# Have you ever revealed your real life identity here in your posts? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 22, 2013, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624 "2013-03-22T12:32:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![gracer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@gracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracer)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/21 "2013-03-22T15:13:45Z")
I’ve met another Doper, and it would be easy to find out who I am if you added up my posts. I wouldn’t mind so much, I think I’d mind more if someone from RL found me here. Just because I like being able to share stuff here that I don’t necessarily want everyone to know. So I wouldn’t want my real name on here in case anyone googles me and reads about my rape or something. These identities and privacy are a weird thing. I was looking through the picture gallery once when I recognised one of the pictures. Not the poster, but the location. We must’ve briefly worked in the same building! I never said anything, I think it would freak them out… ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/22 "2013-03-22T15:20:33Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I’ve met a few dopers in real life who know my name. And anybody else who really wanted to track me down probably could. I don’t think I’m on anyone’s radar enough for them to go to that much trouble. Exactly this. If anyone really, really wanted to (s)he could probably piece it together and show up where I work. But I haven’t posted anything that I can imagine would motivate anyone to do that. ---
**Author:** ![Ms.Pumpkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a87d85/32.png) [@Ms.Pumpkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ms.Pumpkin)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/23 "2013-03-22T15:21:56Z")
My email is first initial last name, and I think I’ve revealed my first name before. That would lead anyone looking to either me, or a cousin of mine with the same name. I’m not worried about it. Perhaps my cousin oughtta be… 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_Tyger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/fbc32d/32.png) [@Silver\_Tyger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_Tyger)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/24 "2013-03-22T15:22:09Z")
I’m about a three. Some jerks have tracked down my linkedin account and my old school portfolio site, which was pointless. And my website is in my sig, which has a link to my facebook. But I hardly ever use my sig and I don’t talk about my personal life very often outside the MMP because it’s boring. ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/25 "2013-03-22T15:37:34Z")
Maybe a 3? I am Facebook friends with some a couple of Dopers who are also on Ravelry or who I have real life connections to now. I went to a Dopefest once in San Francisco, but I think my kid was more memorable than I was. ---
**Author:** ![Drain\_Bead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e47774/32.png) [@Drain\_Bead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drain_Bead)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/26 "2013-03-22T15:40:53Z")
I used to be a lot more forthcoming about personal details of my life here than I currently am, but there are plenty of members here who know my full name through Facebook even now. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/27 "2013-03-22T15:47:23Z")
I’m somewhere in the middle. I’m not very worried about Dopers finding out my RL identity - I’ve made Facebook friends and attended Dopefests and it’s all good. What I’m worried about is people I know in RL finding out about my Doper identity. I have shared a lot of personal things on this board. To that end I try to make sure I never connect my user name with my real name. ---
**Author:** ![CatherineZeta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e95f7d/32.png) [@CatherineZeta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CatherineZeta)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/28 "2013-03-22T15:55:22Z")
The details of my life are in _People_\*\* magazine, so who cares? Just kidding. My real name is in my email, but I don’t generally post things that are deep dark secrets or things that people I know in real life don’t already know about, so it’s not the end of the world if someone cares to find out who I am. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/29 "2013-03-22T15:59:10Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I’ve met a few dopers in real life who know my name. And anybody else who really wanted to track me down probably could. I don’t think I’m on anyone’s radar enough for them to go to that much trouble. Same here. I’ve met and befriended a handful of Dopers in the real world, and I communicate with others on Twitter or Facebook. I’ve linked to my blog here before, and I’m sure that anyone who really wanted to find me wouldn’t have to do too much work. But I don’t have anything to hide. Sure, some of my posts may embarrass future-me, but I’m not running for office or anything. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_Kirk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@Capt\_Kirk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_Kirk)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/30 "2013-03-22T16:18:04Z")
I really don’t attempt to hide my RL identity, I don’t broadcast it either. Internet anonymity is largely a myth. If someone wants to find you they can unless you are really careful. For me its pretty meh, you could figure out who I am but why would anyone care? **Capt** ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/31 "2013-03-22T16:28:30Z")
I’d have to say a 1. I’ve posted enough personal stuff that if someone wanted, they could easily knock on my door. Hey, bring a six-pack, and you’re welcome to stop by. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/32 "2013-03-22T16:30:20Z")
I’m between a 3 and 4. I have met a couple of people at a Dopefest, and a few people have my address. I participate in some exchanges. But I make a point not to use my real name on the boards, ever. However, I linked once to my Picasa account, when I had one, and some people went through it on the snarkpit (and made fun of my relatives!). I wouldn’t out myself on purpose though and don’t see why I should. If someone really wanted to they could find me but I try not to piss anyone off that much. ---
**Author:** ![Poysyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Poysyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Poysyn)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/33 "2013-03-22T16:35:11Z")
I am in the same boat as most, if you really wanted to find me, there are certainly enough details to piece it all together, but why would anyone bother? ---
**Author:** ![Fretful\_Porpentine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fretful_porpentine/32/2873_2.png) [@Fretful\_Porpentine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fretful_Porpentine)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/34 "2013-03-22T16:37:10Z")
I’ve posted my full name once, a very, very long time ago, but if you know where I work and what (specifically) I do, you can probably figure out who I am. I’ve definitely posted both of these pieces of information more than once. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/35 "2013-03-22T16:38:53Z")
I suspect I am like a lot of Dopers with a lot of posts - someone with a lot of time on their hands, and the inclination, could figure out who I am from various details in my posts. And I’ve been to a Dopefest, and my picture is on Arnold’s website. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/36 "2013-03-22T16:39:46Z")
I’ve used my name at various Dopefests, and it would be easy enough to get it from the numerous Orycon links I’ve posted over the years. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Excellent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/37 "2013-03-22T16:44:42Z")
Someone who knows me would have absolutely no doubt that I am **Mr. Excellent**. A stranger could probably make the connection if they put in the work, but I can’t think of why such a person would bother. I’ve corresponded via snail-mail with one doper, and met another IRL - both know my real name. ---
**Author:** ![gytalf2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ac91a4/32.png) [@gytalf2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gytalf2000)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/38 "2013-03-22T16:48:25Z")
Pretty much a No. 1. I’m out and lovin’ every minute of it! I don’t use my actual name, but I have shared plenty of personal details and the fact that I have a page at Deviant Art, stuff like that. Any one who wanted to could easliy find out my not-so-secret identity. ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/39 "2013-03-22T17:09:51Z")
I’m number one! I’m number one! I revealed myself when I linked to a SD Classic column that was put online and then promoted in the weekly SD e-mail. You see, I was the person who asked Cecil the question that he answered, and I used my real name when doing so. I’m pretty sure my post was in a “Has anyone ever had Cecil answer their question?” thread of some sorts. So, anyone who followed the link in my post would have seen my IRL name, and would be able to link that to my “Spiff” nickname here on the SDMB. I am not worried at all about this breach of privacy. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624/40 "2013-03-22T17:16:16Z")
I’ve been to one Dopefest. I doubt anyone remembered my real name from that but I didn’t keep it from them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-ever-revealed-your-real-life-identity-here-in-your-posts/653624.md?page=3)