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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 28. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jay on August 26, 2003, at 14:08:49
I don't know if there is any harm in it, but is it possible so many of the new name/handles are just regular users posting under a different name, for whatever reason? Maybe they feel they won't get attention as a 'regular'...or maybe folks are embarrassed by something they said in the past and want to come on as a 'new' person? I guess my question is...is this harmful to the board, which I don't really think it is, but I feel "dooped" in some ways if people are using multiple names. I am not talking about people who are banned using new handles...but everybody in general. Thoughts?Jay
Posted by Dragonslayer on August 26, 2003, at 16:25:18
In reply to Question about all of the 'new' handles/users..., posted by jay on August 26, 2003, at 14:08:49
It makes me a bit *nervous*. I have had *difficulites* at another site and *reinvents* just wanted to keep to their old tricks. I think it happens alot here. It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. Does seem a bit, well, dishonest. I guess as long as they don't seek to harm ????????????
Posted by galkeepinon on August 26, 2003, at 21:27:46
In reply to Re: Question about all of the 'new' handles/users..., posted by Dragonslayer on August 26, 2003, at 16:25:18
I agree, it's inevitable if they do. I come here to help and be part of something, and I like it. If they don't seek any harm then I don't see anything wrong with it. JMHO :-)
> It makes me a bit *nervous*. I have had *difficulites* at another site and *reinvents* just wanted to keep to their old tricks. I think it happens alot here. It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. Does seem a bit, well, dishonest. I guess as long as they don't seek to harm ????????????
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 27, 2003, at 10:28:42
In reply to Re: Question about all of the 'new' handles/users... » Dragonslayer, posted by galkeepinon on August 26, 2003, at 21:27:46
> I don't know if there is any harm in it, but is it possible so many of the new name/handles are just regular users posting under a different name, for whatever reason? Maybe they feel they won't get attention as a 'regular'...or maybe folks are embarrassed by something they said in the past and want to come on as a 'new' person? I guess my question is...is this harmful to the board, which I don't really think it is, but I feel "dooped" in some ways if people are using multiple names.
>
> Jay> *reinvents* just wanted to keep to their old tricks. I think it happens alot here. It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. Does seem a bit, well, dishonest. I guess as long as they don't seek to harm ????????????
>
> Dragonslayer> I agree, it's inevitable if they do. I come here to help and be part of something, and I like it. If they don't seek any harm then I don't see anything wrong with it. JMHO :-)
>
> galkeepinonI'm not sure what you mean, "It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. " Hard in what way? Tell what?
My feeling has been that it's OK for someone to switch from one name to another, but not for them to use more than one name at the same time. But I can't always tell who people are, either, so there are limits to my ability to enforce this.
Bob
Posted by Dragonslayer on August 27, 2003, at 11:32:45
In reply to Re: Question about all of the 'new' handles/users., posted by Dr. Bob on August 27, 2003, at 10:28:42
>>>I'm not sure what you mean, "It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. " Hard in what way? Tell what?>>>>
I can clarify by saying:
Some individuals, due to writing styles, subject matter, personal information, posting behavior, etc... are not difficult to ASSUME who they COULD have been *before*. This IS certainly assumptive -one cannot know for sure unless the poster chooses to reveal.
Thinking one could ALWAYS figure this out is certainly presumptive and impossible.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 27, 2003, at 12:05:14
In reply to Re: Question about all of the 'new' handles/users., posted by Dr. Bob on August 27, 2003, at 10:28:42
I could have made myself clearer. The only thing I was agreeing with was the statement "I guess as long as they don't seek to harm" Dr. Bob, you stated that you feel it's not OK for people to use more than one name at the same time, and to me, since you seem so darn busy, that's why I said "it's inevitable". Like you said, there are limits to your ability to enforce this.
That is all I meant by saying I agree:-)
Have a great Day! and don't work too hard:-)
galkeepinon> > I don't know if there is any harm in it, but is it possible so many of the new name/handles are just regular users posting under a different name, for whatever reason? Maybe they feel they won't get attention as a 'regular'...or maybe folks are embarrassed by something they said in the past and want to come on as a 'new' person? I guess my question is...is this harmful to the board, which I don't really think it is, but I feel "dooped" in some ways if people are using multiple names.
> >
> > Jay
>
> > *reinvents* just wanted to keep to their old tricks. I think it happens alot here. It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. Does seem a bit, well, dishonest. I guess as long as they don't seek to harm ????????????
> >
> > Dragonslayer
>
> > I agree, it's inevitable if they do. I come here to help and be part of something, and I like it. If they don't seek any harm then I don't see anything wrong with it. JMHO :-)
> >
> > galkeepinon
>
> I'm not sure what you mean, "It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. " Hard in what way? Tell what?
>
> My feeling has been that it's OK for someone to switch from one name to another, but not for them to use more than one name at the same time. But I can't always tell who people are, either, so there are limits to my ability to enforce this.
>
> Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 28, 2003, at 1:01:37
In reply to Re: Question about all of the 'new' handles/users., posted by Dragonslayer on August 27, 2003, at 11:32:45
> > I'm not sure what you mean, "It is awfully hard to not be able to tell after a while. " Hard in what way? Tell what?
>
> I can clarify by saying:
>
> Some individuals, due to writing styles, subject matter, personal information, posting behavior, etc... are not difficult to ASSUME who they COULD have been *before*. This IS certainly assumptive -one cannot know for sure unless the poster chooses to reveal.I agree, sometimes you wonder.
BTW, have you been posting under more than one name? If so, please pick one and stick to that. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by jay on September 4, 2003, at 9:32:35
In reply to Question about all of the 'new' handles/users..., posted by jay on August 26, 2003, at 14:08:49
I haven't checked PB Stats, but it seriously seems odd that each week, there are something in the way of 50 or so 'new' user handles, most whom disappear and never return. I feel there should be some authenticity and honesty with people when they post, and if many of these are the same users re-naming themselves, it just doesn't feel 'right'. I know...."what harm?"...but as I mentioned before, I feel a bit cheated and coned by such actions. I did think of another way to get folks to stick with one handle, and that is to prevent people from registering with 'web based email' accounts. (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.) Now I know you need a Yahoo account to get into the services you have hooked up to Yahoo, but that is still a separate process than posting on the boards. A number of websites have this type of policy, mostly to prevent people from any covert and overt hostile actions. Is this too extreme?
Thanks,
Jay
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 13:26:47
In reply to Doc Bob....more questions re:'new' handles/users., posted by jay on September 4, 2003, at 9:32:35
Hi jay,
could you please email me at babbler2003@msn.com?
concerning this post.
Please.
Thanks galkeepinon:-)> I haven't checked PB Stats, but it seriously seems odd that each week, there are something in the way of 50 or so 'new' user handles, most whom disappear and never return. I feel there should be some authenticity and honesty with people when they post, and if many of these are the same users re-naming themselves, it just doesn't feel 'right'. I know...."what harm?"...but as I mentioned before, I feel a bit cheated and coned by such actions. I did think of another way to get folks to stick with one handle, and that is to prevent people from registering with 'web based email' accounts. (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.) Now I know you need a Yahoo account to get into the services you have hooked up to Yahoo, but that is still a separate process than posting on the boards. A number of websites have this type of policy, mostly to prevent people from any covert and overt hostile actions. Is this too extreme?
>
> Thanks,
> Jay
Posted by shar on September 4, 2003, at 14:39:15
In reply to Doc Bob....more questions re:'new' handles/users., posted by jay on September 4, 2003, at 9:32:35
Jay,
I would like it, too, if people would stick to one handle, unless a change is needed to protect identity (like someone is being stalked or realizes their original sign-up makes it easy to identify them in the 'real' world).I feel that changing handles (unless people let people know 'hey I used to be so-and-so') in general disrupts the process of establishing relationships. And, it is relationships that encourages support as people get to know each other. And, since the board is about support....well, you get the point.
If one week I'm getting to know 'Joe' and we have a dialogue that's meaningful to us, and next week there is no Joe because Joe is now Reggie, whatever we shared is lost....or at least won't continue because I don't have a clue as to who Reggie is. Oh, well. So, I just stay out of PSB now.
Shar
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 4, 2003, at 15:15:37
In reply to Doc Bob....more questions re:'new' handles/users., posted by jay on September 4, 2003, at 9:32:35
"I did think of another way to get folks to stick with one handle, and that is to prevent people from registering with 'web based email' accounts. (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.) "
What about those of us that use nothing but the free web based mail?? I really don't like any of the email clients on the market at the moment, and like to be able to check my email where ever I may be.
I do have an ISP one, but that is shared with my husband, and I wouln't want him knowing anything about my PB life
Nikki
Posted by Tabitha on September 4, 2003, at 16:47:47
In reply to Doc Bob....more questions re:'new' handles/users., posted by jay on September 4, 2003, at 9:32:35
Jay, good idea about restricting email registration, except for 2 things
1) as Nikki pointed out, some folks don't have an ISP. They might be using internet cafes, or public library access.
2) even pay ISP's like AOL let you have multiple email addys, so folks could still re-register. I have AOL and I think it allows 7 or 8 simultaneous handles now. Plus I can keep deleting and re-inventing handles there, so really I can still create infinite throw-away addresses.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 4, 2003, at 17:07:35
In reply to Re: Doc Bob....more questions re:'new' handles/users. » jay, posted by shar on September 4, 2003, at 14:39:15
> I feel that changing handles ... in general disrupts the process of establishing relationships. And, it is relationships that encourages support as people get to know each other.
>
> If one week I'm getting to know 'Joe' and we have a dialogue that's meaningful to us, and next week there is no Joe because Joe is now Reggie, whatever we shared is lost....or at least won't continue because I don't have a clue as to who Reggie is.Well, you can lead a horse to relationships, but you can't make him relate... It's also limited, what I can do about this. I guess if people had to pay each time they registered, that would be a deterrent...
Bob
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 17:13:58
In reply to Re: Doc Bob....more questions re:'new' handles/users. » jay, posted by shar on September 4, 2003, at 14:39:15
Jay, all I was going to say and I'll post it here where Bob can see it too. It does seem very odd, especially of late, that there are something in the way of 50 or so 'new' user handles, most whom disappear and never return~~I know of 3 that I have taken time to respond to and never saw post again. Don't get me wrong, there could and probably were several legit reasons for this and I will help and have helped when I can, but it just doesn't feel 'right' to me either lately.
If we check reality, all people aren't honest, that's life, unfortunately.
I spent literally an hour responding to a poster the other night and got a slap in the face, I'm over it now, but I'm just going to be careful in choosing what I respond to and what I don't.
Shar~I hear you for this same reason I stated above. I think all of us have a right to privacy, I really do and if someone who has been here before has come in under another name, has caused no harm, and is being mature, helping, following Dr. Bob's rules and regulations, then all is good. Nowadays, especially online, one has to be very careful, I would hope we all know this, and I know Bob makes sure that his site is somewhat safe to the best of his ability-legally. You have to rememember though Shar, that some people aren't here to form relationships, some come to just get advice, check out the posts, find us from a search, etc. I have to remind myself of this also. People may have other reasons for changing 'handles' or what not. It's no offense to us or others, it may just be for their own piece of mind. Sometimes we have to accept that. I notice that some have formed relationships on the boards and I think that is GREAT! I have formed a few myself. I hear ya about your 'Joe and 'Reggie' example and I know it can be frustrating if in fact that does happen and someone could be playing you off or maybe aren't as nice as you ;) and just don't take your feelings into account.
This is just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.
Have a good night people:-)
Posted by shar on September 5, 2003, at 0:13:42
In reply to Jay and Shar............. » shar, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 17:13:58
Those are good points/reminders. I do think of this board (the boards) usually in terms of the relationships and support that exist here. Probably just due mainly to having been here so long. I also believe that there has been a shift in the focus of people (or what they want) since I first arrived.
I do need to keep that in mind, not get caught up in trying to provide support to a horse who may drink at the trough today or for a month, and then change their name a become a stranger to me.
Usually, short-timers (those who just pass through) are pretty obvious and much easier to ignore.
Diffrent strokes and all that.....
Shar
Posted by mashogr8 on September 5, 2003, at 15:03:57
In reply to Tis True--Jay, Gal, Dr. Bob, posted by shar on September 5, 2003, at 0:13:42
I think I am too concrete. I didn't know that someone(s) had changed their name/handle for the longest time and I get quite confused(plus I think there are more changes than I am aware of). I've wondered what happened to a few people. I'm not even sure if I'm right about who has changed names. Do I need to wonder how they are doing when I don't see them but they're really there, just called something else. Not sure if this makes sense, which mioght also help define why I can't replace the new with the old.
I worry that it's my age. I feel a bit like a substitute teacher where the kids have ganged up on the sub to give her a hard time, changing seats(names).
I know there are people that I used to know who have stopped posting as well as some people I thought weren't posting any more when in reality they just took on a second identity. Like you, Shar, I remember the board from years ago. Time and needs of groups of people do change. And I do to or at least I should adapt. But name changes....For a long time, ti never occured to me that that happemed. I have been incredibly confused at times, expecially lately and longed to be on PB 2000 'cause I could count on knowing who was who.
oh well.....
MA
Posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 16:48:41
In reply to name changes/handles, posted by mashogr8 on September 5, 2003, at 15:03:57
I agree with you and Shar. There seems to be a lack of reciprocity in the situation that makes a relationship difficult. I'm not talking about where someone is open about the change and doesn't mind repeating to someone who missed the original announcement. But when you are conversing with someone in good faith as if you didn't know them, when in fact you've known them for some time. Or when you're missing someone when they're there all the time. It makes me feel like someone's having a laugh at my expense, and I don't like it. I can sometimes figure it out when I know someone well enough, but I still don't like it.
But it's going to happen anyway, whether or not we like it. I guess people have a million reasons for wanting to start over. But I hate to lose friends because of it. MA and Shar, I miss you two on Social. Very much. I wish you would come and visit. :(
Dinah
Posted by shar on September 6, 2003, at 1:18:40
In reply to Re: name changes/handles » mashogr8, posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 16:48:41
Posted by mashogr8 on September 7, 2003, at 19:43:55
In reply to Re: name changes/handles » mashogr8, posted by Dinah on September 5, 2003, at 16:48:41
Thanks for your response. One of my difficulties is recognizing change. For some reason, adaptation/change is so far over my head. What's neat about a bad memory is that I'll soon forget I didn't know who was who until I get confused agian.
Ma
Posted by shar on September 8, 2003, at 1:35:49
In reply to Re: name changes/handles/Dinah, posted by mashogr8 on September 7, 2003, at 19:43:55
I can sort of relate to what you say, except I can't tell who's who when they change names. I guess style stands out less to me than substance, so I miss a lot when I'm left guessing based on someone's "new" name.
That is, unless they announce it (I'm xyz and used to be abc); then I know.
Shar
Posted by NikkiT2 on September 8, 2003, at 7:44:36
In reply to Re: name changes--Mash, posted by shar on September 8, 2003, at 1:35:49
I can't follow these name changes.. I've only managed to pick up on one name change, and thats cos this persons style is very unique (still took me a few months to realise though!!).. It makes me very uneasy.. The reason I can share so well here is that everyone does it.. but with all the name changes I get this feeling that I'm replying to people that know so much about me, yet I appear to know nothing about them...
But theres nothing we can do about it. My answer is to hardly post anymore.. as I no longer know who I am replying to
Nikki
Posted by mashogr8 on September 8, 2003, at 14:53:43
In reply to Re: name changes--Mash, posted by NikkiT2 on September 8, 2003, at 7:44:36
not only do I not post much anymore but I also find myself reading a lot less.
Posted by EscherDementian on September 9, 2003, at 10:40:09
In reply to name changes/handles, posted by mashogr8 on September 5, 2003, at 15:03:57
i changed my name/handle. i did it after 2 (3?) initial posts as Quixote. i kept the same password, email's the same, and i referred to it in a couple of sequential posts. i was glad there wasn't any problem with this- i am newbie here. Just getting to know my way around.
Here's the reason - and later a question:
In choosing an introduction/expression of myself as it pertains to my psyche, i drew from a nickname some of my best friends for many many years (husband, too) have called me: ("uniQue Quixote"). i guess where my 'p-innerds' resemble Don Quixote as a figurative illustration, i can relate to this handle...
But recently, without treatment for my ADD, my thought process takes on simultaneous directions and i'm more like a Relativity poster by M.C.Escher (pun intended). Order and Chaos from a Tetrahedral Planetoid in Another World, Convex and Concave, and there's more Metamorphose in Division of the Plane --all dimensions simultaneously present, and here i am trying to handle expressing myself in a graphic line...
See what i mean?
In RL a Montessori kindergarten teacher, an artist, with physics as a hobby, it seemed an appropriate name/handle change.Here's the question:
When i am returned to non-hyperspace thinking and more grounded participation & search for my life's meaning, may i also return my name/handle to Quixote?signed,
At Best: M.C.Escher's Stellated Dodecahedron
Posted by mashogr8 on September 9, 2003, at 14:08:59
In reply to name/handle change: a reason and question, posted by EscherDementian on September 9, 2003, at 10:40:09
Posted by shar on September 9, 2003, at 14:45:33
In reply to name/handle change: a reason and question, posted by EscherDementian on September 9, 2003, at 10:40:09
Well, if you change your name back, you could do the same as you did the first time: let people know. Then they would know that you are you.
You could even sign your posts Quixote/Escher for a while (for those of us that have no memory retention....:) Then when you are known to people, you could stop using the bygone name because people would know who you are.
Since you are changing for reasons that don't have to do with self-protection, that might work.
Thanks for being so thoughtful when you did it the first time!
Shar
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