If using handles is now not allowed, and I have to use my real name, then why are you allowing old posters to continue using Handles? If the rules have changed, everyone should have to abide by them. The way one runs a ship tells alot about a person or organization. It doesn't show a sense of fair play or egalitarianism.
Ths is why I ask people with a question about the board to send me a PM or email. I don't read all the posts and this one has been up several days before I see it and can respond to it.
We started requiring real names from new users because we had a problem with a very few people posting trash on the board. Those users were banned. However all were using handles. I have never had a significant problem with people posting trash on the board when using their real names. It seems that when you have to own up to what you post, you post more responsibly. By "trash" I mean personal attacks, flaming other posters, foul language, and spam and the like.
So we started requiring new users use their real name. If I have a problem with old users that are still using handles then we will require them use their real name. As long as there is no problem they can continue to use handles for the time being (subject to change) because changing over would take lots of time, both for me and each user.
However I would really prefer they change their handle to their real name, it makes for less confusion. We have had users here for 4 years now that have always posted with their real name and have had no problems. Also I think it helps their business to become known by other appraisers in other parts of the country because they get referrals from other appraisers they know on the forum.
If anyone using a handle wants to do that, send me your real name along with your handle and I will change it. At some point in time I may ask everyone using handles to do this anyway, as we are probably over 90% real names users now.
As far as problems from using real names I can't think of any. Since most users are appraisers if anyone wants to find you, I am certain the sources of the ASC database of all licensed appraisers, or any Internet phone book (like Infospace) or any local hard copy phone book and other available resources would easily locate you.
If you want to remain hidden, then the first step is to have unlisted phone numbers (or even no phone), no appraisal license or licenses of any kind, no social security number, no records at the state or national level at any kind, no electric or water service, etc (you get the idea).
) would have to be moved out of the city immediately. Instead, they can stay as long as they are kept up. If destroyed, allowed to go to rack and ruin, or if sold they must be moved out of the city limits.
