| The situation is not analogous to meeting prospective in- laws. The situation is analogous to entering an unknown, somewhat disreputable part of the city. I would either not give my name, or would only give my first name, if I were uneasy in that case. I don't know who I will encounter on the threads, there is not even the degree of vetting one expects in meeting mutual acquaintances at a friend's house. Additionally, some of them are likely to be hackers, and the less they have to work with, the better. Anyway, in my case, my wife asked me to use an alias, and it seemed a reasonable request. Many of my pals, like JLA, Ish, and brees, know my identity, because we have e- mailed. If there were any reason, I would trust you enough, of course. But it is not for general publication........ |
