Cross-reference of user names and Christian names?

[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

[BikerGran]

I'm not sure about this - it appears to inject an element of common sense into the proceedings.................

[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 (though some might need several additional columns)

[TwinkietheKid]

We could also add an extra column with the name we all call that person behind their back when they are not listening (though some might need several additional columns)

I'd pay good coin for that list!

[Firestarter]

We could also add an extra column with the name we all call that person behind their back when they are not listening (though some might need several additional columns)

I'd pay good coin for that list!

TBH, probably not worth the money. There's probably only a few four-letter words used for most people behind their backs...

[D-Rider]

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?

[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.

[D-Rider]

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.

[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.

[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.

[randomsquid]

Mangocrazy = Graham

Randomsquid = not Graham

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

[D-Rider]

Mangocrazy = Graham

Randomsquid = not Graham

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

Who is "Pete"?

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)

[Paulh]

I'd rather keep my name private

[D-Rider]

I'd rather keep my name private

OK Paul

[TwinkietheKid]

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.