me, but chances at lust isn't one of them. I spend way too much of my personal fortunes at this to risk success over a few words.

-- Modified on 2/18/2008 9:39:53 PM

I mean, damn, why is everyone so up in arms about aliases lately? If you don't want to use an alias, don't use one. If you're that concerned with someone else's use of an alias, perhaps you should get out more.

Some reasons for aliases:
1. If you're a hobbyist, no one ever has to know your screen name unless YOU give it out. As a provider, if I do not post under an alias, everything I say gets tied to my business. If I say something some people might not like, I may lose them as clients or potential clients. If I'm not PC and unbiased in all of my posts, I'm probably going to turn some people off.
2. If I'm a provider and I get busted, anything I've said under my business screen name could be used against me.
3. Why must we be confined to one "name" online, in any community? I mean, aren't schizotypal personalities cherished here on the internet?? Should TER be any different?

-- Modified on 2/19/2008 4:19:07 AM

with AWomanLikeNoOther.  The only exception is a Flamer who uses an alias, but then again, I don't like flamers period.  I have used alias' for many reasons, such as humor, to further a point, or to post something unpopular that I don't want associated with my screen name, which is tied to my reviews and Whitelist referrals.

It's not who says it, it's what's said that matters.

Good Luck

1. Use of topical humor

2. The creation of a character(literary license) to be used in an informative, fun, innocuously sarcastic, philanthropic, as well as topical way.

3. Anonymity for when regional or associational sensitivities may be of concern.

4. Innocuous playing of "devils advocate" in a discussion or debate where one wishes to not be further/future aligned with one faction or the other.

5. Avoidance of suffering political fallout for a comment that may have been misread in a possibly volatile discussion.
(Ain'tcha ever had someone not understand what you were get'n at )  

6. aliases may be used for posting investigative reports, meet & greet announcements, helpful advice, or other similar types of useful information where the use of a user-name could prove problematic.

7. To 'classify' the content of the posts.

8. Concerns in revealing your review history.

9. Ability to contribute where you would otherwise feel embarrassed to speak candidly.

Thanks Brothers (and Sisters as well, I hasten to add); your responses were helpful and thoughtful.  Most seemed consistent with the examples I came up with so it seems like I’m on the right track, especially as to the provider perspective.  I have rarely been asked, but if a provider wants my TER handle, I like the idea that the persona of my Board posts is consistent with my reviews: hopefully seen as respectful in both cases

-- Modified on 2/19/2008 3:05:52 PM

The way I see it the term alias AS USED on this board is any name other than the one on your TER birth certificate.
For the purpose of this board The name on your TER birth certificate is your "real name" and any other name you use is an alias
As for me, I suppose,technically,  you could say I  have numerous aliases, however since the Followme family is so large I allow my cousins and other family menbers to sign on using my TER log in name then go to their names such as
SantaFollowmeClaus
FatherFollowme
EasterFollowmeBunny
PopeFollowmeLXIX
DrFollowmeOBGYN
RabbiFollowme
Followmeopolis
to name just a few of my family (there are many others )
So technically these are aliases , however in my case they are all real  members of the followme family.
To the best of my knowledge they do behave themselves.


I hope this clears it all up

Thank You
2008=27

Recently as of a few months ago, I was being ridiculed, and threatened when someone in my personal life found out my website address, who in turn found the TER Link. THEY were able to view my reviews to a point, and because it said VIP ONLY they assumed a lot of what was in question on my reviews (VIP ONLY) They assumed I DID it!
They brought my FAMILY in on it, and also my JOB!
When I posted afterwards, I used an alias so they wouldn't find any 'Diana' Posts.
Yes they can read the posts on the boards without being a member of TER.
Yes they CAN look at everyones private websites even though they are not a member.
and YES...this was a part of my life I wanted PRIVATE!
Now...I don't care one IOTA if they see me on here.

Similar reasoning applies to hobbyists.