Is there any GOOD reason to NOTsign one's real, full name?

[stevefellegy]

At least on this new tournament message board, can we all agree to sign our real name to our posts? So anyone with any help/advice/answers etc., knows who they are talking to? What, if you have a legitimate tournament related concern, interest or question, can be said in way that needs anonymity?

In my opinion, anyone who has to hide behind an alias here is NOT someone who deserves well intended efforts to answer his/her posts. Any level of tournament fisherman should respect ones peers by, at least if nothing else, signing a real name to these posts.

If I'm wrong...please explain, so dummy me can understand your different viewpoint.

[stevefellegy]

At least on this new tournament message board, can we all agree to sign our real name to our posts? So anyone with any help/advice/answers etc., knows who they are talking to? What, if you have a legitimate tournament related concern, interest or question, can be said in way that needs anonymity?

In my opinion, anyone who has to hide behind an alias here is NOT someone who deserves well intended efforts to answer his/her posts. Any level of tournament fisherman should respect ones peers by, at least if nothing else, signing a real name to these posts.

If I'm wrong...please explain, so dummy me can understand your different viewpoint.

[Jim Ordway]

I agree with you Steve, but what is to stop someone from using a false name all the same?
Take care,

[Jim Ordway]

I agree with you Steve, but what is to stop someone from using a false name all the same?
Take care,

[Tournament fisher]

Steve,

I really like your presence here on WC. You always take the high road and have great insights. I don't always agree with everything that you say but respect your opinion. You speak your mind with disregard of what others think. As far as signing in or registering, some of us are a little nervous to say some things that we believe because of sponsorships. Would you rather hear what I REALLY believe without divulging my real name or have me sign in and give a press release/commercial? This sight is monitored by various companies and some of us do not want to risk our relationships with any of them.

What I hate seeing here, is the slamming the occasionally occurs from fake names. The moderators do a pretty good job at deleting them but some still sneak through.

I commend your courage. Some of us just are not as brave.

[stevefellegy]

Your present post is a PRIME example of what my concern is! Just what did you say in your post that merits a signing of "Tournament fisher".

As far as your worry of what sponsors might perceive from your posts....WHY is it wrong for you and I and our peers to discuss our welfare and thoughts in regard to OUR business and potential livihoods? The other major league sports put out press releases on the players business affairs and daily dealings.(good and bad) I see no point , if your posts/concerns are valid and discussed in good taste, that ANYONE should worry. Your sponsors should respect that you have concerns about your ability to be a better pro(moter). Do they want everyone to know how things work? Surely not! But that is one of the reasons our business has NOT flourished for many countless pro fishermen. Believe me...there is a reason the players agents in other sports divulge ongoing business dealings with the team owners. Not signing your name cuts off your nose to spite your face in a sense. lol

So....done and said tastefully....what IS the problem?!

[Nick(Ia)]

This is an issue that sometimes concerns me. I've been a long time proponent of a tournament board with required and confirmed registration. However, what one person may deem as a "GOOD" reason for posting anonymously another person may not. This ability to post anonymously has been a central element in the growth and popularity of internet boards. I've taken the approach that the courts take to evidence: If it is posted by an unregistered annomous individual I still consider what is said but I don't give it the "weight"or consideration of a post by #49stevefellegy. It's not that anonymous posts shouldn't be considered but the credibility given the opinions shouldn't be as great. Anonymous flamers are just jerks and probably bunny-huggers-they should be ignored and removed from the boards. Steve's statement that "Your sponsors should respect that you have concerns about your ability to be a better pro(moter)." notes that sponsors "should" behave in a respectful manner. Unfortunately, I don't believe that all sponsors are this understanding or tolerant. I believe that it is a realistic concern for some reps to believe they could lose sponsors or potential sponsors because of something posted on a board. As I have been told by several industry people: This business is like a small town, everyone knows everyone and their business. So in conclusion, Steve-we appreciate your straight-forward and direct approach. I wish more posters would adopt your position and do the same but I won't condemn anyone who wants to make a constructive anonymous post on these boards. I think my profile is available but just in case...

Nick(IA)=
Dave Nichols
#153

[Todd_NE]

I couldn't agree more, on ALL posts in fact. No one can get in a Letter to the Editor without signing their name!

Todd

[Tournament fisher]

Sign their name...YES

Have it posted in article...... NO, if they request otherwise

[Todd_NE]

Wanna bet? I could use your name, alias as it is, in any article I want right now. You could try to sue for libel or whatever, but you've made comments in a public forum.

I couldn't say or use your likeness for an ENDORSEMENT without your permission.

Newspapers require names on letters to verify their veracity and protect themselves legally. In fact, many papers verify that letters were written by the name submitted. It's real complicated in large towns where numerous people share a common name.

Bottomline, if you can't say it in public with your own face don't hide behind a mask if you want most people's respect. That goes here, on the street, in a letter - whatever.

It's simple, free people stand up for what they believe and take the flak and risks that comes with it. Others just use that freedom but aren't truly free.

Todd

[sevenmmm]

>
>Bottomline, if you can't say it in public with your own face
>don't hide behind a mask if you want most people's respect.
>That goes here, on the street, in a letter - whatever.
>
>It's simple, free people stand up for what they believe and
>take the flak and risks that comes with it. Others just use
>that freedom but aren't truly free.
>
>Todd



Agree 100%. No one should be allowed to make a post without registering, and my hope is that some day the people who run this board will see it that way too.

Let 'em read, don't let 'em post!

[Trophy]

One of the coonhunting sites ran by Pro-Hound Magazine has a feature that the Public can view, but only members who are logged on can access. The hiding behind phoney names stopped, the flamming stopped for the most part, and the members full name, and account # are displayed. That way everyone knows who said what. Maybe this forum could adopt a similar policy?

Trophy

[Rippin_Eyes]

I do agree with the registering!!! Most who run there mouths tend to be guests if you will!! It costs you nothing to register!!! And if someone has an issue with you you can send them a private email and all is well!! I do like the sign in names (or nick names) that people do have. As for the sponsor deal, I would hope that your sponsor and you are kind of on the same wave length!!

[JLDII]

My biggest concern with some of the arguements presented so far is that, if you don't want to use your real name because you are afraid that your sponsors won't like something you say, maybe about that sponsor, or something else, DON'T SAY IT! The fact you hide yourself means you are trying to hold on to something that might be better held onto by someone else. Namely, sponsorship. It is hard to get, and many younger people who wish to get envolved in the pro fishing game need those sponsorships to have a chance to reach for their goals. If you have to gaurd yourself from your own words, maybe the sponsorship you are trying to save shouldn't be yours to begin with!

Remember one thing, very very few professional fishermen earn their living by JUST dragging a worm across the bottom of the lake. Being a succesful professional fisherman is but a step along the way to a marketing career, because in the end, that is what you are every time you put on that flashy tournament shirt, or pose for the camera with that fish, or write that artical for the sportsmans newspaper. A SALESMAN! You represent those people who make it possible for you to be there in the first place, and the people who see you, or read your words will equate you with those sponsors, both here and in open public.

Quick,.... who do you think of when you hear "Lund, Black motor, Wrist Saver Rods"?

[bigfish1965]

Or you can have two registered names. One for your politically correct postings and one for when you feel the need to let your hair down a little. Maybe just require that the poster's real name be included on their profile.

[PWSR91]

I can't help it I gotta agree with Steve, and those of you who have agreed in a manner. I dont post here often but read daily. Reason? I get slammed enufff by my buddies who I know their names. It's tough to shoot back when you dont know where or in this case who the enemy is. oops a little Marine Corps mentality slipped out there. But for real. Either register, or no post.
Just my cent and a half.

Phil Wilson #91

[stevefellegy]

VERY, VERY, well said! Your "sail" is right on course...your thoughts are exactly why I have a concern about NOT signing by real name on this "tournament message board". Your reasoning shows, exactly, why this board NEEDS signatures by "birth given name" accompanying each post.

Thank you to all who have responded to this post.

[stevefellegy]

What? Someone agrees with Fellegy? And signs their name to it? Come ooonnnnn......lol lol

Thanks Phil!! lol

[JLDII]

Thanks Steve.

Hope to see you at the gathering for Dusty McQuoid on the 8th.

[what now]

Look this board is open to any and all users. This is America not some 1940's Germany. Who cares if I post under my name or some other fake name. Sometimes even "Steve" God forbid should get ripped for what he says. So what take it like a man, rip them back or just leave it alone. I dont need a bunch more Junk mail from guys that think I might be wrong about something. You dont have to worry about Sponsors when you dont have any! Some people are just so PIGHEADED, sorry this board is still the best out there because it not run the way of "BIG BROTHER".

[stevefellegy]

1....2....3....4.....5.....6......7.....8.....9... ....lol

10......11.......12......13.....lol

[Bill NE]

Who is Todd NE anyway? Is that even HIS real name. It doesn't list his real name on his profile. He should talk.

Probably runs a Tracker too. Some like to remain anonymous. LOL

[Todd_NE]

That's a good point Bill. I just assume someone can look up my name on my website. I guess it could have a full name section or something.

I'll probably get some weird emails now but 99% of all the ones I get are people asking questions or looking for help.

I really should say that I like having guest users for the most part, I just don't like the anonymous rips on people.

Todd
Oh yeah... I stuck her good... Feel that head shake...

[mark dahl]

Must be cabin fever setting in. Some people's skin is growing too thin. I agree with Steve that this particular message board should include names to effectively exchange info about tournaments. IF you have a good working relationship with your sponsors, they should appreciate your concern with making the tournaments better for them and you. Shouldn't that be one of the goals of this message board???

Mark Dahl #465

[scooter]

No there is not one good reason, I agree with Steve.

And if you are afraid of sponsers and email heres a trick delete the email and lie to the sponsers.Sounds like you are already.


s. hahn

scooter

[love them eyes guy]

I dont know why it would make a difference? You can answer the questions or not. I think if you feel someone is bashing you or your thoughts, you have a choice to reply or let it go. These are just my thought, I like the fact that everyone has a choice here.

[sevenmmm]

>I dont know why it would make a difference? You can answer
>the questions or not. I think if you feel someone is bashing
>you or your thoughts, you have a choice to reply or let it go.
>These are just my thought, I like the fact that everyone has a
>choice here.


You really don't love walleyes! All you want to do is stick hooks in 'em and eat 'em! Guys like you are a dime a dozen, your posts mean nothing to me and think you should get a life. These ideas of yours are so old and useless, its better if you just be a reader and not type any! You think your so smart that everyone ought to just agree with anything you think. Thats so lame. Where do you get off anyway? Beside that, you believe your thinking is beyond reproach and all you want to do is jam your ideas down everyones throat! Go away please, and never come back. ***This paragraph can go on and on and include every accusation and negative description about you anyone can think of - without really knowing anything about you. And you might even be a nice guy in person!***

If you get somewhat bothered by this paragraph - then you get my point!

[love them eyes guy]

Rick

I've been called worse than that to my face! In my younger days I would have gone toe toe with the person, now I could care less. I think if someone bashes you and they are hiding behind a fake name they are doing it to get a rise out of you. I invite all opinions, good or bad. People on this board are not going to take everything printed to heart. People that know or have read enough of someones posts, won't live or die on someone taking a little heat. You post alot,I don't know you personally but I can kinda tell what your about. So if someone bashes you or makes mis-informed statments about you, you can respond or let it go. I think people will still post what ever they seem fit.

YOU can't let people get to you, if they do it once they will do it forever just to get a rise out of you.

[sevenmmm]

LTEG,

Well, that sounds pretty convincing. Actually do morbidly enjoy responding to the flamers, it gets my pulse up a bit and do like spinning it back to their heads. But some others on the site really disagree with this flaming tactic and am rising to their defense.

In the end, if you can't count on others being civil, then a rule needs to be applied that can be counted on to slow the poison.

Not everyone is as tough as you...

[JLDII]

Rick,

I've known this guy for a few years. If you think he is tough here, you should here him when a boat gets within 20 feet of him in a tournament. LOL!!;)

[love them eyes guy]

Jack

It works does it not, some times people just dont know when to move! Others feel if you dont move, then they will move you! GOOD LUCK!! I'm not moving and I dont care who you are. Never get soft when its your money your fishin with!

I am so bored, this cold is keeping me from working! So I have read every post at least twice. Sick is'nt it!

[JLDII]

Yeah, I'm starting to tire of it a bit too! I need to start my taxes tommarrow, so that will cut back on my time here for awhile. I don't know how I did it, but I somehow erased all the auto links from my monthly spread sheets to my annual summary and have to go into excel and do the whole dam year from scratch by hand, one line at a time. Putting formulas in each and every cell one at a time.

Fishing for a living is fun until something like this happens!

I'll see you on the 8th.

[wa_walleye]

Steve,
Not to be juvenile but the simple fact is I post from my income job. My bosses do not care as long as it is not blantant. My name is blatant. My email is available. For my 2 cents, compromise would be registered users. I can decipher if I want to believe what any person posts under any name (fake name, registered or birthname). I personally will not post ANYWHERE that I HAVE to use my real name. I give it freely to those that ask that should be good enough. I tourney fish have turned down sponserships (do not like the resposibilities that go with them). I feel I have made some small contributions to WC. I prefer to see perchjerker, sevennn, t-mac (who everybody knows but posts as guest). Those names are easier to remember too when referring others to peple or posts. I personally as stated above can weed through whining and stuff on my own. Would rather have to weed that lose valuable information. Also if some of you "pros" post your emails they will fill of unwelcome questions and spam you do not want.... I understand the problem but ther NEEDS to be different solution. I admit I don't have it but keep trying I know I will!!! wa_walleye

[IMPORTANT]

Steve, there truly are many good reasons for anonymity. Many folks don't like the exposure of being in public forum debates. Now, that doesn't mean that they don't like to mix it up with individuals that have different view points. The benefit of having anonymity is clearly shown by the spirited conversations and debates that go on here on walleye central. Many people would feel very inhibited when discussing topics that are in direct conflict with others. Example, Pro fisherman on other sites have decided to strictly enforce the warm and fuzzy policies that do not encourage any "real" debate. The amount of posts and the growth of walleye central can be attributed to the ability to sign or not sign your name to a post. You have personally insulted me on many occassions. Yes, the Mille Lacs Native American rhetoric is were it comes from. Now, I understand that you have personal views that are important and I appreciate that. I for one would not have liked for everyone in the fishing world to know that I was one of the folks supporting the Mille Lacs Native Americans with most of their rights. It was my choice to stay anonymous. I still felt a great amount of satisfaction knowing that my responses to your post and responses had an impact on how you ultimately decided to air your opinions on this site. Your willingness to share fishing information and personal opinions on this site have not gone unnoticed. Many of us appreciate your contribution, even when your views are almost 100% different than ours. Keep signing your posts and answer the posts that warrant a response. Jesse Ventura made the mistake of trying to control too much. With his thin skin and inability to control his responses to personal insults, he was ultimately forced out of office. Stay in your office and keep posting with your name! Thank you.

[Too Many Posts]

One reason I can think of. If I posted under my correct name every time it would be an indecent number of posts.
My employer would fire me. Readers would think I was another Cliff Kleven.
They might be right?

[bigfish1965]

No one knows me by my real name anyway......


Rick O'Banion

[JLDII]

O'Banion, is that of Irish or Scotish desent?


Dunn= from the sur name O'Duinne, which is from either.

[bigfish1965]

Irish, sir. However knowing my forefathers, they were undoubtedly not too picky with whom they had children and I'm sure a mix is present.
Arrived in North America 1849 (Texas) moved north through the decades.
Other side moved to Canada from UK just prior to WWI .

[CJHughes]

I have seen some people get real mean with some of the Pro's that post here which may keep them from posting if they have to use their real name . Other than the fact that you are famous (Al Linder) or such I can't think of any reason why you wouldn't use your real name .I always have then again I am nobody to most everybody .

[sevenmmm]

>nobody to most everybody .


Hey! I really like that thought, very catchy! :-)

[eyechsr]

I really like the registering Idea as long as I can use my handle, as my name is just too #### long to type in every time.
Cal Burkhardsmeier

[stevefellegy]

There is a setting just for you....it signs your name if checked with every one of your posts. I think you go into the "preferences" in the user menu and check the box that is relative.

[SUPERTROLLER]

Steve, in the past our names were able to be looked up by other registered users. I wish they still were available. I don't really care when a non-registered user slams someone. I usually take it with a grain of salt and tell them I will no longer answer their nonsense. You and other people can choose to continue an arguement or let it die at any time. We mostly know who is telling the truth and who isn't. Like you, I give MUCH more credibility to a known user or registered user. I will give my full name to anyone that wants it. I've got nothing to hide and love a good debate as long as someone can back things up with facts and not wivestales or opinions. I guess to sum it all up. Ignore the pain in the butt people and deal with the nice guys. It will get old for the losers when they can't get a rise out of others and they will go back to the bass fishing boards. We're real fishermen here. Fishermen helping fishermen, whether registered or not. My opinion. Thanks.

[Fuzzy]

Everyone has different reasons why they do things a little differently than others. Just let it be, move one and quit harping about it. You can't have everything the way you want all the time.

[just visiting]

>Everyone has different reasons why they do things a little
>differently than others. Just let it be, move one and quit
>harping about it. You can't have everything the way you want
>all the time.

I agree, maybe this Steve fellow can start up his very own website and then he can make all the decisions so it fits what he feels is just to his liking.