Webmaster
07-30-2006, 08:45
Since BudoSeek! began requiring that members post under their full, real name we have been asked why this is a requirement. This is a valid question when one considers the anonymous nature of the internet and that most internet discussion forums do not require this. However, BudoSeek! is not most internet discussion boards, nor are we the only one with this rule. The primary reasons for this rule are as follows:
1. What we strive for here is a good exchange of information between martial artists in a friendly atmosphere. In the ten years that BudoSeek! has been active, it has been shown that members posting under their real names take more responsibility for what they say and how they conduct themselves on the forum. We have less flaming and other violations of the rules which are there to ensure good order and the smooth flow of discussions. There are many people who may be quite nice in person, but even a cursory glance at several discussion boards shows that when some of these same folks are afforded the anonymity of the internet, manners go out the window. They flame, insult, and say things to other people that they would never dare say to their faces. BudoSeek! is simply not the place for such behavior.
2. It is a matter of integrity. If a person has something to say then they should not have to hide behind a screen name or 'handle' to say it. Some semblance of pride in authorship results from people posting under their real name, something that is noticeably missing from posts made only under a handle.
3. The real name rule also improves the signal-to-noise ratio. People are less likely to post inaccuracies or plain old nonsense knowing that post is going to be around and readable for years and is tied to their name.
4. While it isn't possible to make BudoSeek! some kind of 'digital dojo', we really want to foster a feeling of community where martial artists of many styles from around the world can get to know each other. Real-life friendships can be formed, connections made, and many of our members have traveled great distances in order to train with one another. As such, the first step in becoming part of a bigger community is being straight with who you are, and your background.
While some members and potential members may be uncomfortable with using their "real name", experience has shown that it is not likely to be a problem with regard to privacy issues. Member's email addresses are always kept private and never released to outside agencies. A member is not required to post their location either (although it's nice if they do), not even what country they are in. So anyone looking for the 'John Smith that posted something about Wing Chun' is going to have to track down every John Smith in the world. More information is available about a person from their trash, their business card, or a phone book than what is divulged here. It really is a non-issue.
The bottom line is that he who pays the bills makes the rules, and no one is forced to register on this site. If you disagree with any of the rules, you are free to lurk as a guest or to go elsewhere. If you do register however, checking the box that you agree to the rules shown below, then you have in effect signed an electronic contract and the administration has every right to expect you to comply with those terms and conditions that you just agreed to.
http://www.budoseek.net/temp/regis.gif
Special thanks to Super Mod David Craik for co-authoring this and helping me organize my thoughts on this matter.
1. What we strive for here is a good exchange of information between martial artists in a friendly atmosphere. In the ten years that BudoSeek! has been active, it has been shown that members posting under their real names take more responsibility for what they say and how they conduct themselves on the forum. We have less flaming and other violations of the rules which are there to ensure good order and the smooth flow of discussions. There are many people who may be quite nice in person, but even a cursory glance at several discussion boards shows that when some of these same folks are afforded the anonymity of the internet, manners go out the window. They flame, insult, and say things to other people that they would never dare say to their faces. BudoSeek! is simply not the place for such behavior.
2. It is a matter of integrity. If a person has something to say then they should not have to hide behind a screen name or 'handle' to say it. Some semblance of pride in authorship results from people posting under their real name, something that is noticeably missing from posts made only under a handle.
3. The real name rule also improves the signal-to-noise ratio. People are less likely to post inaccuracies or plain old nonsense knowing that post is going to be around and readable for years and is tied to their name.
4. While it isn't possible to make BudoSeek! some kind of 'digital dojo', we really want to foster a feeling of community where martial artists of many styles from around the world can get to know each other. Real-life friendships can be formed, connections made, and many of our members have traveled great distances in order to train with one another. As such, the first step in becoming part of a bigger community is being straight with who you are, and your background.
While some members and potential members may be uncomfortable with using their "real name", experience has shown that it is not likely to be a problem with regard to privacy issues. Member's email addresses are always kept private and never released to outside agencies. A member is not required to post their location either (although it's nice if they do), not even what country they are in. So anyone looking for the 'John Smith that posted something about Wing Chun' is going to have to track down every John Smith in the world. More information is available about a person from their trash, their business card, or a phone book than what is divulged here. It really is a non-issue.
The bottom line is that he who pays the bills makes the rules, and no one is forced to register on this site. If you disagree with any of the rules, you are free to lurk as a guest or to go elsewhere. If you do register however, checking the box that you agree to the rules shown below, then you have in effect signed an electronic contract and the administration has every right to expect you to comply with those terms and conditions that you just agreed to.
http://www.budoseek.net/temp/regis.gif
Special thanks to Super Mod David Craik for co-authoring this and helping me organize my thoughts on this matter.