If you change your screen name

[Hudson_Hawk]

Do you tell people on PS? I know there was a little flurry of name changes a few months ago, and I've figured most of those folks out, but lately there have been some newer posters that seem REALLY familiar to old or MIA posters. I'm not always sure who I'm talking to.

So, if you've changed your name, did you spill the beans about your alter ego?

 

[monarch64]

I have noticed a few "new" posters recently who bear a remarkable resemblance in writing/posting style to "former" members--a couple of whom I believe were asked not to return. In that case I suppose one would not want to reveal their previous PS identity.

 

[iheartscience]

I have noticed a few "new" posters recently who bear a remarkable resemblance in writing/posting style to "former" members--a couple of whom I believe were asked not to return. In that case I suppose one would not want to reveal their previous PS identity.

Ha, ditto! I also wonder if they think they're fooling us? And it's interesting that we get so used to fellow posters' writing style and tone that we can recognize them.

 

[TravelingGal]

Is this a real question or are ya trying to flush out someone?

I've been boring ole TravelingGal for 5.5 years now. No plans to change. But if I were to change, ya'd never know it!

 

[random_thought]

I've noticed that as well And that's all I've got to say about that!
I imagine if some changed their username that they must have had a good reason to do so and might not want it revealed who they are...and that's also all I've got to say about that

 

[lyra]

I have noticed a few "new" posters recently who bear a remarkable resemblance in writing/posting style to "former" members--a couple of whom I believe were asked not to return. In that case I suppose one would not want to reveal their previous PS identity.

Ha, ditto! I also wonder if they think they're fooling us? And it's interesting that we get so used to fellow posters' writing style and tone that we can recognize them.

Whomever they are, they are completely fooling me. Honestly, does it matter? I can never figure out these whodunit things on PS.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

No, actually it's a legit question. It's hard when you 'think' you know who someone is but you're not sure. For example there have been people who've left or changed their names for personal reasons relating to their online identity popping up in real life. I want to be respectful to these people and not blurt out anything that could give them away. At the same time, I don't want to inadvertently ignore someone I "know" or act differently towards them because I don't recognize their new screen name.

I've been HH since I joined PS and I have no intention of changing it.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I've noticed that as well And that's all I've got to say about that!
I imagine if some changed their username that they must have had a good reason to do so and might not want it revealed who they are...and that's also all I've got to say about that

Thank you for replying RT, you're actually one of the folks I was wondering about and wanted to avoid giving you away!

Contrary to popular belief I don't want to cause drama or grief when participating on PS. When you take the time to get to know someone or become familiar with them it's easy to recognize them or see similarities between postings.

 

[TravelingGal]

HH, I think it's safe to assume that if someone doesn't tell you, they don't care to be found out and wouldn't be offended if you "ignored" them.

Most of the ones who have changed their names for personal reasons (like net privacy) didn't change their avatars or shortened it in a way that it still relates to their old names, so that it would be obvious.

 

[kenny]

Creating a new screen name, especially after being banned, is a very serious infraction at PS.

If you suspect a current poster is actually a former (now banned) poster you can report them to admin to get them banned again for being dishonest or say nothing to keep them posting here.

 

[random_thought]

Thanks HH, I really appreciate it I'd hate to have to stay away again for another couple of months to build my anonymity back up! You have no idea how hard it was! Haha

Edited to let admins know that I did not create a new identity due to being banned and if asked outside of pricescope I'd be happy to let you know my old account information in order to verify this Thanks

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

@TGal-Yes, I'm aware of those posters, however that's not always the case. ETA: Nor were they they people I was referring to. I simply used them as an example.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Creating a new screen name, especially after being banned, is a very serious infraction at PS.

If you suspect a current poster is actually a former (now banned) poster you can report them to admin to get them banned again for being dishonest or say nothing to keep them posting here.

Unfortunately if there was animosity between the banned person and other posters and those non-banned people are the ones who suspect the new poster, then reporting them looks bad. Like you're being petty and vindictive. Especially when it's just a suspicion vs proof.

 

[TravelingGal]

@TGal-Yes, I'm aware of those posters, however that's not always the case. ETA: Nor were they they people I was referring to. I simply used them as an example.

If those aren't the people you were referring to, then do you mean the people who are not obvious at at, and therefore probably wouldn't want to reveal their identities? In which case, the point of your original question is moot?

As for petty and vindictive, it would probably be easier to report them if you suspect (because if they were banned, they were banned for a reason) instead of starting a passive aggressive thread.

 

[lyra]

Creating a new screen name, especially after being banned, is a very serious infraction at PS.

If you suspect a current poster is actually a former (now banned) poster you can report them to admin to get them banned again for being dishonest or say nothing to keep them posting here.

How do you know if someone was banned or not? I'm being serious. I wonder why a couple of people aren't around, one was not liked and one was, but I have no idea why they have been absent.

 

[random_thought]

Lol who are those people lyra? I'd love to know if I was the one who disliked! Although I hope I'm not

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

AGAIN, this was a legitimate question, not an attempt at calling someone out or being passive aggressive. I saw a poster that I thought I recognized but couldn't remember if she'd said anything about changing her name and wanted to know what people's thoughts were on the subject. Similarly, I responded to another person last week who I didn't realize changed their name, someone who I've spoken with at length and actually a lot. She misinterpreted my post. Had I known who she was I might have worded it a bit differently, but I thought she was a newbie and so it came off as condescending. Additionally, there's another person I know who I like a lot who changed her name specifically because her PS identity was brought up IRL. This was someone I talked to every day on PS so yes, I want to make sure I know WHO I'm talking to so I don't inadvertently expose them because I 'think' I know who I'm talking to.

This is actually an attempt at me trying to RESPECT people and their wishes.

 

[Indylady]

I changed my sn a while back. I didn't tell anyone; I just kept my avatar and resumed posting in all the usual places. I think my avatar, history, number of posts, etc. made it pretty obvious who I was, though I did have one or two people ask me to confirm. It felt a little silly for me to start a thread saying, "Hey guys! Its meee!"

 

[dragonfly411]

I think in most cases I've been easily fooled. There haven't been any instances though where a negative entity would be someone I'd be wondering about. I haven't experienced anyone here who really truly bothers me in a negative way.

 

[LadyBlue]

I'm sorry, I did not mean to call out anybody,.,. I tought she like Lavander where ok letting people know who they were . I really like both of you and I'm so happy you are back

 

[kenny]

. . . instead of starting a passive aggressive thread.

Passive agressive?
Huh?
I'm sure there are other terms you have to describe this thread but IMHO it does not fit the definition of PA.

I think this is another example of "definition-creep".

 

[Lilac]

Do you tell people on PS? I know there was a little flurry of name changes a few months ago, and I've figured most of those folks out, but lately there have been some newer posters that seem REALLY familiar to old or MIA posters. I'm not always sure who I'm talking to.

So, if you've changed your name, did you spill the beans about your alter ego?

I had to change my name for outside privacy reasons, but still may change it back at some point. I miss my old name and don't quite feel like "myself" now with the new one! I didn't make a big announcement on PS, but I let some people know outside of PS and put the old name in my signature. In a couple weeks I might go back if I really can't get used to this change.

It's funny how connected you can feel to a screen name when you've used it for so long and how strange it feels to have to change it.

 

[Kaleigh]

I know someone that changed their SC because someone IRL found PS and she didn't want that person reading her posts. I totally get that. I also understand someone creating a new account if they want privacy in asking a sensitive question...

 

[random_thought]

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

L-you were another person I was referring to. Someone I enjoyed talking to and know enough about that I could easily spill the beans without meaning to. Luckily you clued me in so I knew to watch what I said.

 

[TravelingGal]

AGAIN, this was a legitimate question, not an attempt at calling someone out or being passive aggressive. I saw a poster that I thought I recognized but couldn't remember if she'd said anything about changing her name and wanted to know what people's thoughts were on the subject. Similarly, I responded to another person last week who I didn't realize changed their name, someone who I've spoken with at length and actually a lot. She misinterpreted my post. Had I known who she was I might have worded it a bit differently, but I thought she was a newbie and so it came off as condescending. Additionally, there's another person I know who I like a lot who changed her name specifically because her PS identity was brought up IRL. This was someone I talked to every day on PS so yes, I want to make sure I know WHO I'm talking to so I don't inadvertently expose them because I 'think' I know who I'm talking to.

This is actually an attempt at me trying to RESPECT people and their wishes.

That's good to know HH, because I like you and would really hate to think you were capable of pettiness. It seemed when RT here made a comment (without acknowledging being one of those posters who are incognito directly) and you pointed out that you would hate to "give her away" while doing exactly just that...well, it seemed like there was an agenda.

But I admit, my pet peeve is stuff like this. Probably because I have a daughter and I actually fear what "mean girls" could do if she ever decided to get on the bad side of a mob.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Why are you shooting yourself in the foot RT? You were relatively incognito until just now....now you're going to have to go off the grid and put on a new disguise!

 

[TravelingGal]

. . . instead of starting a passive aggressive thread.

Passive agressive?
Huh?
I'm sure there are other terms you have to describe this thread but IMHO it does not fit the definition of PA.

I think this is another example of "definition-creep".

Nope Kenny, you wouldn't describe it that way, I understand.

 

[random_thought]

Actually HH has been pretty wonderful regarding some of the things that happened IRL by alerting me to things that happened that I had not noticed because they were deleted and reported right away. I don't think she posted this with any ill intent at all; I think it was merely a case of being curious.

 

[random_thought]

Why are you shooting yourself in the foot RT? You were relatively incognito until just now....now you're going to have to go off the grid and put on a new disguise!

fixed