Let me ask this....

[AL]

I have never joined a forum unless i could read it first. Why would I?? Why would anyone?? there are enough forums around without having to jump thru hoops.

I have to agree with that statement. If I don't know what's going on I'm not sticking my head in. While it probably would discourage "flame wars" (which really isn't much of a problem around here) I feel it would also discourage people from joining. New blood = new ideas in many cases. I think the good outweighs the bad in this case.

AL

[Mark Hammer]

I suppose I should clarify.  It's not so much the use of handles, but the use of nothing BUT handles.  As the note from Miguel preceding mine clearly illustrates, people can take steps to identify themselves personally AND still use a handle for posting.  The practical issue is that they have to be sure to sign each note with their name (first name at least), so it's just easier to post under one's name rather than handle.  I always use my full name as my ID since it clearly identifies me and I don't have to do any extra work in that direction.

The use of names is not just to prevent people from misbehaving under conditions of anonymity.  It is also so much easier for purposes of constructing notes and for referring others to relevant posts.  For instance, do I refer someone to "puretube" or Ton, bioroids or Miguel, Uncle Boko or Steve?  If I slip and call someone by the name I know them by, does that confuse others?  It's also so much easier when directing comments to someone, and much more conversation-like when you can use a person's name.  Besides, if you have a brilliant idea that sets all DIY-ers' hearts atwitter, would you rather have it attributed to YOU, yourself, or to a  letters-plus-digits-character-string pseudonym?

Again, not an insistence on forcing people to do something they have reasons to be uncomfortable with, just a list of reasons why it's a good practice to follow and a benefit to what we're collectively trying to accomplish.  

(Note: Initials are fine too, if there is a connection to a name, like what Ricky Don does.)

[black mariah]

I feel I have the best grasp on how to deal with the problems, mainly because I've been the problem before. I got kicked off of one forum for calling the guy that runs it an idiot for not wearing a helmet while riding motorcycles. :lol:

Making the forum readable only to members doesn't do anything to curb the trolls. All it means is that they have to join before they can talk shit. Setting it up so only members can post is a better solution since people that want to lurk for a while and soak up some info before posting can do so. Unfortunately, the ONLY way to deal with trolls is diligence. You can not stop them unless you start approving every post made on the forum, and that just won't work. The best thing to do is make the forum read-only to non-members and just continue on as you have been.

The use of real names is nothing but a speed bump, and a small one at that. It's quite simple to just make up a new one. I can pick up a phone book and have a few hundred thousand at my disposal. It wouldn't prevent trolling, it would just make trolls think up names better than "QWERTYUIOP".

And about anonymous people stealing ideas... give me a break. In my time here (longer than my join date lets on. I posted on the old forum a couple of years ago, and lurked on both for a good long while before joining) I have seen a few hundred variations of existing circuits, with maybe a handful of new ideas. When you post your ideas on a public forum that anyone can read or post to, you set yourself up to have ideas yoinked. If you don't want that to happen, keep them to yourself. That's the ONLY way to not have ideas stolen, because the second you publish it anyone can LEGALLY copy it and sell it as their own, assuming it isn't so outrageously inventive that you have a patent on it.

You can't eliminate trolls so you just have to deal with them. Making the forum read-only to non-members is a good start (I thought it was already like this, actually). Approving every post that newbies make is time consuming, but it's also the best way of ensuring that trolls don't slip in. What you may want to do if you go that route is give a few other people you trust the ability to approve messages. I don't know how the forum software works so that may not be feasible, but it's something to think about if possible.

[aron]

Very good points all! This kind of thread makes me very happy!  

OK, another simple option is to use the signatures to put your name in there.

In any case, these were just ideas I had. If at all possible I'd like to reduce the possiblity of losing people like Doug H in the future if you know what I mean. :?

[Johnny G]

there are two things that may be useful/crap whichever you think. one would be to have the beginners forum readable to the public and the building your own stomp box forum for members only

also why not try to have a small extra site where everybody has a small profile. i realise that everybody already has one but tbh it doesnt give space for that much info. if each person had a better profile where they could put up their real name, where in the world they are, a bit about them, maybe a picture and something about how large/small their electronics knowledge is it would help to give everyone a face while still keeping handles etc.

just a thought

[Mark Hammer]

As a long-time "member" I have to say that trolls and trolling have been a particularly rare occurrence.  There have been people who responded unfavourably to things that were said in the absence of perspective, and there have been tiffs and angry departures, but I have seen precious little explicitly directed at irritating or provoking people.  And in the overwhelming majority of cases where anger entered into it, people have generally apologized (or at least backed off and agreed to disagree), and things have gone back to normal very quickly and smoothly.

As for names, I concur that it is but a speedbump, although speed bumps can make a big difference.  The best insurance of good behaviour here is likely the absence or minimal presence of topics other than the focus of interest, and the "high signal to noise ratio", as some have put it.  If the information and experience to be found here (much of it only elicited in response to one's questions) is so plentiful as to be a crucial resource for people, and one they could ill-afford to forfeit, then they'll do what they need to to keep in its good graces.  People tend not to bite the hand that feeds.  Use of names and any sort of membership arrangement are simply add-ons that improve circumstances for good behaviour a little more.

[RDV]

I cannot nor would not speak for Doug, but many of the departures from this forum, be they temporary or permanent seem to be tied to personal issues outside of this forum. We discuss circuits here. I just don't see why there has to be much beyond that, issue-wise. I refuse to lose my cool over a bunch of letters on a screen anymore.

RDV