Show your face

Re: Show your face

salome2001 — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:03:41 GMT

sorry, I prefer to remain with a username rather than a real name. Like some others previously, this is my forum name for a number of websites and the name I prefer being addressed as in such a context.

As far as my background information is concerned, it's all in my profile if anyone feels they need it.

I would also like to make the point that some of the most aggressive invective I've read on this website has been made by some people posting with real names ( the RMB/ raw foods threads appears to bring them out).

I would also like to make a request that is someone does use a username, it is polite to address them as such. One of the above offending members chose to use my real name to be particularly rude in one of his posts. It is the forum equivalent of playground name-calling.

Re: Show your face

Vikki Moran — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:50:34 GMT

well,

I don't use my real name as a log in, simply because vikkivet is a name i use on several other forums, it's easy for me to remember, it's also what I am listed under on lots of my friends phones. in fact it's a bit of a nickname for me. though I'm certainly not afraid to admit my real name! (vikki moran if you're interested!)

I prefer not to use my photo. not because I don't want people to know what I look like, but because I don't want to look at photos of myself! I don't think I have many photos of myself that I like very much. I don't think I photograph well and to be honest, I'd rather see my horses face looking back at me than my own!

that said, i'm having a professional portrait done for website purposes and for my equity profile next week so maybe, if i like that one, i'll use it!

anyway, I think it does help to know who people are but... I can see that it may be some people would wish to remain anonymous. to be quite frank, one of the reasons I wanted to get involved is to find a whole host of other people I can ask stupid questions of! and hopefully if I do ask something stupid, not be criticised for doing so. BUt it may well be that there are people out there who are ashamed to be asking questions and would rather do so anonymously?

Re: Show your face

Sabine Rutili — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:53:16 GMT

To be really and deeply honest, this is the first website ever I did register with my real name and where I even dare to put up a pic.

I feel pretty confident in leaving some infos about me and I have no problem with it. I am not a rude/gross person in my everyday life so I don't know why it would be different on a forum.Moreover, and it's not to "wax your shoes" my lovely British, but people seem to be friendly most of the time in the post they are leaving here (when it's not just hilarious sometimes lol!).The good point is that we can know a little bit about the practitioner who is talking like Arlo told it previously and maybe that's just all we need, no less no more, in my modest opinion..

I agree with you, my current pic is not really clear but that's because I had a hard time to find one that would fit the little tiny square and where I wouldn't look like Mrs Puff (the highly stressed driver instructor fish in SpongeBob loool),because of the distorsion.

In another hand I totally understand the people that have the other various points of view and the several issues they pointed.

Maybe it's up to everyone's life and their feelings as long we stay correct with each other, I guess.

Re: Show your face

Ian Mostyn — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:59:28 GMT

I am quite happy for my name to be shown here but I do go on the odd public site with an anonymous username, I find it allows me to be more frank than I could if I was identified. Horses for courses - or at least different sites.

As for photos, the picture is of Tom Fetch, and is spookily like me. The kids have a toy of it that they call Daddy. If you use the picture, you would very easily recognize me in the street. I use the same picture as my login ID on the practice software.

Ian

Re: Show your face

Niall Taylor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:24:31 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]

But the way this discussion is going, I'm thinking:

continue to allow anonymity for those that really want it.
require that certain non-identifying information is given in the profile of anyone participating.
Otherwise, I think I will just try harder at encouraging new posters to declare who they are, add a profile, and if possible a photo.

[/quote]

This is a really interesting thread and I'm surprised at the breadth of opinion among members, I hadn't realised people were that shy; it's a pity, surely we're all friends here . I'm certain it would be wrong to exclude members who might have useful comments on the basis of a no-anonymity clause and it doesn't sound like that is going to happen if I read Arlo's posts correctly.

I correspond on some forums where opinions get so heated and personalised that anonymity is very much the accepted way. But this group is definitely not one of those, hence, at Arlo's early suggestion, I was happy to have name and photo made public. But it was a suggestion, that's the point, if it had been a 'rule' I would have thought twice about joining.

Anonymity can have its amusing moments though - I referred to one poster as "Betty" for some time, based on the user name only to find out eventually that "Betty" was a bloke - embarrassing or what!

Niall

Re: Show your face

Niall Taylor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:09:07 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]Niall, (or anyone else), would you consider being the new face of vetsurgeon? [/quote]

I'll give it a go if you don't think my ugly mug would be too off putting . I'll start working on a suitably uplifting quote. How do you want the prospective picture sent?

Cheers,

Niall

Re: Show your face

Robert Whiteford — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:06:27 GMT

continue to allow anonymity for those that really want it.
require that certain non-identifying information is given in the profile of anyone participating.
Otherwise, I think I will just try harder at encouraging new posters to declare who they are, add a profile, and if possible a photo.

This is the way to go. Anonymity is important for some contributors for good reasons that have been mentioned. Proper weight to opinions expressed can be given by members depending on whether the contributor is nameless, faceless or a recognized specialist (for that matter members can be calling themselves vets, nurses, industry spokespersons and specialists with impunity!). . .

I dont think you should exclude people because they are shy.

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:30:38 GMT

[quote user="Laura Henderson"]The only concern I have about having my name next to posts is if people who aren't vets get access to posts, e.g. the press - they could then quote names! [/quote]

Couple of things here ...

Firstly, I think that you would be unwise to publish anything in ANY online forum (not just this one), that you wouldn't be more than happy to stand by in the public arena.

Secondly, I know that the BBC (and I think this applies to all media) would not quote directly from a website without confirming that the quote is correctly attributed offline (i.e. they need to ring you and get you to confirm that it was you that posted the comment, which you might or might not wish to confirm).

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:50:03 GMT

[quote user="Rudolph"]Have any of the anonymous contributors on here done that? [/quote]

I don't think so, in particular. And certainly nothing abrasive or obnoxious I can remember seeing in any of your posts. On the contrary.

[quote user="Rudolph"]I often don't express myself as eloquently as you all appear able[/quote]

I disagree. I think you express yourself very eloquently!

[quote user="Rudolph"]I suppose it's fairer for majority rule to prevail[/quote]

That may be, but this forum is under a dictatorship, not a democracy

Seriously, I want this site to be as inclusive as possible, and I don't think it would be right to suddenly introduce new rules which exclude members who prefer anonymity.

The answer lies with a compromise, which I think should be that everyone is strongly encouraged not to remain anonymous, and that those who nevertheless want to preserve their anonymity should still give some non-identifying information in their profile in order to qualify their posts.

Re: Show your face

Rudolph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:20:34 GMT

[quote user="Martin Jones"]That way, they're perhaps discouraged from making daft, sweeping statements - or, indeed, from behaving in exactly the way that would leave them open to being quoted within the press.[/quote]

Have any of the anonymous contributors on here done that? I don't think I've been particularly controversial or rude in any of my posts, but if others have found me abrasive or obnoxious then I apologise. Please tell me so I can improve my manner.

I am not a brave person; I suppose I don't have the courage of my convictions that some of you appear to have. I question myself daily at work and have dreadful anxiety. Being anonymous on here allows me to express some opinions without fear of reprisal from neighbouring practices, or distant colleagues. I often don't express myself as eloquently as you all appear able to and it would pain me, truthfully, to have my name attached to something that others would consider inarticulate or even misspelled. Sad but true.

It looks like the majority of you would prefer not to have anonymous members and I suppose it's fairer for majority rule to prevail.

Re: Show your face

Martin Jones — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:51:45 GMT

Arlo

Still believe that on the whole, it's better for people to identify themselves. That way, they're perhaps discouraged from making daft, sweeping statements - or, indeed, from behaving in exactly the way that would leave them open to being quoted within the press.

But, is there a way of requiring registration for all of the forum, except perhaps one section? I do subscribe to forums where posting is possible without registration, within certain areas. Access to the wider forum is denied unless logged on and within the site's rules. Allows both camps to have a presence, and the less discrete to have a nicely ring-fenced home.

Martin

Re: Show your face

Noweia — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:52:48 GMT

I agree with Martin Jones, that people are more 'civilised' when they have their real name attached to their posts!

On most forums I am anonymous, I put my real name here so my friends could find me.

The only concern I have about having my name next to posts is if people who aren't vets get access to posts, e.g. the press - they could then quote names!

I also share Utlendigur's views, that some issues need to be posted anonymously - so even if we do have our real names on our profiles, it would be nice to be able to post anonymously in some circumstances.

Re: Show your face

Jacquin Mitchell — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:50:06 GMT

[quote user="Arlo Guthrie"]

Otherwise, I think I will just try harder at encouraging new posters to declare who they are, add a profile, and if possible a photo.

[/quote]

Yes nagging worked/works for me!

LOL

Jacq

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:45:37 GMT

Yes, if you change your username / display name, it applies to all your posts.

But the way this discussion is going, I'm thinking:

continue to allow anonymity for those that really want it.
require that certain non-identifying information is given in the profile of anyone participating.
Otherwise, I think I will just try harder at encouraging new posters to declare who they are, add a profile, and if possible a photo.

Re: Show your face

Rudolph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:31:12 GMT

[quote user="Utlendigur"] I assume if any changes were made to user names they would be apply retrospectively so my posts would identify me and therefore my practice.[/quote]

I wouldn't be particularly in favour of this either. Is there any way, Arlo, to not have this happen or would us "anons" have to re-register?

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:17:28 GMT

[quote user="Utlendigur"]If photos are compulsory I would, I'm afraid leave the forum.[/quote]

Don't worry, I'm certainly NOT going to make photos compulsory

Re: Show your face

Utlendigur — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:12:24 GMT

If photos are compulsory I would, I'm afraid leave the forum. I simply hate having my photo taken and even more hate looking at photos of myself.

As to anonymity - like Rudolph I am not being malicious just shy. I have no problem putting my name to posts on clinical issues or vet politics etc, but I think having to give names would stifle any discussions on more personal issues like work-related problems, employment issues, bullying etc. In a couple of my posts I have mentioned some of the issues in my current practice - bullying of staff, rota problems which mean that the on call vet often has only a couple of hours sleep between working days (90minutes one night!). I would not have felt able to mention these points - which are 100% honest - if using my full name as there are vets of neighbouring practices on the forum. I assume if any changes were made to user names they would be apply retrospectively so my posts would identify me and therefore my practice. I too would probably leave the forum - sorry.

Has anyone expressed extreme or insulting views? I don't think I can recall any, not intentional anyway. Surely if we are professionals, we can be trusted to behave as such?

Re: Show your face

Rob Loxley — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:07:08 GMT

From experience of other web forums the amount of moderation needed seems to be in proportion to the number of anonymous users. Once the mods run out of time to keep this up, generally anarchy descends and the forum goes to the dogs (no pun intended), and the mods have a hard time to sort things out before people head off somewhere more civilised.
I'd vote for real names, and maybe some compulsory profile info (e.g. student/new grad/GP/specialist) - if only to help pitch responses. Not sure compulsory pictures adds anything.

Re: Show your face

Cat Henstridge — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:26:18 GMT

I have updated my profile, probably about time. I don't have any problems with not being anonymous and I think, especially on a site like this, it gives far more weight to your opinions and posts.

Cat

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:00:00 GMT

Hi Phipps

[quote user="phipps"]I think that there are reasons for this site having developed an agreeable professional and collegiate atmosphere other than full disclosure - your excellent stewardship (or is that web mastership?) for example.[/quote]

Where would you like me to send the cheque?

Seriously though, thanks.

Back to anonymity, the other big thing I failed to mention is that anonymity means that people reading your posts have absolutely no context to put them in. Are you a really experienced practitioner, or straight out of college? What experience have you had which qualifies you to answer the question (whatever the question may be).

As I said earlier, perhaps the answer is that anyone participating in the forum should be required to add a certain amount of non-identifying information to their profile, like Rudolph now has.

Perhaps in addition:

Roughly how long in practice?

Areas of experience (ie you may be registered as a small animal general practitioner, but have you had farm animal experience in the past, for example).

Areas of interest outside work.

Re: Show your face

Glen McIntosh — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:00:27 GMT

Hello Arlo,

As somebody from the anonymous minority I would like also to present a contrarian viewpoint.

I don't have any significant personal objection to being 'outed' if that is required to participate in this forum and that will not change, in any way, the content of my postings.

But I do have a personal preference for anonymous participation on internet forums where ever possible. I haven't really thought about the reasons for this, but it is probably for similar reasons to Rudolph. And I suspect most other anonymous participants have similar reasons, rather than with the intention of making malicious or overly contraversial posts.

I think that there are reasons for this site having developed an agreeable professional and collegiate atmosphere other than full disclosure - your excellent stewardship (or is that web mastership?) for example.

In the absence of very good reasons, it would be a shame to exclude participants who wish to participate anonymously.

Cheers

Re: Show your face

Mike Martin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:54:08 GMT

I think it would be good if we knew if someone was a vet or not, but I think, at the least, we should all give our names. I'm not fussed about the photo, but I see Arlo's points.

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:26:05 GMT

[quote user="Rudolph"]I'm obviously one of the annonymous posters that everyone dislikes but I find it easier to post that way.[/quote]

Well, if it would stop you posting Rudolph, that would be reason enough for me not to make it obligatory.

But I wonder whether you would be comfortable giving just some general non-identifying information about yourself in your profile.

For example, roughly how long you've been a vet (without revealing exact year you qualified), and areas of particular interest to you, both at work and outside work.

Re: Show your face

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:17:10 GMT

[quote user="Niall Taylor"]why has Gillian got her photo in the forum advert in Veterinary Practice? I mean no one even asked me?![/quote]

Niall, (or anyone else), would you consider being the new face of vetsurgeon?

(I can see this getting a bit like 'who's going to be the next L'Oreal girl')

Gillian was first to be asked, because she was one of the first to use VetSurgeon and get properly stuck in. But we were just talking about it the other day, and thinking that it's time we had some variety. And poor old Gillian has probably had enough of seeing herself staring at herself!

If you're prepared to appear in an ad, we need two things:

A portrait (as in dimensions) photo. Can be just a head and shoulders shot. Also quite like the idea of a photo with something a bit different about it. You canoeing Niall, or perhaps you with a yak, Clive!
A short quote about VetSurgeon. Why you like it. Why you would recommend other vets join. That sort of thing.

I will make a small donation to the charity of your choice for appearing.

If you have something you wish to advertise yourself (like locum or referral services), then we could incorporate this into the advert.

Re: Show your face

Rudolph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:11:55 GMT

I'm obviously one of the anonymous posters that everyone dislikes but I find it easier to post that way. I guess I do take some comfort from the fact that I can make personal comments about myself (with relevance to debates) and not be identified.

I guess I'm part coward but part very shy - always have been.

I'll be sorry to not be able to participate at all, though.