Psycho-Babble Administration Thread 717507

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Re: cap on Name changes

Posted by Honore on January 3, 2007, at 20:13:40

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Dr. Bob on January 3, 2007, at 3:05:38

Three doesn't seem like a reasonable cap on name changes.

I haven't seen a compelling argument here for any cap. Some people might not be entirely comfortable at some moments that someone seems to know them, but that can be remedied by babblemail, if it really is a problem.

That seems like the only reason given so far.

People make name changes for many reasons, and I don't see the harm in it. Maybe some people have trouble finding a name they really seem comfortable in and they experiment a bit; maybe there's some interaction that didn't go in a comfortable way, and they want to reimagine their relationship with someone or some people; maybe they want to "start over" after posting things they regret.

Whatever the reasons, a cap of three seems unreasonably constraining, especially in view of the possiblity of simply coming not to like a name, which is chosen without knowing what it feels like to be named that.

I don't know, but this seems a rule looking for a rationale, rather than a rule that arises out of some pressing problem that calls for some regulation.

Honore

 

Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 3, 2007, at 20:41:17

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Dr. Bob on January 3, 2007, at 3:05:38

> > I think people are entitled to a fresh start, or two, or three.
>
> I like 3, too, would that be a reasonable cap?
>
> Bob

Hi Dr. Bob, I think it would be reasonable. I feel the poster who wrote about ordering meat at the deli had a point ...one has to have an amount or a number...so it is a start...

I am unclear on one thing, did you mean yearly? Personally to ME 3 times a year would be fair. It would give some a new start if they felt they needed it.

I do not think rules are bad in and of themselves.

 

Re: cap on Name changes » Honore

Posted by 10derHeart on January 3, 2007, at 21:51:37

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Honore on January 3, 2007, at 20:13:40

That was well said, and although I'm not 100% decided yet, I think I agree with all you wrote.

I'd like to add to your list the reason that some posters use only public computers, or share with others even in families, and have serious IRL concerns when their name is discovered, or they believe it may be about to be. It becomes a safety issue right at that point.

If something as simple as a name change helps some so much that they wish/need/want to do it often, I have no problem with that. There have to be ways to cope with the disconcerting feelings that can result for the rest, guess we could just help each other find those ways.

 

Re: cap on Name changes » 10derHeart

Posted by GGGabbi on January 3, 2007, at 23:20:00

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Honore, posted by 10derHeart on January 3, 2007, at 21:51:37

.
>
> I'd like to add to your list the reason that some posters use only public computers, or share with others even in families, and have serious IRL concerns when their name is discovered, or they believe it may be about to be. It becomes a safety issue right at that point.
>
> If something as simple as a name change helps some so much that they wish/need/want to do it often, I have no problem with that. There have to be ways to cope with the disconcerting feelings that can result for the rest, guess we could just help each other find those ways.

that's exactly how I feel about it.
thanks for articulating it so well.

 

:-) (nm) » GGGabbi

Posted by 10derHeart on January 3, 2007, at 23:29:01

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » 10derHeart, posted by GGGabbi on January 3, 2007, at 23:20:00

 

Re: cap on Name changes

Posted by Dr. Bob on January 4, 2007, at 3:20:51

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob, posted by Fallen4MyT on January 3, 2007, at 20:41:17

> I am unclear on one thing, did you mean yearly? Personally to ME 3 times a year would be fair.

3 total would be easier for the server...

Bob

 

Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob

Posted by All Done on January 4, 2007, at 10:09:28

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Dr. Bob on January 4, 2007, at 3:20:51

> > I am unclear on one thing, did you mean yearly? Personally to ME 3 times a year would be fair.
>
> 3 total would be easier for the server...
>
> Bob

Dr. Bob,

Three total...ever?

I'm still curious as to your reasoning behind picking three. Is it as everyone else has said? You just like the number?

I tend to agree with Honore, Gabbi, and 10derHeart. Personally, I don't agree with any cap, but I'm wondering though, if this is still a decision that's up for discussion. I'd rather not spend my time and effort posting about it if it's a done deal and it's hard to tell with you sometimes. :)

BTW, I hope you're having a lovely new year, but if this is the only part of my post you respond to, I might have to scream. ;)

Thanks,
Laurie

 

Very well said! » Honore

Posted by gardenergirl on January 4, 2007, at 12:52:39

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Honore on January 3, 2007, at 20:13:40

I agree with you.

gg

 

Re: cap on Name changes

Posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2007, at 4:30:28

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob, posted by All Done on January 4, 2007, at 10:09:28

> > 3 total would be easier for the server...
>
> Three total...ever?

Well, 3 starting from whenever the policy takes effect?

> I'm still curious as to your reasoning behind picking three. Is it as everyone else has said? You just like the number?

It was Gabbi's suggestion. :-) Would 5 be better? 3 might be easier to remember, since other policies use 3...

> I'm wondering though, if this is still a decision that's up for discussion.

It's still up for discussion. Everything's always up for discussion. :-)

Bob

 

Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob

Posted by Dinah on January 6, 2007, at 9:59:53

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2007, at 4:30:28

I don't see any particular need for a rule. And there are perfectly valid reasons for a name change. I can certainly take responsibility and handle my discomfort on those occasions where I am pretty sure I know someone, but I don't know who it is.

And sometimes name changes have nothing to do with changing identity. They're things like clearskies changing based on a change in state that she hopes will stick (which was my favorite name change reason ever), or someone having problems posting under their old name and wishing to get to Admin to inform you.

I think I'd be more in favor of something that allows you, Dr. Bob, to keep easier track of who's who. If not charging people, then maybe requiring that they sign up with a real email address, not a yahoo or gmail one. I think that's what Psychcentral was doing when I registered. I don't know how it worked out. That's still not perfect since email providers change and people move.

 

Dinah!

Posted by ClearSkies on January 7, 2007, at 0:01:26

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob, posted by Dinah on January 6, 2007, at 9:59:53

You have no idea what that means to me!!!!!!

 

Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 0:19:16

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by Dr. Bob on January 6, 2007, at 4:30:28

3 Is fine so is 5. I wonder and feel that no matter what number you choose some will have issues with it and some won't.

You could pick a number out of a hat.

I do like your reasoning on so many other things having a 3 figure to them thus it may be easier to remember for posters. I, myself would be more in favor of 3 times a year but 3 times ever could work.

I do not personally see if someone chose a name they were not fond of later how this rule could harm them in that they would be able to adjust it to one they like within 3 attempts. If someone were stalked I can see an exception made time number 4.

Some change their names MANY MANY times within a year ( I cannot post who as that may lead someone to feel put down and accused).. but I have seen this. They make it clear they are NOT being stalked, their family has NOT FOUND them....they answer to their real name...so why would someone change their name so often? I feel those types of name changes are the issue here. I wonder if it's a lot of busy work for you Dr Bob...do you think it COULD BE attention seeking?

Some sites do NOT allow you to change your name at all ...it's a rare exception to be able to do that.I can see why.


> > > 3 total would be easier for the server...
> >
> > Three total...ever?
>
> Well, 3 starting from whenever the policy takes effect?
>
> > I'm still curious as to your reasoning behind picking three. Is it as everyone else has said? You just like the number?
>
> It was Gabbi's suggestion. :-) Would 5 be better? 3 might be easier to remember, since other policies use 3...
>
> > I'm wondering though, if this is still a decision that's up for discussion.
>
> It's still up for discussion. Everything's always up for discussion. :-)
>
> Bob

 

Re: cap on Name changes » gardenergirl

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 0:20:29

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob, posted by gardenergirl on January 3, 2007, at 9:35:52

I like this idea GG

> > > I think people are entitled to a fresh start, or two, or three.
> >
> > I like 3, too, would that be a reasonable cap?
> >
> > Bob
>
> You really like that number, eh?
>
> If you set a cap, I think that folks ought to be able to email you to request another change for special circumstances if they go over the cap. I don't know what those special circumstances might be, but I think you could decide on a reasonable solution if that comes up. I would have no problem with that remaining between you and the poster.
>
> gg
>

 

:-) (nm) » ClearSkies

Posted by Dinah on January 7, 2007, at 8:54:59

In reply to Dinah!, posted by ClearSkies on January 7, 2007, at 0:01:26

 

from the most attention seeking person EVER! » Fallen4MyT

Posted by karen_kay on January 7, 2007, at 13:40:25

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob, posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 0:19:16

i've never changed my name. i'd think if someone wants attention, they'd get more by retaining their name. lord knows the poor newbies get so little attention. how bout suggestions for that? how to make the newbies feel even more welcome (and please don't let it involved compromising photos. never again!)

 

whoa! » karen_kay

Posted by karen_kay on January 7, 2007, at 13:46:44

In reply to from the most attention seeking person EVER! » Fallen4MyT, posted by karen_kay on January 7, 2007, at 13:40:25

i was referring to myself as the most attention seeking person ever, not you fallen. sorry if that was confusing. see, i need attention so much that i have to say it 2 times!!!!

 

Re: from the most attention seeking person EVER! » karen_kay

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 14:15:11

In reply to from the most attention seeking person EVER! » Fallen4MyT, posted by karen_kay on January 7, 2007, at 13:40:25

They would have 3 times to change it. I did not ask you on the attention seeking..I asked Dr Bob because he is a doctor.
New people can amd may very well feel very welcome knowing they can change their name...3 times. Some sites allow NO CHANGE
Myself I am not an attention seeker and have never posted anything I would regret.


> i've never changed my name. i'd think if someone wants attention, they'd get more by retaining their name. lord knows the poor newbies get so little attention. how bout suggestions for that? how to make the newbies feel even more welcome (and please don't let it involved compromising photos. never again!)

 

Re: whoa! » karen_kay

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 14:20:41

In reply to whoa! » karen_kay, posted by karen_kay on January 7, 2007, at 13:46:44

Oddly, I understood that was what you meant KK ..Though perhaps you should have clarified that in the *subject line* so those who do not open the threads will see I AM NOT the attention seeker in question. I hope Dr Bob takes a look at how one would feel with that title above. I would feel less put down if you did a clarification in the subject line. As it stands *I feel put down* should someone only look at the title.

 

Re: cap on Name changes

Posted by notfred on January 7, 2007, at 17:46:28

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Dr. Bob, posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 0:19:16

" I wonder if it's a lot of busy work for you Dr Bob..."

Adding a limit will mean more work. Records to keep and appeals to deal with, this would be ongoing. Initial coding and testing.

I can't see an effective way to track this, it is so easy to register with a new e-mail account from a different IP.

This seems a bad solution seeking a problem that is not a big deal to many here. have we heard from folks that change frequently ? Best not to assume their reasons for changing frequently. Or at the least not to assume the negative, unless there is evidence otherwise.

 

Re: cap on Name changes

Posted by Honore on January 7, 2007, at 18:44:05

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by notfred on January 7, 2007, at 17:46:28

At the moment, all I can say on this issue is that if there's a cap in the range of three or five, I personally will be very uncomfortable with it.

I find it hard to find names in general and I don't particularly feel as if I fit my current name, or my prior name (I've changed once in six months, for reasons that I think were useful)-- and the fit becomes more awkward over time.

If it is easy to find new IP addresses, I guess I could investigate that if it becomes an issue, but I still don't understand the problem.

If people are shedding names like skins every other day here, I haven't noticed it, even though I've visited this site a lot and read a lot.

So if the change is about to take place, I hope someone notifies me beforehand, so that I can spend time trying to come up with a name that has some chance of feeling like me for the foreseeable future, instead of one that's provisional and impulsive, and was chosen because it is hard to find a name-- and it seemed good enough for a time.

Honore

 

Re: cap on Name changes » notfred

Posted by gardenergirl on January 7, 2007, at 19:03:29

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by notfred on January 7, 2007, at 17:46:28

> Best not to assume their reasons for changing frequently. Or at the least not to assume the negative, unless there is evidence otherwise.

I think that's a wise suggestion, notfred. (Speaking of names, yours reminds my monkey brain of "Not Dead Fred" from Monty Python's Spam A Lot". He's one of my favorite characters. :)

Even in the event that someone's reasons for changing may be related to something that could be called "negative" or "maladaptive" or some other descriptor, I'm finding it hard to understand how that could be perceived as a problem to the extent that it requires a rule limiting it.

I'm not in favor of implementing this idea as a rule.

gg responding as both a poster and as a deputy

 

Re: cap on Name changes » notfred

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 19:20:06

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes, posted by notfred on January 7, 2007, at 17:46:28

I myself am not assuming. I do not know who may be assuming. I feel some may be assuming that names are changed for valid reason only. I asked Dr Bob a question as to what HE feels could be the reason SOME posters change names *so often* based on reasons that MAY have given to him. I cannot say if it will be more work or less. I think though I do NOT KNOW Dr Bob may see this name change rule has potential.

Some of us may just disagree and that is OK...I for one am for the cap and have been reading the site and a member for many years though some of you may not have seen a lot of posts made by me.

For me I cannot imagine having any name that would make it hard for me to post seeking or giving support. But that is my feeling and opinion. I guess if I did mess up I would find that in 3 attempts I could achieve a name that would allow me to be supportive as well as give support.


> " I wonder if it's a lot of busy work for you Dr Bob..."
>
> Adding a limit will mean more work. Records to keep and appeals to deal with, this would be ongoing. Initial coding and testing.
>
> I can't see an effective way to track this, it is so easy to register with a new e-mail account from a different IP.
>
> This seems a bad solution seeking a problem that is not a big deal to many here. have we heard from folks that change frequently ? Best not to assume their reasons for changing frequently. Or at the least not to assume the negative, unless there is evidence otherwise.

 

Re: cap on Name changes » Fallen4MyT

Posted by gardenergirl on January 7, 2007, at 19:38:30

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » notfred, posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 19:20:06

> I myself am not assuming. I do not know who may be assuming. I feel some may be assuming that names are changed for valid reason only.

How do you determine what's valid and what's not?

gg

 

re: Karen and ideas

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 19:43:44

In reply to from the most attention seeking person EVER! » Fallen4MyT, posted by karen_kay on January 7, 2007, at 13:40:25

These are good ideas but they have nothing to do with this topic. I use to be a greeter on the newbie board. Maybe, being you have ideas on this you could start your own thread ON THAT topic? Many may have ideas to help them. I tend to stick to topics when I am in a thread on X I talk about X

> i've never changed my name. i'd think if someone wants attention, they'd get more by retaining their name. lord knows the poor newbies get so little attention. how bout suggestions for that? how to make the newbies feel even more welcome (and please don't let it involved compromising photos. never again!)

 

Re: cap on Name changes

Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 7, 2007, at 19:56:46

In reply to Re: cap on Name changes » Fallen4MyT, posted by gardenergirl on January 7, 2007, at 19:38:30

> > I myself am not assuming. I do not know who may be assuming. I feel some may be assuming that names are changed for valid reason only.
>
> How do you determine what's valid and what's not?
>
> gg


GG I did not state I have determined one way or another I said MAY have...that leaves it open to the reader. I feel there may be valid reasons and their may be not so valid reasons. I FEEL also that a few name changes a year could cover most to all mistakes one could make in picking a message board name. I am not a black and white thinker that is why I have looked at this from all sides and feel a few name changes could be helpful and too many could lead someone to avoid working on the issues that create within them a need for a name change.


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