I'm all for the use of an alias when the alias is necessary for discretion, or is used for the sake of humor, or is used for numerous other legitimate reasons. I'm all for the use of aliases when the post does not violate TER policy.

But how about establishing a modified form of moderation for the use of an alias. If a member's posts under an alias are removed constnatly due to the nature of their post, how about they lose the privilege of posting under an alias for a set period of time. A week, a month, whatever. Or, if the person is a chronis abuser of the alias feature, just ban them altogehter from the use of an alias.

I think this would dramatically reduce the number and frequency of train wrecks.

Wait a minute!!!!  I have seen virtually every board today except for a couple quiet regional boards.  In nearly every single one, there are flames so high they are probably burning the good lord almighty.  And in Every single drama thread, somebody using a alias shifts the focus to the drama, and turns it into a load of crap.

I respect your opinion, but IMHO, alias usage is killing this entire website.

If, as you suggest, there is a legitimate reason for an alias occasionally, I have never once seen it.  But, just in case, I suggest that the use of an alias must first be "approved" on a one post, one time basis by admin or the moderator for the board.  Mods will require justification and only after meeting the "discretion is needed criteria" will it be permitted.

Just my 02, but right now, alias usage is driving away people every single day.

Well, I certainly agree with your sentiments, but the truth is it really IS a hanful of offenders spoiling the pot for everyone.

And yes, there really are legitimate reasons for using an alias. Lets say Client Tom discovers a week or two after a date that he is experiencing some scary symptoms. So he goes to his trusty discussion board to ask advice from the hobby community about how to get himself checked out without leaving a paper trail. He doens't use an alias. First problem, he's gonig to make some DNS lists for that post. Second problem, Client Tom already wrote the review, so now all the hobbysists are speculating about which of his reviews should be avoided. If after teh fact he learns it was nothing serious, its too late. Gossip and speculation just turned him into a toxic client no one wants to see, and any woman he reviewed recently is probably being gossipped about too. An alias in this situation would be entirely appropriate.

The above scenario, and other legitmate reasons for alias use are why I made the suggestion I did. Aliases should remain available for those who do need to use an alias or simply want to use them. At the same time, a mechanism needs to be in place to limit the ability of chronic abusers to constantly undermine good discussions and turn the discussion boards into train wrecks. If the same member has three posts pulled due to violating TER's policy, its a pretty good indication that the person has no need for the privilege of using an alias. Whatever vitriole they wish to spew needs to be done using their member name.

....but I would say 1, 2 or 3 strikes, then no more aliases period, depending upon the level of the offense. Then use the next offense to moderate.  

There are too many people who are malicious or are just looking to cause trouble. Then again there are too many moderators who do an inconsistent job that it is already laughable which doesn't help as well.