Why should I use my RealName?
Using your RealName is important to the Ithaca Wiki community. First, and foremost, it helps with instant credibility. However, using your real name alone doesn't give one credibility, you must then make valuable contributions rather than just talk trash.
Fundamentally, the question is one of community. Would you introduce yourself to your next door neighbor with a fake name? Probably not... and the people on the wiki are your neighbors. Would you show up to a City Council meeting, or Farmer's Market wearing a ski mask? Well perhaps in the winter, but thats besides the point.
Remember, you may want to consider that this is an online community, and not much at all the same as heading out to the Farmer's Market. One solution to this problem is to never do anything (including here) that you wouldn't want associated with yourself. Be warned any of your comments (be they positive or negative) may be remembered by local businesses and restaurants, and anyone around the world with internet access (note: contextually more than 'next door neighbor') can read or find out about them at any time. Putting material on the wiki should be considered an act of publishing, in a sense.
What if I want to use my RealName but don't want to get picked up by google?
An alternative is to use a slight modification of your RealName (e.g., RName, RealN, RaelName, RealNN where the second N is a middle initial etc.), and example of such is MattHh. That way, you establish credibility, and you also maintain some privacy as well. This option is good for people looking to evade google. The point is accountability: establishing a reputation on the wiki. Of course, you might wind up making friends who wind up only knowing you by the name you use, so be aware it may well become your new nickname in some circles.
When is it ok to use a complete Pseudonym?
It is ok to use a pseudonym if you are known widely by that name. In otherwords you sometimes introduce yourself by that name in person, or at least you sometimes go by that name in person. However, please note that you will probably be seen as less credible in your first few edits as compared to someone who uses their RealName. So basically users who choose to use a pseudonym to remain anonymous can manage to establish their credibility through creating a history of valuable contributions to the wiki. Please note though, using a pseudonym only grants one a certain degree of privacy, because the IP Addresses of all editors are logged and public.
Many people have created fake or dubious PseudoNyms just to troll or trash talk a single restaurant, business, or individual. This type of cowardly behavior is not constructive and is unfair to the recipient of the complaint. Wiki edits should be fair enough that you'd be willing to say them to someone face to face. That's true whether or not you use your RealName, but it's certainly easier to be unfair when you hide behind a pseudonym.
Changing to your name
If you registered with a pseudonym you can take the following steps to change over to a new account name:
-
Make any last edits with the pseudonym
-
Lock the pseudonym account using the Disable this account forever option at the bottom of settings
-
Create a new account
-
Most of the above content was borrowed from other town wikis, primarily Davis.
