Netiquette, at least as far as I have seen, does not say that everyone has
to use their real names in on-line communities. In fact it supports the
opposite, that we should respect individuals requests for privacy and treat
them with respect that every individual disserves. I have been in the
on-line community for many years (before the web and most people knew what
the Internet was I ran in BBS circles) and handles (pseudonyms) have always
been respected where appropriate. A community like this is a perfect
example of such an appropriate use of handles.
Granted some people do not like to use handles, but that is their
CHOICE. If they choose a handle or not should not effect our opinion in a
community. You raise the point of financial transactions, but we are all
volunteers here. No one is paying anyone money.
In a community setting like this absolute identity is not necessary. In
fact, in some ways I prefer dealing with people who use an obvious handle /
pseudonym because then I don't wonder if that is really their name or if
they are trying to deceive me.
I have only been here a short time, but most of your posts seem more aimed
at making waves then building an encyclopedia. But that is just my opinion.
At 10:02 PM 09/12/2002 +0200, Jaap van Ganswijk wrote:
I think that if Wikipedia is to grow into a serious
movement, nay institute even, it's essential that
people adhere more to netiquette.
I don't care which babysteps are made by whomever
but that things are improved in general. That's
why I'd like to point out some issues that can
be improved. If you have considered my arguments
and decide that you still have a legitimate
reason to use a pseudonym, so be it. You will
not be taken as seriously at face value, so
you'll have to try harder to be respected, but
if you choose that road, you have my blessing.