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Cross-reference of user names and Christian names?

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 9:39 pm
by mangocrazy
Following on from Jay's most excellently-organised mid year meet, it occurred to me that most forumers only know each other by the medium of user names. How about we supply our Forum name and our Christian name (and surname if you wish) so that everyone at least knows who is who in real life when we next meet up?

One of the Mods could maintain a list, available to registered users on the forum with the cross-reference of those who have chosen to share their details (at whatever level that may be).

Anyway, for starters:

Mangocrazy = Graham

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 9:57 pm
by BikerGran
I'm not sure about this - it appears to inject an element of common sense into the proceedings.................

:smt112

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:18 pm
by D-Rider
We could also add an extra column with the name we all call that person behind their back when they are not listening :smt002 (though some might need several additional columns)

Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2014 10:23 pm
by TwinkietheKid
D-Rider wrote:We could also add an extra column with the name we all call that person behind their back when they are not listening :smt002 (though some might need several additional columns)
I'd pay good coin for that list! :smt006

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 7:14 am
by Firestarter
TwinkietheKid wrote:
D-Rider wrote:We could also add an extra column with the name we all call that person behind their back when they are not listening :smt002 (though some might need several additional columns)
I'd pay good coin for that list! :smt006
TBH, probably not worth the money. There's probably only a few four-letter words used for most people behind their backs...

Re: Cross-reference of user names and Christian names?

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 8:47 am
by D-Rider
mangocrazy wrote:Following on from Jay's most excellently-organised mid year meet, it occurred to me that most forumers only know each other by the medium of user names. How about we supply our Forum name and our Christian name (and surname if you wish) so that everyone at least knows who is who in real life when we next meet up?

One of the Mods could maintain a list, available to registered users on the forum with the cross-reference of those who have chosen to share their details (at whatever level that may be).

Anyway, for starters:

Mangocrazy = Graham
Having successfully derailed this at the first attempt, I guess I'd better get this back on track.

It would be relatively easy to set up a sub-forum visible only to registered members.
However, I wonder whether we would prefer to make the list viewable to those members that are a little more "known" (eg, having shared equivalent info about themselves + a post count greater than a certain threshold).
More work but people might be happier.

Thoughts?

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 9:26 am
by zoidberg
could you not put is as an option to list below the avatar where it has your location?

although a subforum for registered members would be a good idea. people seem to hold back when posting on public forums.

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 9:50 am
by D-Rider
zoidberg wrote:could you not put is as an option to list below the avatar where it has your location?
I may be wrong but I don't think we have the ability to add new fields in that area.

Where people can post this information is in their "signature" that appears below each post.
The disadvantage I see with this is that the information is then available to every viewer of the forum - and not everybody would be happy with that.

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 9:57 am
by zoidberg
ahh i see, a registered viewers sub forum is a good idea. I have seen that on other forums and they always work well.

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:01 am
by Dusty
I can see the need and compiled my own list as soon as I got home yesterday! However, I share the concerns so perhaps a sub-forum sounds like a good idea provided we don't end up with our version of the Russian dolls.

Re: Cross-reference of user names and Christian names?

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:10 am
by randomsquid
mangocrazy wrote:
Mangocrazy = Graham
Randomsquid = not Graham

Good idea though. I'd met Pete four times before he remembered who I was.

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:22 am
by D-Rider
randomsquid wrote:
mangocrazy wrote:
Mangocrazy = Graham
Randomsquid = not Graham

Good idea though. I'd met Pete four times before he remembered who I was.
Who is "Pete"?
Dusty wrote:I can see the need and compiled my own list as soon as I got home yesterday! However, I share the concerns so perhaps a sub-forum sounds like a good idea provided we don't end up with our version of the Russian dolls.
We won't - we've already got loads of sub forums and some are restricted to certain groups of people.
Another one is not going to bring about the end of the world (probably)

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 11:41 am
by Paulh
I'd rather keep my name private :smt002

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 12:24 pm
by D-Rider
Paulh wrote:I'd rather keep my name private :smt002
OK Paul :smt003

Re: Cross-reference of user names and Christian names?

Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2014 1:53 pm
by TwinkietheKid
D-Rider wrote:However, I wonder whether we would prefer to make the list viewable to those members that are a little more "known" (eg, having shared equivalent info about themselves + a post count greater than a certain threshold).
More work but people might be happier.

Thoughts?
In all seriousness (I'll spend my "good coin" on beer thank you), this will likely be the most unobtrusive way to go. If they want to provide it, that is their choice. No automatic stuff.

Its not like you're given away all of the family secrets. :smt102