I've been considering eliminating my nom-de-plume and using my real name. Any of you "real-namers" care to comment? Have you ever regretted using your real name on coin forums?
I use my real last name. The other day a client made an interesting comment. He pointed at my desktop picture on my office PC (an antoninianus of Gordian III) and said, "So those are the denarii you were talking about online? At least I know you won't spend my money on prostitutes or fast cars like most other attorneys." I was taken aback by the comment, but then realized what he was talking about and said "You know about cointalk?" He said, "Well, you didn't think I'd hire you without doing proper research, right? Of course I looked online and I noticed you were into history and ancient coins, so I figured you couldn't possibly be too bad if those are your interests, so here I am."
Well, My first name is Mike and my last name does begin with a 'Z' so I guess I almost use my 'real' name----and no problems I'm aware of so far LOL Ex-wives???
Can the mods change your user name anyway? Or do you have to start from scratch? Because if they can change it I wouldn't mind becoming Sallent the Great. What an ego, right?
I have considered doing the same; but too late for me. My caustic opinions here could ruin my "nice guy image" in the real world. Recently, I have tried to get a half dozen well known professionals from the NGC site and the CU site (who use their actual names) to join us here. ALL DECLINED. I'll keep their replies confidential except for one former member of CT which is very funny and sad at the same time: "Most members [over there] do not have the background to make use of my responses." I understand his point. For example, two highly regarded members on CT this week are still of the opinion that only one, unique, single "D" mintmark punch was in existence at the Philly mint and was used for decades to make the dies sent to the Denver Mint! Why bother...
Hmmm, From what I've seen of their slabbed grades on ancients (NGC), I have to agree with him/them...although I confess I have a bit of a 'conservative' background myself
But it's not too late for me, JA!! Would you advise against real name usage? Sallent's story hits a nerve, because I'm generally a private person. However, I've also got a "John Smith" type name (no, it's not John Smith), which might provide a modicum of protection.
I think a layer of anonymity is good. My handle is my first and middle names. The people I do business with know my last name, and even where I live, but unless you're a dealer, I'd stay somewhat anonymous. I'd leave it be.
Wow. Okay, you guys got me. The name on my birth certificate is Vincent. And no, no problems, ever. I have two ex-wives and no financial responsibilities to either. I agree that this entire site is loaded with many types of information. Along with the garden variety, there's: a) mis- b) dis- c) bad [space] - d) moronic [space] - e) and perhaps most of all, standard Internet-quality useless [space] -
It would seem to me that if you are worried about it, you probably shouldn't. Perhaps they are correct. But perhaps they are the reason many of us do not visit other forums. The stuffiness of some are too much for an enjoyable hobby.
NGC? Did somebody mention NGC? LOL! I'm a proud member of the NGC Ancients Collector's Society. I added the word Ancient to the title. Actually it's just called the NGC Collector's Society. How can I be of service? Just kidding! I'm not an NGC professional nor do I represent NGC. I am however, an elite member of NGC and a slabber. Great to meet you, Insider! As far using your full name is concerned, it's probably not a good idea, unless you're a dealer. As John Anthony said—'a layer of anonymity is good'. Cyber criminals could mess up your credit. They don't need your name to be able to do that but why make it easier for them?
I like the JA form of name encryption since we can more easily back and forth between names. I do prefer it when people use the same name on multiple groups so I know who the new person is when they start posting on another where I have a presence. My name has a story. When I got my first email address, there was a limit of 8 characters before the @ so I dropped the h from my name. Later, they changed the rules and another person with my name registered the full 9 letter version. There was a time he got a lot of mail intended for me back when my website was popular. I think he wishes he had picked a different name. If I had it to do over, I'd join CT as Ancient Doug or something although the boss here is also a Doug but does not go by the name. I have no idea how much trouble is involved in changing.
My user name is my initials. While I don't mind telling any of the regulars my name I am uncomfortable just putting it out there and posting all my coins. @Sallent did you inspire a new collector as well as retain a client? I think there is an interesting side discussion in this thread about various numismatists who won't post here. Well you know, it's their loss. This place is great.
I've always used my actual name, on just about every website I've ever used. I have never had any problems. The only time I use an alias is when I bid in auctions. Nobody will ever know....!? That is where I prefer anonymity.
I have been consistent in my choice of handle. All things considered, I think I'll stick with my "Carausius" brand.
Of course, a dealer whose name is already associated with ancient coin collecting SHOULD use his/her name. Though I suppose there's the chance you say something offensive to a prospective customer and loose them forever, I think the business benefits outweight the risks for a dealer using their name here