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To: Dr.MensaWannabe who wrote (14335)	2/8/2001 1:14:55 PM
From: EL KABONG!!!	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 32883

Dr.MensaWannabe, I have always understood why people use an alias. In many cases, the alias is a reflection of the cyber-persona that the poster wishes to create for themselves. Speaking only for me now, SI is not the only site where I post, but it is the only site where I post not using an alias. On other boards, I have various aliases that I use (only one per site), not using the same alias twice anywhere. I have created various personas for them. For example, if I were to be posting on Motley Fool under the name Charles Dickens, I might very well post in an Old English writing style... Or if I were posting on Yahoo! under the name Bluebeard, my posts might look like they were written by a drunken sailor. (Shiver me timbers!!! <g>) It's fun, and one can stay within the limitations of an affected characterization and still not resort to vulgar language, untruths or distortion of fact in order to underscore a point. On the other hand, many folks assume an alias to shield their true identities. As you have correctly pointed out, there are many disturbed people in the world, and it makes prudent sense to protect one's self from these people. I would point out that I often advise women to use an alias, and to never reveal too much identifying information about themselves in their postings. I think that's just common sense, and if I read you correctly, I believe you fully understand that. I have no way of knowing one way or the other whether Ms. E knew that this identifying information would be made public. I presume she is highly intelligent, understood the risks, and proceeded accordingly. But she certainly hasn't come to me for any advice, nor do I expect her to. And as far as my personal thoughts go, yes, you are correct in that I would have preferred to see the posting alias not linked to the real world name in the article. But... Best wishes to you. KJC