Discussion of Naming Policy

Amit Kumar Hcl wrote:

Amit Kumar is already is use by some member and I can not also have my display name as Amit Kumar316. What do I do?

You can use your middle name in that case

It seems odd to require (or request) real names and then prevent collisions... what's the reason for that? There are other "Chris Lee"s in the world and we've all managed to cope so far...

I could create an account with your name and say things that are the opposite of what you say - just for giggles.

@paul Wheaton

So? I mean, most people have a name that many other people have. You could allow a location identifier and or age.

In the end, since it will take any name, the names are meaningless. I would be perfectly happy if the site just made every message anonymous since making a judgement on what a person is saying based on who is saying it is flawed from the start.

The only real answer is a reputation system like Ebay. That way people who post accurate information get a reputation as such, and trolls who just steal a name and try to defame someone quickly fall to nothing.

Also, to the older comments about "professionalism".... I think the same point remains. The site is useful or not based on its content. If someone has trouble making use of a site because of the graphic at the top, or the offensive names of the users, then, isn't that, their damage? Why kowtow to other peoples small mindedness?

I would be perfectly happy if the site just made every message anonymous since making a judgement on what a person is saying based on who is saying it is flawed from the start.

I find that some people are exceptionally intelligent and damn good writers too boot. I'll seek out their comments. And there are others that seem to repeatedly say things that are of no interest to me: I find myself skipping their posts.

Therefore, I do not share your opinion about anonymity.