Hi,

I'm just curious why people use a screen name? Like here, I've seen some names that I honestly think are just strange.

If I have a question for someone on the board here, I refuse to call them by their screen name. More so if it's something like, for example, Magic Sandcrab or whatever. What makes it even more funny is when they post under a name say, Magic Sandcrab. Then, they sign their name, Phil or whatever their name may be.

Why can't people just be who they are? Personally, I think you can pretty much post what you want when you register under an assumed name. This is why I think people register under these names because folks won't know who they are.

Any thoughts?

Dear Magic Sandcrab,

It's just a screen name, dude. Relax.

Remember, aliases are a part of magic history. Just ask Erich Weiss.

-Reis (my real name)

Or ask VINCENZO ==== VINNY

It's not the name but the person wearing the name.

vinny

When I joined up here at the Café, the application said to make up an unusual screen name and password. Thus "PremiataForneria" was created—It's in reference to an Italian rock band I listen to. I just presumed that if I used my real name, that it would have been taken already. I never really bothered to check because I feel that some screen names lend intrigue into a person's real persona. So if you must know, my real name is Mark Williams. That name, to me at any rate seems so much more mundane than "PremiataForneria", don't you think?

I think many people use anonymous screen names because there are lots of sickos in the world, and surely many lurk here. So they don't want their real identity, home address, etc., known. And I don't blame them.

There was a discussion last night around 2:30 a.m. CT (Cafe Time) in the Sweet Or Sour section where someone mentioned that many Café members have multiple identities here. The discussion was deleted because, I'm assuming, it was off topic.

But I am curious to know why some people use more than one screen name here at The Café? Is this common? Do these people have mulitple personalities? Are Peter Marucci and Chrystal one in the same?

Well, my name's Chris Jones. Have you any idea how many Chris Joneses there are?!

Try registering ChrisJones@hotmail

Besides, if it helps people feel more comfortable, what's the problem?

Call me Chris if you like, I answer to pretty much anything.

I have to use a screen name in my place of employment and I have a limit of eight characters. I don't want to have a bunch of different names at different websites so I use irossall (my name is Iven Rossall). I like my name and will use it whenever possible but I also don't want to remember how I used it at various websites (irossall, ivenrossall, etc.) I like to make my life as simple as possible. I don't hide behind a phony name, I say what I mean and I mean what I say, I try to be respectful of others. If someone wants to use another title for themselves, I respect that and I never even thought that someone was trying to hide behind it and if they are, I don't care.

Iven

I better not comment right now, I am at work.

Glen

P.S. Cool new avatar pic, Firedice! (I got to update mine soon, I think.)

I had a screen name when I first joined. It was my clown name.

Some screen names are to protect the user. There are a few very famous personalities under screen names here that would rather not be subjected to the deluge of PMs that would come from the Café populace.

There are other well known and very famous personalities that use their real names and trust the integrity of the clientele to not plummet them with requests.

Another group of screen names is the folks that joined under pretenses to intentionally harm or harass other members, to stir the pot if you will.

The final group of names is from the folks that just for some personal reason didn't wish to use their real names and they have that privilege. The Café management respects that privilege as long as it's in good taste and they don't "cross the line."

I was originally RiffClown which is a derivative of Riff, the Magical Clown. I have to admit, I'd much rather show up to a magic convention and someone recognize my name from my contributions here than to have to tell them, "Hey, I'm RiffClown from the Magic Café!" and have to wait for them to go, "Oh! Yeah? Why don't you use your real name?"

My two cents, if you have a reason to not use your name, then that's your choice. Me personally, I'd rather be recognized for who I am.

Before anyone asks, I do have several clues as to the famous people (I believe I could name three, one of which is not known for magic but for their acting) that are under pseudonyms and we have to respect their wishes for anonymity.

I can picture Firedice27, with a Ace Ventura accent, saying that.

Let's hear it again:

"It's just a screen name, dude. Relax."

LOL!

Randy:

Wayman...

...Not psuedo...

...my real name.

But then anonymity is attainable when you're unknown!!

Hi Wolfgang.

Ha! You're incorrect in your assumption...I'm really Vinnie, although it's nice to be compared with Peter. They said that every man has a feminine side...amazing what a bit of makeup will do to change appearances!

Here's Elvis saying it:

"It'sjustascreennamedude... Relax. Thankyouverymuch."

And here's Chewbacca:

"Aaaawwwwrrrgggg-growr!"

And Yoda:

"Screen-name only it is... Relax you shall."

(Man, I need to get a life.)

I use a screen name for almost the same reason David Seth Kotkin uses David.... you know...it sounds way cooler. Imo...

Ditto! I use a screen name because "I" am a very boring person but Scott Grimm is not. Well, at least Scott is my middle name.

Eric

I use NUMS for Nothin' Up My Sleeve the name of my entertainment company also it beats mty last name which is Teate. I have heard every UDDERley stupid joke that could be thought of.

NUMS