Would You Rather - Webmaster Edition #2

[Reverie]

Would you rather have a forum where members are allowed to remain anonymous or one where real names and identities are required for participation?

This is an interesting concept to me because forums mostly were a way to be anonymous for quite some time, but recent years many use their real name and even post an identifying photo. What would the benefit be to remain anonymous? What would the benefit be to require users to post real names and identities?

 

[Aaron]

I think I would rather the anonymous option as a general thing for any forums I own but if they want to use their real name sure. I wouldn't force anyone to use their real name though.

 

[Empire]

100% anonymous

 

[kensonplays]

Anonymous of course, but if they want to use their real name, they can. I do not tell them whether or not they can choose to use their real name or an online name.

 

[Cedric]

I would say All members are allowed to remain anonymous. It's never good to force anything on members, that will work the other way around.

 

[Debashis]

It's always best to let members go with whatever they prefer but if I had to choose among the two mentioned here, I would prefer having all members anonymous. It's always a better choice to let your members protect their identity rather than forcing them to expose themselves. 😊

 

[joelr]

It depends on the purpose of the forum.

There are certain niches where user handles are the norm, such as gaming. There are other niches where real names are the norm, such as professional business associations or client advocacy forums.

 

[Spartan]

I would recommend using nicknames and the likes to everyone signing up but If you wanna use your name that’s up to you. I’d prefer everyone to have an “anonymous” name.

 

[Paul]

Mine is roughly 80% (real) 20% (anon) but not fussed either way, no one is forced to use real names and photos, one did it many years ago and she got many of her friends to the forum. They use it mostly instead of social media now so either/either.

 

[Reverie]

I would prefer 100% anonymous if required, however similar to Paul I can see how forums could replace social media in a way. I think it'd be interesting if people post more real information. Perhaps if it was a more closed community type thing!

 

[Ravenfreak]

I would rather have my members remain anonymous. That's what I love about forums, you can be anonymous unlike on Social Media where you have your full name and city listed. I know not everyone uses their real names or city names on social media, but a good chunk of people do.

 

[Sinistra]

I would leave it up to the member, granted I run an Anime community where being anonymous is the name of the game. You could call yourself your favorite anime character or come up with some cool Japanese name that makes no sense. The possibilities are endless when being anonymous. There are options for members to use their real name such as the Facebook Integration/login feature. But as for me, I would want 100% anonymous.