# I pit Dopers who don't share their location! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 29, 2006, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466 "2006-03-29T21:58:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![homeskillet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7ba0ec/32.png) [@homeskillet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/homeskillet)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/61 "2006-03-30T02:29:14Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > I was just about to pit Dopers who use funny nouns as usernames, but no matter. 😃 Well I guess I’m guilty of that too _but_ I’ll raise ya one! I always cringe a little at people who incorporate their user name into those around them. For example: “The other day \*\*homeHubby \*\* was pestering me to run out and get some kibble to feed the **homePuppy** , but I couldn’t cuz I was busy in the bath room trying to pop a mean ol’ **homePimple** that was festering on the left **homeButtcheek** and ended up pulling the ol’ **homeLatissimus dorsi**!” But, that’s just me and there’s no faulting creativity, so more power too 'em _I suppose_! 😃 I too wish more people were forthright about their location, but it doesn’t really bother me unless they’re completely evasive about it. ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/62 "2006-03-30T02:30:06Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > If it helps to understand my posts any - I was born in the back of a Greyhound bus, rolling down Highway 41. Oh yeah? Well, I was born in a manger, ok? Yeah, a manger. Swaddling cothes, wise guys, funky astronomical events - the whole bit. I’m going to a special hell for that, aren’t I? ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/63 "2006-03-30T02:41:26Z")
> [@What Exit?](#): > > I like providing the general locale as opposed to the town. But some people wish to be anonymous and others don’t wish to be defined by their location. I used to have “Central Jersey” like yours, then I figured I could mention the name of the closest city and I’d be just fine. Trenton and its suburbs covers a pretty good area, who’d think anyone but a true stalker would ever figure out who I was… …then in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=352390), another poster and I found out we share the same cleaning woman. Blew me away. It was actually kind of cool, really. ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/64 "2006-03-30T02:49:55Z")
I just realized that I was guilty of this offense – I used to have a very mundane response, and changed it. I was born in northern New York, and moved south the year before joining the Dope. My previous “location” field was a Heinlein reference based on that: “Through the door into summer.” My new one (adopted in response to this very thread) defines it even more specifically: the Harry Chapin song it’s the title of was set in my old home town, and, both according to the song and in reality, _anywhere’s_ “a better place to be.” ---
**Author:** ![roger\_thornhill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d9b06d/32.png) [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/65 "2006-03-30T02:52:51Z")
> [@LilyoftheValley](#): > > By the way, the very existence of this thread now makes my location line a lie. (Anyone? Anyone?) But where did you buy your sweater? ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/66 "2006-03-30T03:01:07Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > I also realize this is a community where people are extremely guarding of their privacy. I understand and respect that as well - but would it really kill you to name the city, state, or even country that you live in? Inquisitive minds want to know! How’s it feel to want? Sorry, but even though I have a location posted, it is liable to be confusing in some threads. I spent 30 years in Southeast Michigan, still visit family and friends there, have made numerous visits to Northern Michigan, and to visit relatives in several regions of Indiana and Illinois, have lived in Europe, and traveled widely through the U.S., Canada, and a few other locations. I often post personal observations in response to geographic questions or threads without qualifying my remarks with “From September 28, 19xx through August 7, 19xy, when I lived in Zzzzzz.” Even when accurate, location can often give an erroneous impression. It is nice to have, but it is no more necessary to good conversation than posting age, education (both duration and major studies), religious beliefs, political party, or favorite color, (or sex). Nice to have? Yeah. Pit worthy? Nope. ---
**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/67 "2006-03-30T03:10:57Z")
BOO! _snicker_ ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/68 "2006-03-30T03:21:36Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > I used to have “Central Jersey” like yours, then I figured I could mention the name of the closest city and I’d be just fine. Trenton and its suburbs covers a pretty good area, who’d think anyone but a true stalker would ever figure out who I was… > > …then in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=352390), another poster and I found out we share the same cleaning woman. Blew me away. It was actually kind of cool, really. Well I’m in Monmouth County, but I thought more dopers would understand Central Jersey than the specific County or Town. > [@Polycarp](#): > > …snip… > My previous “location” field was a Heinlein reference based on that: “Through the door into summer.” My new one (adopted in response to this very thread) defines it even more specifically: the Harry Chapin song it’s the title of was set in my old home town, and, both according to the song and in reality, _anywhere’s_ “a better place to be.” I for one will miss the Heinlein Reference and I like Harry Chapin a lot. Jim ---
**Author:** ![Hostile\_Dialect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e495f1/32.png) [@Hostile\_Dialect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hostile_Dialect)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/69 "2006-03-30T03:37:10Z")
Mine is a little vague, I must admit, but it doesn’t take too much Googling, it’s not smart-assed, and I mention that I live in San Diego a lot in my post content. Although I think I might just change my location to be more straightforward. FWIW, I happen to find “Altered state” or “Synaesthetic such and such” more entertaining and enlightening than a true location, but that’s the only location remark like that I can think of, for me anyway. ---
**Author:** ![HPL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3da27b/32.png) [@HPL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HPL)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/70 "2006-03-30T04:07:08Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > I am a curious person, and I could not count the number of times someone has shared something about their personal life on these boards that interested me and made me wonder: “where is this person from?” > > So of course I scroll back up to look at their “Location” field only to see something exceedingly clever - perhaps it says “Over Yonder”, “Sommerfield Street”, or “In Your Head”. As my curiosity deflates I invariably think to myself, > > “Ah yes, I see we have another comedian.” > > \ > > I also realize this is a community where people are extremely guarding of their privacy. I understand and respect that as well - but would it really kill you to name the city, state, or even _country_ that you live in? Inquisitive minds want to know! Not to be snarky, Rig, but if you’re really interested, you could just ask. I recently had someone get annoyed at me because I didn’t tell him something that he thought was very interesting. I had a good reason. I never had a reason to tell him until he asked. And the time he asked me was the first time we actualy engaged in coversation, as opposed to him lecturing me as well as 50 other people. People, I don’t know if you want to know something about me unless you ask. Ask and I’ll answer. ---
**Author:** ![Telperien](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/65b543/32.png) [@Telperien](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperien)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/71 "2006-03-30T04:34:17Z")
My location is currently accurate. It should change fairly soon. But I don’t think I’ll put the exact city name. I believe my destination has a nickname. Maybe I’ll put that. Yes, I am a smart-ass, but a very mild one. ---
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/72 "2006-03-30T05:03:35Z")
> [@Bertie Wooster](#): > > What I suspect is the real reason for your annoyance is that you want to poke your nose in where it ain’t wanted. I suspect this because you start off with a lame plea of curiosity. Overall, this is pretty bad, and I hope more folks obscure their locations just for you. Ok… > [@HPL](#): > > Not to be snarky, Rig, but if you’re really interested, you could just ask. Sure, but like I said, I wonder _often_ and it would really clog up threads or people’s PM/e-mail to be asking such a trivial thing all the time. And look at **ExtraKun** , he saw this and still doesn’t want to even reveal his _country_. I mean, now that he’s created all this mystique about it… (“quaint laws”, “some people have a beef with where I’m from” etc.) Well some people have a beef with the U.S. too, **ExtraKun**. You’re not a terrorist are you? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/73 "2006-03-30T05:17:18Z")
> [@fetus](#): > > FWIW, I happen to find “Altered state” or “Synaesthetic such and such” more entertaining and enlightening than a true location, but that’s the only location remark like that I can think of, for me anyway. Aw shucks. FWIW, a long time member posted a Google Earth image of their house, and included tha name and website of a store quite near that house. Needless to say, it took two minutes to find the exact location on the planet for that posters house. I could post GPS coordinates, give directions, make an educated guess about the address, and visit if I so chose. I choose not to, unless it is at the gathering that this person will be inviting people to this summer anyway. My point being, it is far too easy these days to find out more information about people than they care to have known, just by sharing a few innocuous details. If I find out what county you live in and a few other pieces of information, I can have your criminal record (which is public). Just sayin’. I live in a suburb of Columbus Ohio BTW. Anyone who searched my posts could find that out, I just choose to mention it when it pertains to the topic at hand. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/74 "2006-03-30T05:20:50Z")
Well, surely no one can object to my location. Y’all have read the story, right? ---
**Author:** ![Waterman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b2d939/32.png) [@Waterman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waterman)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/75 "2006-03-30T05:29:45Z")
FWIW, my location tag is exactly the city where I live. BTW it was owned lock, stock and barrel by the US Federal Government for about 18 years until it was returned to private ownership sometime around the late 50’s or early 60’s. And talk about interesting high school logos, one of the schools is the Richland Bombers with the logo being a full fledged mushroom cloud. ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/76 "2006-03-30T05:30:11Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > Well, surely no one can object to my location. Y’all have read the story, right? I once downed a rabbit whole. I didn’t hare too well. :D&R: ---
**Author:** ![dnooman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/839c29/32.png) [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/77 "2006-03-30T05:31:26Z")
Damnation Smithers! ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/78 "2006-03-30T05:40:25Z")
I offer my real location when it is relevant. But sometimes it’s misleading. In the meantime, the poem, 'The Lake Isle of Innesfree," by W. B. Yeats reveals more about me than does my address. If we are ever in a discussion in a thread and you think it would be helpful to your understanding of my points to know my background, you can always ask. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/79 "2006-03-30T05:43:43Z")
> [@neutron star](#): > > The only time it bothers me is when someone asks a legal question in GQ, the answer varies depending on the OP’s state, and he neglects to mention it. Otherwise, meh. > . Here I agree 100%. Most of the time I don’t really care, but some posters seem to know be aware that their listed location is useless, and then go ask a question with a location dependent answer. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![La\_Llorona](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@La\_Llorona](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/La_Llorona)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2006, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466/80 "2006-03-30T05:45:49Z")
> [@David Simmons](#): > > You must have heard the joke about the Boston dowager who was going on a motoring trip to California with friends. When asked what route they would take she said, “Through Newton, of course.” Explain, please? Not sure whether I’m being slow with humor or whether it’s being a non-Bostonian that impedes understanding? And to make some kind of an actual contribution to this thread, is my location rage-inducingly vague enough? We can only hope. 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-pit-dopers-who-dont-share-their-location/350466.md?page=5)