I don't understand how to use an Alias on TER, or what it's all about.  Someone please let me know.

First I believe you have to be a VIP member with a handle.  If so, click Account Manager, then click Edit My Aliases on the left-hand side of the page.  Type in your choice(s) and hit the add alias button.  If your choice is good you'll see it added in the box above where you added it.  If someone else already has that alias, it will be duly noted.
To use an alias you've added, simply hit the down arrow under name when you initiate a post and you'll see the alias which you can click instead of your TER handle.
Easy  huh?

Out of curiosity.......can a moderator tell what account name is behind the alias when someone uses one?? Just curious

Alias' can you be humorous if used for that purpose; however, many people use the to maske their real identity, so they can post things that normally would not.

My advice is that if you have never used an alias, no need to start. If you feel compelled to use one, only use it spariingly, and never to bash or be harsh to anyone.

DOH! Well that just put a pin in my little balloon. No more posting with an alias for me LOL

1. Use of topical humor

2. The creation of a character(literary license) to be used in an informative, fun, innocuously sarcastic, philanthropic etc; 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.
(You can readily surmise the post's cant when you see the alias 'Cynicalman')

8. Concerns in revealing your review history.

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

The ONE bad use that constantly has members whining for their banning is the cowardly hiding behind them so one can "flame" without public/political retribution.

10.  Providers who choose an alias that more closely resembles their working name than the TER username they picked at initial sign-up.  This is usually done by ladies who discover TER early in their career and initially signed up with some moniker that made sense only to them at the time.

Great post, FR.  I've preached on this topic many times in the past (see link below).

Moderators can only view the account information on the boards where they have moderator rights (that's where they are 'redheads' when they post).
 
Rest assured, TER takes the 'outing' of your aliases by others very seriously, and the Moderators are sworn to secrecy concerning all of your board identities. However, it is okay to 'out' your own alias (see my signature below) if you choose.

Oh, and don't forget, using more than one alias/username in a single thread is a no-no, unless done strictly for fun (and even then, it's subject to each individual moderator's discretion).

atl_mgr, aka Newbie Mod

For those using an alias the first time it is worth reminding you cannot use it and your real handle under the same thread. I did that my first time, amazing how quick everything dissapears and "You Got Mail" - not nice mail either - various references made to my obvious low IQ - LOL