double secret probation.....I have spoken with the two SP who used the alias feature inappropriately (in my opinion - and my opinion is what counts) and I believe it won't happen again......if you have something rude or agressive to state...use your user name and don't hide behind an alias.....if you do, I will remove the post.....TER is not a place to settle a score.

Be well all,

D15

now it's back to the shadows

No, don't go!  Damn, who was that masked man?  I wanted to thank him.

as well as YOU!!!!!

Terri

This is probably addressed somewhere in the FAQ for Newbies or something and I don't see it, or it's been addressed and I missed it, but as it seems particularly relevant right now, I will ask....

What exactly IS the appropriate use of the alias feature? Seems to me, by it's very definition, an "alias" is an alternate name used to hide one's true identity.

For what purpose? Unagressive statements? Nice things? Friendly commentary? Why would one need an alias for that?

Seems like the only logical reason to hide ones identity would be to advertise/promote themselves without appearing to do so, or so that those who wish to avoid consequences can say what they otherwise cannot on their known handle.

Therefore:

A. What is the stated purpose of the alias function, as it pertains to TER's TOS.

B. With the recent removal of alias availabily to non-VIPs, and the inappropriate use by VIPs, can you explain why TER doesn't just do away with aliases entirely?

After all, these "handles" are all just aliases anyway-my name isn't REALLY JustJack. *GASP!*

Aliases are an aspect of this board that I have never been clear on.

Maybe you can shed some light on this-I don't mean to sound argumentative, and I'm sure I can't the only person unclear and curious about it.

And who knows, it might avoid problems in the future.

Thank you

JJ

-- Modified on 3/16/2006 1:14:25 PM

Mean spirited posts will not be tolerated....

Personal attacks.....

Impersonating someone else......

They will be allowed for asking tough or embarrasing questions..... but I personally get pissed off when I see an alias attacking a hobbiest or a provider......each moderator has his or her own rules.....these are mine....

d15

PS....this is a very good question

Atta boy Dingus...keep the animals in line!

Lock & Load

if your going to "throw a rock" do it under your own "identity"...dingus has already stated (and I agree) that the community does a pretty good job self moderating. If your using it to ask a question or provide some meaningful 411 etc its OK to use an alias.

As for the "alternate" identity I do believe that is a TOS violation in and as of itself (it is on other boards atleast). Since you brought the subject up I do have a question (not aimed at you in any way). I've been told more than once that some providers here have above mentioned "alternate ID's". Like alot of 411 I have I consider it inappropriate to post (as I said a long time ago I now check the "nuclear" part of my arsenal at the door) unless the topic is introduced by a 3rd party. Given that the alternate ID (alias) exists for appropriate use I do hope Dingus and the other mods will make sure that this "second ID" work around (if in fact it exists) isnt tolerated....

BTW great job dingus

Let the rest of the would be rock throwers step up to the firing line with me...

I am very outspoken, have my share of detractors (no, i dont lose any sleep over them male or female) and even tend to enjoy the occasional flame war if my opposition has a clue or even half of one; (i miss April, now there was someone who i could go toe to toe with).

  Not once in all my time on the various forms of the networks we call the internet have i used an alias or felt the need for one.
I automatically distrust and discount anything someone using an alias has to say. An opinion means nothig unless you have the balls or ovaries to stand up and be counted for it . There is no good reason for the system that we use, based in part on handles and the knowledge of who we are behind them to allow aliases imo.
disagree with me?
Fine!
just dont use an alias or i wont bother to read it
(*editted for clarity i wish we had spellcheck bleh)
-- Modified on 3/16/2006 2:45:27 PM

-- Modified on 3/16/2006 2:47:16 PM

I was confused because when I first became a member of TER I signed up with the name "azblonde" but realized that people didn't always know who I was so I began using my name "Roxanne" which appears to be an alias but at least everyone knows it's me.  The ONLY time I went hidden under an alias was when I asked everyone about a month ago how they felt about a provider who wears braces.  I felt the need to hide when addressing it for the first time.  Is there a way I can change my primary handle?  If so, I would love to make "Roxanne" my main handle.  

As for the agency vs indy bashing........Hey, there's always going to be indys and there's always going to be agencies.  As long as someone isn't ripping anyone off, who really cares???  We have far more issues we can come together on such as our personal safety.

If someone is taking the time and energy to create an alias for the purpose of bashing, well, they seriously need to get a life.  Or perhaps their lives are centered around business and their business is slow.  Either way, they are creating their own karma which will eventually bite them in the butt.

Life's too short......Everybody enjoy your day!

It was not a problem to change my primary handle.  I didn't know what I was doing and used my regular AOL screen name which was inappropriate.  I sent an email to TER and they changed it immediately.