What do you think the policy on names be on Stormtrack? (2011 poll) (2024)

Another vote for real names only. It's the perfect accountability tool...

Bryan

I don't mind using my real name here and I am all for Stormtrack keeping the "real names only" policy.

But then again, we're talking about weather -- the quintessential non-controversial conversation starter.

What people post here isn't likely going to imperil anyone's employment (except maybe if they work for NWS) or cause them to lose a friendship, offend a relative or neighbor, or be tagged as some kind of extremist. So why would there even be a reason to use a pseudonym?

There are actually some complex and understandable reasons why someone may want to not use their real identity here. For example, rental car agencies and life insurance companies are gradually figuring out how to collect data on the Internet for their own ends (and this is a growth industry, for example, Intelius). I do know that many rental LDWs do not cover intentional acts and driving on unpaved roads. Maybe you busted and didn't get to the storm and a rock fell off a truck and hit the windshield as you were coming home... but you're on an internal high risk list under a code for storm chasers and probably took the car in a hail core, and there were storms near the rental depot that day, so you get the bill. I'm not saying that thing will happen, but anything we write here is published worldwide for perpetuity, and consequently I respect any user's desire for privacy. Obviously given user opinion in this poll we're not going to be able to permit nicknames on the site anytime soon, but we will keep open the back door for pseudonyms that are structured like a real name.

Tim

I like the use of real names. It helps you know the people. Now I have used "czenzel" from the beginning of the forums but I was never afraid to sign off with my real name on the posts "Christopher Zenzel." I can also understand the need for privacy in a forum like this.

Thanks,
Christopher Zenzel

I understand the points some have made regarding privacy. The rental situation is only an issue if/when people are accused of being a 'chaser' when renting a vehicle that they have never had issues with. How do they verify the name with an actual person anyway...there are often tens, hundreds, even thousands with the same name as many here. How do they know that the Jason Foster at the counter is Jason Foster the storm chaser and not Jason Foster the singer.

Now on a case by case basis, if a person is known to be an issue with the car rental agencies, for claims made, etc. then that is on them. ST should not be the one to accommodate that person. Same thing when folks are worried about lying to employers or family that they are taking a 'sick day' and then chasing, it is not up to ST to cover your tracks. If you want privacy, then don't post a report or any other details of your wrong doing...or here is a novel idea....don't lie, don't disobey policy, honor your family wishes, and post freely on ST using your real name. Most here do!