This is really a question for the administrator: As a complete novice user of any kind of "chat room" or forum like on this site, I've noticed that everyone else uses some kind of code name to identify themselves. Is this recommended??

Hi Catherine

One of the facets of a forum like this is that anybody can contribute to any thread! So I'm just a member like you and when I joined I was a complete novice as well. But I've been here quite a while now so I might be able to put you in a picture a bit.

First thing, if you want to contact an administrator (or moderator, as they're called), the best thing to do is send them a PM (Private Message). There are several moderators, but the one who we mostly have contact with is EdGJ. They do look at threads sometimes, but you can't rely on them picking up a comment in a thread. You may or may not get a reply to your PM!

About names... yes many people use a name which protects their identity. This enables people to talk about their teachers, children, parents, students, fairly freely as they can't be identified. Some people are also concerned about internet security - anybody in the world can read these forums; and if they become members, they can also read your profile. I'm not aware of any specific problems which this may cause, but some people prefer to maintain anonymity for that reason.

If you want to change your name, you would need to ask a moderator, ie send a PM to EdGJ. They have been known to change names in the past, but that was when there were far fewer members than there are now, and it's probably not a practice which they want to encourage. However, in your case, because you used your real name perhaps without realising the implications, they may respond sympathetically to any request to change.

You might find it useful to read the FAQs which are pinned at the top of the forum - they should help to explain a few things. Although do feel free to ask as well if you have any queries


PS. I've also sent you a PM - click the "My Controls" link at the top of the forum page to access your PMs.

Using a *handle* is the norm on internet forums and some people think it's not a good idea to use your full name all over the place. Vaguely the reasons are to do with internet stalking and identity theft. I use a handle mainly because that's what I'm used to doing.

A very scary thing it was too.

Forum rules say: "Stay safe - protect your privacy" and

"3. The only name you should give out on the forums is your registered username or your first name"

This is the first, and only, forum I contribute to, and I used my real name - although just my initials. It hasn't been a problem (so far), and I put as little information on my profile as possible, which I think helps.

Yes, agreed. And those of us who register our details on teaching websites face this too - and mostly use our real names I think. Apart from a bit of spam e-mail I don't think I've had problems so far.