Full Real Names Required

[gopherhockey]

Regarding the new online policy (posted in separate thread here (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showpost.php?p=172171&postcount=1)) we will give everyone a few days to start correcting their profiles to show full real names.

To do this, go to: UserCP -> Edit Profile

Soon after we will start to send PMs reminding people of the new policy.

1. Your Name: The name should be your real "full" name, however you may use a "handle" (alias) if you desire. The "handle" should be in keeping with good taste. You are REQUIRED to put your FULL REAL NAME (first and last name) in the "Real Name" field in your user profile. Failure to comply with this policy will result in account suspension.

[Nickel]

Are certain sections of the forum not searchable by google?

[ebrandel]

I guess I'd call that an unfortunate decision, but oh well, not my forum.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/11/us/11recruit.html?ei=5090&en=ddfbe1e3b386090b&ex=1307678400

http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/401069p-339405c.html

25% of recruiters have rejected job candidates based on what they've found googling their names. Just a thought for everyone to to think about.

[tedsti]

This is similar to the old saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". If you aren't willing to say it under your real name and live with it, maybe you shouldn't say it at all. People just have to remember that this is a public forum.

[ebrandel]

This is similar to the old saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". If you aren't willing to say it under your real name and live with it, maybe you shouldn't say it at all. People just have to remember that this is a public forum.

Yes, this is true, and I'm sure it helps keep forums a little cleaner (although there isn't anything stopping people from not using their real names when they register. I could create an accout right now with the name of John Johnson using an anonymous proxy and there's no way for anyone to know that I set it up) but how many times have you cut out of work a little early to get a ride in? Or taken a long lunch, went home, and gotten a ride in? Those are things you clearly won't want to comment on anymore. Or, heck, I'm at work right now. I'll check, but I doubt it's in my job description to "Browse and comment upon local mountain bike scene and equipment using online forums". Not that I'm concerned about that right now, but who knows how future employers think?

The move really doesn't bother me a whole lot, I just don't agree with it.

[BikerKitty]

25% of recruiters have rejected job candidates based on what they've found googling their names. Just a thought for everyone to to think about.

That's really annoying, because you never know if you have the same "April Bergman". For me, there's a girl in ND with the same name who spent time in the state mental hospital. Lovely. Somehow, her records and mine got mixed up one tax season and my entire tax refund went to pay her hospital bill. All this because the person processing it only looked at names and not social security numbers. That was about 10-15 years ago.

Point is, anyone can post stuff up on the Internet in someone else's name, because most of the sites out there don't require social security numbers or any other REAL form of ID other than an email address (which could also be faked) or a real address (easily found at smartpages or dexonline) so it's completely unfair to not hire someone based on that. :(

But I suppose you could fake your own resume, too.

Basically, everyone should just assume that they're hiring a psychopath and hope for something better. ;)

[ibismojo2001]

That's really annoying, because you never know if you have the same "April Bergman". For me, there's a girl in ND with the same name who spent time in the state mental hospital.

Better the state mental hospital in another state than the guy with my name. When I was in law school in the 90s, I learned from a classmate that there was another "Gary Underdahl" in the Stillwater pen for rape, battery and assault. :jumpy: Luckily I have not run across any issues and you have to go through hoops to take the state bar.

Venture in forums at your own risk...

[jkalla]

Better the state mental hospital in another state than the guy with my name. When I was in law school in the 90s, I learned from a classmate that there was another "Gary Underdahl" in the Stillwater pen for rape, battery and assault. :jumpy:

You mean this guy?

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/8th/032732p.pdf

[gopherhockey]

Point is, anyone can post stuff up on the Internet in someone else's name, because most of the sites out there don't require social security numbers or any other REAL form of ID other than an email address (which could also be faked) or a real address (easily found at smartpages or dexonline) so it's completely unfair to not hire someone based on that. :(



Its a good point. Most likely any company relying on google results isn't one a person should be working for anyway. What a moronic waste of time. Personally I would be happy to have an employer find me online. Shows I have a healthy hobby and am an active volunteer in a great organization. In the computer field I might just get the job because I'm the only candidate with a life outside computers ;)

I haven't verified, but most search engines search the archive version of our forums anyway... and those do NOT contain the full real names. I just googled myself and other than a PDF document that was searched, it is not pulling up thousands of posts by me in the MORC forums.

We are counting on this not to become a huge issue. Most people have been using full real names for a long time now. If a person was so worried about what they do online this is definitely not the only place I'd be concerned about.

Don't forget that posts in areas such as the MORC Members forum, and even the non-biking area are not available to guests or search engines because they require certain rights to see. The non-biking area is probably the one area most people would rather not have any random guest or automated search see.

[ibismojo2001]

You mean this guy?

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/8th/032732p.pdf


Indeed. Nice work! Good thing my middle name is not "Lynn"

[jkalla]

Indeed. Nice work! Good thing my middle name is not "Lynn"

It is the first result that pops up on google - now what does that mean?

[ibismojo2001]

It is the first result that pops up on google - now what does that mean?

TROUBLE.

Nice "Underdog" avitar! Nickname growing up. It brings back some good memories...

[ebrandel]

I haven't verified, but most search engines search the archive version of our forums anyway... and those do NOT contain the full real names. I just googled myself and other than a PDF document that was searched, it is not pulling up thousands of posts by me in the MORC forums.


If this is the case then it's really not a big deal I guess (not that it ever really was). I've just been trying to get myself less searchable, not more. Did a search of my name about two years ago (right during election time) and found that my name was attached to too many "spicy" topics. So, I've kind of been in purge mode since then, and have done a pretty good job of cleaning up my name. Nothing I've been able to easily find that's been inappropriate.

Although my 240th (out of 742) place finish at the Chequamegon Short & Fat in 1997 is available for viewing :p

[jitterjepp]

That's really annoying, because you never know if you have the same "April Bergman". For me, there's a girl in ND with the same name who spent time in the state mental hospital. Ok Sybil we believe you. Now, time for your meds.

[Danimal]

Well... I can honestly say... there is only (1) Danny Alan Montgomery Glassic on this planet. And you all should be fortunate enough to know him:)

... and yes they used to call me "Monty"

[nice-tooth]

The only other Al Goldstein (that I always got flack for growing up) was the King of Porn and the editor of "Screw" magazine. Back in the 70's that was a big deal, now he'd be the equivilant of a teenage kid surfing the internet.

[Danimal]

I always admired you Al, even in the 70's.

[Paul Swenson]

The only other Al Goldstein (that I always got flack for growing up) was the King of Porn and the editor of "Screw" magazine. Back in the 70's that was a big deal, now he'd be the equivilant of a teenage kid surfing the internet.

My wife went to school with his son.

[gopherhockey]

I do want to thank each and every person that has been willing to comply with this simple request. I don't like focusing on the negative all the time.. so I'm going to give a reason I really like to see full names - and that is because I like to get to know people better. Full names is one way that makes it easier for me to put that name to an avatar/userid, and eventually to a face.

I meet a lot of great MORCers out on the trail and its crazy hard for me to remember my own name let alone dozens of new trail work and riding friends. Having a full name really does help me.. I don't know why, it just does.

A HUGE thanks to all of you for making the forums such a great place to hang out. :banana: :banana: :banana:

[thebionicman]

The only time my name comes up when I Google it is pictures from the gallery.

On a side note if I ever get to Holland I have to find one of these trucks (from ErikGerrits.com):
http://www.erikgerrits.com/images/startfoto.jpg

[stoneage]

the same name
How the f*^& would you like to be stuck with the same name as this jerk.
Full of Sh*t (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1013043mackris1.html)

[nice-tooth]

I always admired you Al, even in the 70's.

I always thought he was rather an upstanding individual right up to the point where his buddy Larry Flint took a bullet for his troubles. Judging from the chair he rides, you won't see him on any trails soon.

It was great meeting you at Mammoth Saturday, as John stated it in his "full name" post; it's nice to put faces to the names. Looking forward to our next ride. Alan

[jjrsds]

I guess Hugh jwang aka Soupboy aka Sean Epps is immune? Act like you have pair and be accountable for your actions. I don't expect it to happen it's not about doing the right thing. Chicken.

[berrywise]

I guess Hugh jwang aka Soupboy aka Sean Epps is immune? Act like you have pair and be accountable for your actions. I don't expect it to happen it's not about doing the right thing. Chicken.

Sounds like someone has been taking the stuff they read on the message board home with them.

[BikerKitty]

I like to get to know people better. Full names is one way that makes it easier for me to put that name to an avatar/userid, and eventually to a face.

I have no idea why, but it makes me feel safer being on here knowing that, as James stated, people have to be accountable for their actions because their actual name is up here. I wouldn't want to go for a group ride, or a 2-person ride or anything like that, not knowing who the real person is that I'm going with. Plus, knowing real names allows me to Google all of you, and give your addresses and phone numbers to my friends, so they have something for the cops to go on, in case I go missing after a ride. ;) Paranoid much? I'm kidding.

And I know, like I said before, people could make stuff up, but it seems like most of the people on here are pretty straightforward.

Anyway...blah blah. All of this could just be my other personality talking.

I like the forums, too...I spend WAY too much time on here. :)

So do I!

[ibismojo2001]

How the f*^& would you like to be stuck with the same name as this jerk.
Full of Sh*t (http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/1013043mackris1.html)


At least you have your own tv show and can get away with anything. :banana: FOX is garbage!

[soupboy]

So, now we're calling people names, huh? Do you know me? You best watch yourself Jesus freak. It is Sean Epp. Get it right stupid. I'm in the phone book. Look me up, come on over and just try running your mouth.

Seems to me that too many people need THEIR names, thoughts, ideas viewed, considered, appreciated and Googled. It is their final attempt at getting the attention that mommy and daddy never gave them. An incredibly queer form of self-aggrandizement, self-importance, piety and narcissm.

Nobody is hiding from anybody. MORC has my real name, my CC#, my billing address, my IP address, etc. Short of my SSN, MORC knows as much about me as my employer - that's a pretty high standard of identity confirmation for a volunteer, enthusiast site and far more than any other (much larger and longer standing) forums I subscribe to.

Too many people have too much time on their hands worrying about issues that don't exist. As a friend described, this is a solution seeking a problem.

Welcome to the MORC Forums - the soon to be home of the Fourth Reich!

I guess Hugh jwang aka Soupboy aka Sean Epps is immune? Act like you have pair and be accountable for your actions. I don't expect it to happen it's not about doing the right thing. Chicken.

[manual63]

"If you aren't willing to say it under your real name and live with it, maybe you shouldn't say it at all."

Ted hit the nail on the head here. I have had my real name since day one. I have probably been the most controversial person on these forums. If I can handle it, so you all of you. Be who you are. If you can't do that, then what's the point?

I still have my job and sure, I get crap for stuff I say, but I know it when I say some of the stuff I do. If you don't want to take crap from people, then don't say things that will cause that effect.

This should not be such a huge issue for everyone and I don't know why certain people make it a huge issue and why they feel the need to hide. If so, make sure you don't hand your credit card to anyone!! That is way more scary than using your full name on MORC......sheeeeesh people!

[BKocka]

I'm starting to sense some angst in this thread.........

[Aaroneous]

What bugs me is that I'm not allowed to talk like I do in real life: with heaping helpings of profanity and sexual innuendo.

[AC/BC]

Can i change my real name to an alias?

[tedsti]

MORC has that information because you are a member. There are many on the forums who are not. We can track you down, but there are many we cannot. Maybe make not using your full name a benefit of membership?

Nobody is hiding from anybody. MORC has my real name, my CC#, my billing address, my IP address, etc. Short of my SSN, MORC knows as much about me as my employer - that's a pretty high standard of identity confirmation for a volunteer, enthusiast site and far more than any other (much larger and longer standing) forums I subscribe to.

[berrywise]

Could someone tell me again why we really care if people use their full names? It's not like we have hundreds of trolls loading up the board with crap.

Someone could just as easily create an account using a fake name and nobody would be the wiser.

[dave t]

I don't know how google searches are sorted but I have to dig 13 pages deep to find the first hit that is really me.
It is from here but I don't see how being associated with a biking board would be considered negative unless you really live a double life.

[BikerKitty]

I just think it adds credibility to the things people are posting to know their real name...advice, opinions, helpful hints, whatever. Are you going to take advice about a bike from Spokes McGee or Brad Danielson? (sorry if either of these names actually exists) And yes, I realize that Brad Danielson could really be Hannibal Lector or Katie Couric in real life, but that will always be the case until we all have to put in our thumbprint to access the Internet. ;)

This isn't Everquest or D&D played online, where everyone is spread out over the globe. Most of us live in the same state, many of us in the same metro area. We're real people, with real lives, we meet outside of these forums, and we ride together. In that sense, this is not like other online forums, because we exist to/for each other outside of our computer screens. And in real life, I'm April, not frickin' BikerKitty.

[transplant]

So far, Tom Morrissey is a prominent politician in Ireland, a baseball player from the 1880's, a New York screenwriter and member of the Genesius Guild, the finest hockey defenseman Fitchburg State College has ever seen and inductee into their Hall of Fame, the President of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) and Director of the Planning and Standards Division for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the winner of the 1908 Boston Marathon, professor at a Rhode Island community college, president of the Library Association of Buffalo & Erie County Librarians.

Not bad for a 41 year old man. I'd like to take a moment to thank Google for making me who I am today.

What's the big deal in using the full name? With all the posts I have here, you'd think the real me would pop up in the first four pages.

Let's start another thread: "Who are you in Google World?" :jumpy:

[Nickel]

I put in my real name because I saw that was what everyone else did and didn't want to stick out too much :D I'm already pretty google-able I guess


You guys fight like little old ladies in the grocery store :crazy:

[bike>>rider]

You guys fight like little old ladies in the grocery store :crazy:

Not fighting, just posting another point of view:)

Discussion is healthy.

[berrywise]

I just think it adds credibility to the things people are posting to know their real name...advice, opinions, helpful hints, whatever. Are you going to take advice about a bike from Spokes McGee or Brad Danielson? (sorry if either of these names actually exists) And yes, I realize that Brad Danielson could really be Hannibal Lector or Katie Couric in real life, but that will always be the case until we all have to put in our thumbprint to access the Internet. ;)

This isn't Everquest or D&D played online, where everyone is spread out over the globe. Most of us live in the same state, many of us in the same metro area. We're real people, with real lives, we meet outside of these forums, and we ride together. In that sense, this is not like other online forums, because we exist to/for each other outside of our computer screens. And in real life, I'm April, not frickin' BikerKitty.

My cousin's name is Spokes McGee.

MoRC comes up number 5 on google for me. To a post about Rad the movie no less.

[transplant]

MoRC comes up number 5 on google for me. To a post about Rad the movie no less.

Do you know how many watchlists you're on now?
Signed: Tom Morrissey, Winner, 1908 Boston Marathon

[gopherhockey]

Someone could just as easily create an account using a fake name and nobody would be the wiser.

One could do this as long as they are not a MORC member (and/or were fairly inactive) ... not to mention dishonest. ;)

Another reason we are using the full names is to be able to properly match up memebrs with forumids etc.

It is pure torture managing the member logo system we have now. This will get us one step further.

[gopherhockey]

Can i change my real name to an alias?

We prefer people take the honest route and use real names - or just discontuine using the forums. We're not going to spend a ton of time policing this though... its up to everyone to help out and do their part.

We will eventually disable accounts that do not comply, however. It doesn't take a lot of time and keeps the moderators/administrators on their toes ;)

We do no want this to come accross as being something we are spending a lot of time on. Perhaps if this were any other community with a different subset of users it might take some effort which would be better spent out on the trails. As it is I think we only have 2-3 that we'll "lose" and 2-3 of those will eventually come back... (I hope).

I appreciate everyone discussing this. I encourage anyone that is not happy with the direction or decisions of the morc board to come to the meetings and/or continue to voice your opinions. My take on being a board member is that I need to have an ear to the membership and represent what people want. We won't always please everyone though.

Also - read the meeting minutes when we post them. This can help you stay on top of what is happening. Sometimes we forget what people know or do not know about, but it isn't like board business is closed to everyone. Here (http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=17994) are the July meeting minutes.

[danger!]

Signed: Tom Morrissey, Winner, 1908 Boston Marathon


You now have something new to put on your business card! :D

[danger!]

I'm founder of the Gerber Corporation, best selling writer/poet, a sprinter at SMU, a high powered health care attorney, a race car driver, a POW in 'Nam...

Any prospective employers will wonder why I even need a job, I should be a millionaire several times over.

[BKocka]

i dont think anyone said you couldn't. is there a rule against that here?

[chiquito]

Well I couldn't find myself by googling simply my name. It could be a couple of things, first Garcia is such a common last name in Spanish speaking countries, and second there is a Colombian writer with my same name.

As a side note, I did find myself but I had to type my name and my MORC alias!

[KleinCrazy]

Well I couldn't find myself by googling simply my name. It could be a couple of things, first Garcia is such a common last name in Spanish speaking countries, and second there is a Colombian writer with my same name.

As a side note, I did find myself but I had to type my name and my MORC alias!

Same Problem here, full name, or full name with middle initial, nothing. full name with user name... morc postings everywhere.

I did try name and state and I guess the Bell museum is actually the James Ford Bell Museum. Maybe that will get me something special this weekend.

Oh well.

James

[Aaroneous]

...there is a Colombian writer with my same name.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez is awesome. I've got a book of his short stories I love... Highly recommended if you enjoy a brain-twisting read.

I'm sure you're awesome too. :)



The only other Aaron Stoehr I've found is a drummer from Chicago. I sent him an email thru MySpace, and he was as shocked as I was - he thought he was the only one too. We figured the next time his band comes thru Minneapolis, they should open for us. I'm slightly worried that the space-time continuum might collapse if that actually happens.

[transplant]

I'm founder of the Gerber Corporation.

How about a job?
Signed: Rhode Island community college professor.

[Wolfchimp]

I am pretty sure that there is not another Porter Million out there. Ha ha ha.

[danger!]

How about a job?
Signed: Rhode Island community college professor.

No problem, you're hired. When can you start?:D

And, what size onesie do you wear? That is the company uniform.

[transplant]

I am pretty sure that there is not another Porter Million out there. Ha ha ha.

Ha ha ha! You popped up on the first page, third hit! Five pages in and still none on me. Bur you're right, you're the one and only. (Yeah, I'm bored today.)
Signed: Tom Morrissey, baseball player, 1884.

[seberly]

Thanks to John Lundell for his tireless administering of this fabulous community of 1000+ of my closest friends!

As they say it is like herding cats....or chickens.....

[seberly]

You guys need to read up on how Google decides what to rank - I looked into it once and it tries to decide what is important but looking for the number of times a particular page is accessed (among other things) to assign importance. Bottom line most of the stuff about us is not linked to many times so it falls to the bottom - we aren't really that important or interesting to Google. But then Google doesn't run the world....really.

[ibismojo2001]

I am pretty sure that there is not another Porter Million out there. Ha ha ha.


Yah If that really is your actual name! Hmmmmmmmmm:banana:

[jjrsds]

Sounds like someone has been taking the stuff they read on the message board home with them.

Nope I don't have time at work to turn the screws and have a little fun. :D

[jjrsds]

So, now we're calling people names, huh? Do you know me? You best watch yourself Jesus freak. It is Sean Epp. Get it right stupid. I'm in the phone book. Look me up, come on over and just try running your mouth.

Seems to me that too many people need THEIR names, thoughts, ideas viewed, considered, appreciated and Googled. It is their final attempt at getting the attention that mommy and daddy never gave them. An incredibly queer form of self-aggrandizement, self-importance, piety and narcissm.

Nobody is hiding from anybody. MORC has my real name, my CC#, my billing address, my IP address, etc. Short of my SSN, MORC knows as much about me as my employer - that's a pretty high standard of identity confirmation for a volunteer, enthusiast site and far more than any other (much larger and longer standing) forums I subscribe to.

Too many people have too much time on their hands worrying about issues that don't exist. As a friend described, this is a solution seeking a problem.

Welcome to the MORC Forums - the soon to be home of the Fourth Reich!

You have met, rode with and talked to me more than once. How does posting the TRUTH all of the sudden become the Fourth Reich? If I wanted to be heard, googled, thoughts, ideas viewed, or appreciated I'd have more posts than you (Epp 1,388 - Robb 450). We can discuss it as men do over a kiddie pool full of growlers at Gnomefest:p . I'll bring the Jethro tool.

[jjrsds]

I am sorry that I didn't spell your name correct. But who knew?:D

[mtnbykr]

if you think this applies to you, it does...


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/mtnbykr/stuff/cryingbaby01.gif

jeez people, get over yourselves. if you don't like the new[old] rules, leave. it's that simple.

kl

[jitterjepp]

I seriously don't see what the point of knowing everyones real name is. For all everyone here knows my real name is Stan Weaselbuckle anyway. When get to a site and see "register" I cringe and when I see "register" and full name, address and whatnot are required I click the back button on my browser. Its a u-turn point for many people not just me for very reasons listed here. We all get the valid email address part but when it starts getting personal it turns some people off.

[gopherhockey]

it turns some people off.

How about the people who do follow the rules that are turned off by those that do not. It has made some uncomfortable to have basically anonymous people posting and replying.

Where does one begin and end. Perhaps the MORC board meetings ought to be held in the dark. We could all wear hoods to hide our identity and light candles to signify our votes.

On second thought, that might be kinda fun! ;)

Anyway... we do know that this makes some people uncomfortable. It is our hope that they get over it and stick with us...

[TrailPatrol]

I think I will start posting as Stringfellow Hawke
This will be my avitar:

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:NXXtsEUyrEMytM:http://www.losanjealous.com

Or maybe Jesse Hawkes
with this one:

http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:lis0mem1rIHkhM:http://www.wunschliste.info/

Maybe I'll just stick with Hans Erdman and my endless array of avatars. I don't have a problem with my name. If I run it on Google, I know what'll come up. It will include lots of posts on a half-dozen forums, several websites and stuff from the past. I ran my dad (his real name, not his broadcasting moniker) on Google one time, and was surprised to find out that he and his air crew were the first American aircraft to land (Actually a controlled crash) on Iwo Jima after the Marines took it in WWII. He hardly ever spoke about stuff like that when he was alive. I think there are good and bad points to what John has asked, but I know I am in favor of it.

Then again, I have never been to shy about voicing my opinions.

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[manual63]

How come I have had my name up here since day one? How come I have never had any issues with it? People know my real name at work....is that a problem?

When it comes to the Internet.....I feel people have many false ideas and fears...and it is showing here. Can something happen because you use your real name on here? Well, it is possible, but unlikely. Can something happen because you use your real name elsewhere? Well, it is possbile, but unlikely.

Why such a fear of the Internet?.....if you fear that....you might as well fear everything else you do, it's a lot more dangerous. All those snipers, muggers, drunk drivers.........terrorits!....lock yourself in your home and don't leave if you are afraid.....:laugh:

[gopherhockey]

Why such a fear of the Internet?.....if you fear that....you might as well fear everything else you do, it's a lot more dangerous. All those snipers, muggers, drunk drivers.........terrorits!....lock yourself in your home and don't leave if you are afraid.....:laugh:

Does anyone watch HUFF on Showtime? Huff's brother has some mental issues. He is always looking up at the ceiling at the smoke detector as if he is being watched and often speaks too it. He feels there is some kind of conspiracy against him. This is what I picture when people get so crazy about this issue... :crazy: ;)

[berrywise]

My two cents is just seems like the MORC forums have gotten more rigid and less laid back fun like it has been in the past. Don't say anything that might offend someone, keep your thread titles easy for peope to read, full names, no off color comments.

What happened to just hanging out, sparking up some good conversations and just not worrying so much. I guess that is how things go when message boards get big.

Kinda like back in the day on mtbr.com, the passion forums used to be a really cool place to hang out and keep up with everyone but then it just got bigger and bigger, more rules got put into place, more moderation and after awhile it just lost it's appeal.

Taking this thing way off topic here but let's keep our focus on having a good time and less focus on making sure everything is so neat and tidy.

Sorry just had to rant (and it's not like I've even been around here all that long).

[manual63]

What happened to just hanging out, sparking up some good conversations and just not worrying so much. I guess that is how things go when message boards get big.

That is how it is, and that is how we want it to be. People are blowing this way out of proportion. Sure, the see through shirt thing got ugly. It's wasn't the see through shirt comment that got to me, it was the fact Charles specifically asked women to reply so he could work on shirt colors and men got all stupid in there.

Besides that and a few minor things, I think we let people flow with their opinions and smack talk. We are just keeping it clean and the use of your full name should not stop you from having fun. If it does, then you need to go hide then.

[gopherhockey]

My two cents is just seems like the MORC forums have gotten more rigid and less laid back fun like it has been in the past. Don't say anything that might offend someone, keep your thread titles easy for peope to read, full names, no off color comments..

I actually don't look it as a bad thing. The word "rules" triggers too much angst in people.. Keeping forum titles clear for people just makes it MORE fun and interesting, and keeps people coming back... especially those that can't spend all day keeping up with new threads. (just as one example)

It is true we are growing, but its all a good thing and these suggestions or rules are here to keep the fun with the scale of the system, not to limit.

I know what you are trying to say, but I have no idea why the few issues we have brought up would make it any less fun or any less of a place to hang out... I just think some people don't like rules or suggestions period - if its not the wild wild west, its no fun.

IMHO this is the best place to hang out and its only gotten better each and every day... its blowing things out of proportion that makes it less fun. Honestly I think some people find their fun in complaining or arguing, but that too is the beauty of the forums... everyone IS entitled to their opinion, and people can simply leave if they want. I feel we have a really great group online that will only continue to get better... Its all good....

[ppgc]

As I was looking for the Privacy Policy to see what happens with the PII data that is collected I found that it is 404'd. http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/privacy.php

Link please?

[steef]

I seriously don't see what the point of knowing everyones real name is. For all everyone here knows my real name is Stan Weaselbuckle anyway

Liar. Your real name is Ned Turnbuckle. Sawn Jeppeson just sounds so much cooler that you have to use that instead. ;)

[Paul Swenson]

Liar. Your real name is Ned Turnbuckle.


Ned is that really you? Do you have the $20.00 you still owe me.

[mtnbykr]

He is always looking up at the ceiling at the smoke detector as if he is being watched and often speaks too it. He feels there is some kind of conspiracy against him.

dammit, i knew it. there is someone/something in those things....it's the flashing red led that gives it away.

[mara]

dammit, i knew it. there is someone/something in those things....it's the flashing red led that gives it away.

That's why I line my hat with tin foil -- it jams their signal.

[mtnbykr]

That's why I line my hat with tin foil -- it jams their signal.

me too....

i tried tin foil undies butt they gave me a rash.

[TrailPatrol]

me too....

i tried tin foil undies butt they gave me a rash.

TMI, fearless leader. TMI.

:banana:
Hans

[BridgeR]

Only knowing probably less than .5% of the regulars on this forum... I find myself wondering if that was (insert name here) that just flew by me on the trail judging by the type of bike they're riding and before I know it... THUMP! Darn gravity. I've been a little cautious about introducing myself back at the trailhead simply because I'm never sure if people use their real names on here and I don't want to look like some weirdo asking "Hey, are you ...... from the MORC forums?"

[mara]

I've been a little cautious about introducing myself back at the trailhead simply because I'm never sure if people use their real names on here and I don't want to look like some weirdo asking "Hey, are you ...... from the MORC forums?"

I've always enjoyed looking like a weirdo, myself. If not for real names on the forums, I couldn't have said to Mr. Kalla, upon introduction, "oh, you're the muppet guy, right?" Only now he's not the muppet guy anymore :confused: Figures. Anyway, it's like meeting someone you already kind of know.

[stoneage]

The solution:

[Burke]

Chiming in a little late, but I was busy throwing away my toothpaste at the airport...

Comparisons have been made between the MORC board and every other board that people frequent. How the perception of the MORC board has gotten more rigid and less relaxed. ...Not as fun a place to hang out.

I hear what is being said, and can understand where a lot of it is coming from.

MORC has to balance the need for privacy with the need to demonstrate responsibility and accountability through all aspects of its operations.

We aren't like every other message board where you go to anonymously hang out. The MORC message board is an extension of ourselves, and quite frankly, second to our trails, it's our most visible marketing tool.

Sean mentioned that we should focus on trails and not self aggrandizing. His assumption is that we want to see people's names, specifically our own names in print. What he's missing is that we're wanting to demonstrate accountability.

For those of you that haven't been involved in approaching land managers and asking them to use their land in a long term relationship, the answer is never yes. Rather, when things go well, it's: "Who are you, and why would this be in our interest?"

The biggest hurdle we have to overcome in convincing land managers to say yes is showing them that we are responsible stewards and should be entrusted with their park systems. Thanks to Mountain Dew and other non-mtb volunteer groups that have tried and failed before us, we have an uphill battle in fighting the stereotype.

To help define who we are, we fall back on our track record. Our track record of being responsible with trails, and that we're accountable when things don't go as planned.

It's accountability that we're striving for through the name policy. MORC isn't able to succeed by being average. We must be better than anything that has preceeded us if we are to change long held opinions.

To strive to be on par with other web forums isn't good enough. We aren't like other forums; we are more than a social spot, we are an organization that stands for something. Because of this, we expect the same accountability out of our website that we expect from our Trail Stewards, Dirt Bosses, and Directors as they do their jobs.

Not everyone will agree with the policy and that is fine. Not everyone agreed with our policy of not requiring names.

The policy helps differentiate us from others and it helps us establish the credibility and accountability that comes with full disclosure.

If you are not comfortable with the policy, this is an opt-in site, you are free to stop posting.

If you have other thoughts or considerations on the subject, post up. As it was stated earlier in this post, discussion is healthy.

To say that the leadership has its priorities wrong by considering a name policy shows a lack of familiarity with the environment that MORC has to navigate to produce and support the trails that we all ride and frequently take for granted.

Thanks for your time,
Scott
president@morcmtb.org
612-308-4056

[jkalla]

I've always enjoyed looking like a weirdo, myself. If not for real names on the forums, I couldn't have said to Mr. Kalla, upon introduction, "oh, you're the muppet guy, right?" Only now he's not the muppet guy anymore :confused: Figures. Anyway, it's like meeting someone you already kind of know.

I like the use of usernames and avatars alongside the the person's real name - I think it allows for some expression of one's personality. On that note - I was not really thrilled with 'Beaker' so he is history.

[jitterjepp]

Why such a fear of the Internet?.....if you fear that....you might as well fear everything else you do, it's a lot more dangerous. All those snipers, muggers, drunk drivers.........terrorits!....lock yourself in your home and don't leave if you are afraid.....:laugh:What if they are pagans? Will we burn them?

[soupboy]

Chiming in a little late...

Late, OT and entirely missing the point (again, thanks, cheers).

I appreciate everything that MORC does in terms of promoting MTB advocacy, trail building, trail maintenance and the general extension of goodwill towards the non-MTB public. Heck, many current and former board members know me in addition to countless general MORC members - for better or for worse, likely the latter, I digress. Does that change their opinion about what I post? I'd be disappointed if it did.

I don't care to know, by simple web viewing, the name or identity of anyone else posting here. It is not my right nor their obligation. Undoubtedly, I have have met many fantastic people through MORC but the absurd thirst to determine and display everyone's name is ridiculous. Do you want to tattoo us with serial numbers or tag us to make sure we're really who we say we are at the trailhead?

Knowing someone's personal information is a priviledge, not a right here or anywhere else. Do you want all your emails and phone conversations searchable on the web? Like MORC, those are opt-in services. Unlike MORC, they're commercial and have real privacy standards. Heck, exotic cars sell for $80k+ on eBay without anyone but final buyer and seller knowing the other's actual identity.

Who is performing the due diligence and documenting the process of establishing the veracity of every poster's legal name? Need I point out that any minor posting here and having a negative experience will open a Pandora's box in terms of liability for MORC? MORC may ask for a DOB, but who verifies it and how?

MORC is putting itself at risk for limitless legal liability with zero opportunity for any tangible reward. Seriously, what's to gain from all of this? Nada, zero, zilch. Can MORC really guarantee the security of its systems and data that is implied by asking for and displaying personal data? Opt-in or not, this is a disgusting display of MORC's distinct disregard of fiduciary responsibility. Know this board members - you have personal legal exposure here.

What is MORC gaining from this regime change? Nothing, except wasted time and effort that could be dedicated to writing grant apps or building trails.

MORC is completely FOS and failing their membership by wasting time on this effort. As to the theme of seeking a perceived level of superiority vs. commercial or comparable NFP sites, well, you're just highlighting the piety and self-aggrandizement I mentioned earlier. Get over yourselves, this a freakin' MTB site about MN trails. The other 99.9999999% of the world doesn't give a rat's cornhole about MORC.

[Nickel]

What if they are pagans? Will we burn them?

Why do you like burning pagans so much? ;)

[berrywise]

Late, OT and entirely missing the point (again, thanks, cheers).

I appreciate everything that MORC does in terms of promoting MTB advocacy, trail building, trail maintenance and the general extension of goodwill towards the non-MTB public. Heck, many current and former board members know me in addition to countless general MORC members - for better or for worse, likely the latter, I digress. Does that change their opinion about what I post? I'd be disappointed if it did.

I don't care to know, by simple web viewing, the name or identity of anyone else posting here. It is not my right nor their obligation. Undoubtedly, I have have met many fantastic people through MORC but the absurd thirst to determine and display everyone's name is ridiculous. Do you want to tattoo us with serial numbers or tag us to make sure we're really who we say we are at the trailhead?

Knowing someone's personal information is a priviledge, not a right here or anywhere else. Do you want all your emails and phone conversations searchable on the web? Like MORC, those are opt-in services. Unlike MORC, they're commercial and have real privacy standards. Heck, exotic cars sell for $80k+ on eBay without anyone but final buyer and seller knowing the other's actual identity.

Who is performing the due diligence and documenting the process of establishing the veracity of every poster's legal name? Need I point out that any minor posting here and having a negative experience will open a Pandora's box in terms of liability for MORC? MORC may ask for a DOB, but who verifies it and how?

MORC is putting itself at risk for limitless legal liability with zero opportunity for any tangible reward. Seriously, what's to gain from all of this? Nada, zero, zilch. Can MORC really guarantee the security of its systems and data that is implied by asking for and displaying personal data? Opt-in or not, this is a disgusting display of MORC's distinct disregard of fiduciary responsibility. Know this board members - you have personal legal exposure here.

What is MORC gaining from this regime change? Nothing, except wasted time and effort that could be dedicated to writing grant apps or building trails.

MORC is completely FOS and failing their membership by wasting time on this effort. As to the theme of seeking a perceived level of superiority vs. commercial or comparable NFP sites, well, you're just highlighting the piety and self-aggrandizement I mentioned earlier. Get over yourselves, this a freakin' MTB site about MN trails. The other 99.9999999% of the world doesn't give a rat's cornhole about MORC.

I'll echo Sean's comments in stating I don't see why there is a need to insist that people have their full names listed. As you can see I list mine but don't see the need for someone to have to do it if they choose not to. Recommend that people do it but don't force them to do it.

[stoneage]

Why do you like burning pagans so much?
Catholics smell like incense.

[jitterjepp]

Why do you like burning pagans so much? ;)Are you a pagan?

[manual63]

I don't see why there is a need to insist that people have their full names listed.

We stated the reasons many times. I am not going to repeat them all. I think Scott summed it up quite nicely and honestly, as much as I like some of you, even the few (note few) complainers on this issue, you don't have to be here if you don't like it.

People can come up with a ton of excuses of why they don't want to use their real names...or whatever. I read the excuses and it's like the ones I still and used to hear about using a credit card online. Using a credit card online is just as bad as....well, using a credit card anywhere.....especially a resturant where the waiter walks away with it for 5 minutes.

Almost everyone uses their full names on MORC. Only a few don't. Some of the people we have had on MORC who didn't use their real name were causing problems. When we found out who they were and got them to put up thier real names, they mellowed out.....why? Because they are now accountable for what they say. That's what we want.....just like in real life when you are standing face to face with someone. You can't hide then and you are accountable for your actions. Statements about us putting tattoos on people so we know who they are are just stupid and blowing this debate way out of proportion. It's not the first time Sean likes to blow things out of proportion.

So that is how I feel about this thread. People are being unrealistic and they are blowing this issue out of proportion. Let's have fun, yes you can still have fun in the MORC forums, make killer trail, and ride our bikes.

[berrywise]

Wand honestly, as much as I like some of you, even the few (note few) complainers on this issue, you don't have to be here if you don't like it.

Yeah that's a great attitude for MORC. By the way what's your thoughts on national identification cards?

[syntaxjunkie]

Ironically enough, this discussion is beginning to represent one of the factors that's made this topic an issue in the first place.

Open and frank discussions, even out-and-out arguments, can yield healthy results. Obviously, people have strong opinions on this subject. And as long as those opinions are expressed respectfully and without sinking to the level of personal attacks, MORC is happy to provide a forum for it.

Maybe it's just my naive liberal arts education talking, but I'd like to believe there's a difference between setting a standard for responsible dialogue and censorship.

No one should ever post anything here that they wouldn't say in a face to face discussion. Regardless of the topic. If a person has something to say that he or she doesn't want associated with his or her name, that's a good indication that this site may not be the place to say it.

[gopherhockey]

No one should ever post anything here that they wouldn't say in a face to face discussion. Regardless of the topic. If a person has something to say that he or she doesn't want associated with his or her name, that's a good indication that this site may not be the place to say it.

Well said Charles and everyone.

This has been as good a topic as any to debate and I appreciate hearing most of the comments. Bottom line is that a decsion has been made and I hope that people will respect it.

I actually started these forums many years ago as mtbmn.com and eventually they became a part of MORC. From the very beginning it was my intention to keep real identities and I've had to spend some time keeping each version of the forum software "modified" to display that information. Beyond what MORC is trying to accomplish here, I personally appreciate people's respect of this and other related decisions.

The MORC board has always realized that it is not possible to make everyone happy. I think if everyone were to take a step back from this simple topic and realize what we are accomplishing as a group it would be hard to disagree that we seem to be improving in almost every way each and every year. Think what it would be like without Lebanon, Theo, Harmon... as well as what it would be like without these foums. I think we all have a lot to be thankful for and there is more on the way!

Unless someone has something new to debate, hopefully we can move along now.

[bikeoutback]

No one should ever post anything here that they wouldn't say in a face to face discussion. Regardless of the topic. If a person has something to say that he or she doesn't want associated with his or her name, that's a good indication that this site may not be the place to say it.

Okay so you've got my name, you can hold me accountable and now I only state what I would say in person..... except I can only say what I would in person as long as it's clean, without sarcasm, and 100% politically correct otherwise it will get censored off also. So what is the point of holding me accountable and knowing my name if your gonna just remove anything that may possibly be offensive to someone else.

[syntaxjunkie]

Okay so you've got my name, you can hold me accountable and now I only state what I would say in person..... except I can only say what I would in person as long as it's clean, without sarcasm, and 100% politically correct otherwise it will get censored off also. So what is the point of holding me accountable and knowing my name if your gonna just remove anything that may possibly be offensive to someone else.

I'd like to think that instances of forum moderators choosing to remove posts are by far the exception, and certainly not the rule.

I know that failure to adhere to political correctness is not one of the conditions that would trigger the removal of a post. And while sarcasm seldom travels well in type, I doubt that's a reason that post would be removed. Obscenity? Not sure what our rule is for that, as I'm not a forum moderator. But I'd imagine that just about any thought that a person would need to share could be done so without resorting to obscenity.

[stoneage]

forum moderators choosing to remove posts
I've seen moderators take a thread off the forum because they personally didn't believe in what was being said. I think we are being a little uptight here.

fo·rum (fôr'?m, f?r'-)
n., pl. fo·rums also fo·ra (fôr'?, f?r'?).
a. The public square or marketplace of an ancient Roman city that was the assembly place for judicial activity and public business.
b. A public meeting place for open discussion.
c. A medium for open discussion or voicing of ideas, such as a newspaper, a radio or television program, or a website.
d. A public meeting or presentation involving a discussion usually among experts and often including audience participation.
e. A court of law; a tribunal.

[gopherhockey]

I've seen moderators take a thread off the forum because they personally didn't believe in what was being said. I think we are being a little uptight here.

So what is the point of holding me accountable and knowing my name if your gonna just remove anything that may possibly be offensive to someone else.

I don't get the whole idea behind moderators here deleting posts at will - IMHO that does not happen... again, I think someone is making something out of nothing here. I could be wrong, but then again I do spend the most time of anyone here and have a pretty good idea what goes on here.

I have never removed a post because I didn't agree with it, and I don't know of anyone else who has either without some other reason behind it... Perhaps you guys can enlighten me as to what we are doing so wrong here. I believe the moderation that happens here is RARE but spot on.

[gopherhockey]

What is MORC gaining from this regime change? Nothing, except wasted time and effort that could be dedicated to writing grant apps or building trails.

One thing I can say for certain is that there is no lost effort in the area of grant writing or trail buiding/maintaining because of this change. I could see where some might think this (especially how long this thread got so quickly) but it is not true.

I have spent the most time of anyone on this simply because I'm the admin. If any of you were out this morning at Leb, you would see that I'm still out there on my own doing trail maintenance while others are out there riding. I do it because I enjoy it and love to see others enjoy it too.

I just wanted to clear this up so that MORC members are not under the mistaken impression that we are wasting unnecessary time here. I suggest people come to a board meeting or two and get a clearer picture of the HUGE, and I mean HUGE amount of extra volunteer effort each and every board member puts in and what it is all about. If then people have cause for concern I want to hear about it.

Stepping out of my board member position for a moment, I want each and every person to know just how hard these people are working to keep MORC moving forward. They deserve nothing less than our thanks and our respect for their efforts. You are right, this full name issue IS small and it is insignificant compared to all the great things this club has accomplished.

[Pete Hamer]

I find this thread to be offensive.:D

Talking on a forum is not like talking to someone face to face.

I think part of the issue is that people need to be even more carfeul about what they say on a forum than when they are talking to someone face to face. On a forum there are hundreds of other people who can observe your conversation. The people involved in the thread might not be offeneded by what you say but you have potential for hundreds of others to see what you wrote and someone might take offense. When there are that many people observing your conversation someone is bound to get bothered by what you say, you can't avoid it. People get offended by the strangest things sometimes and you have no way of knowing what is going to piss them off. :)

[dopey048]

I gotta say this

Who gives a rats behind if you don't like the rules. If someone saying that they want to hold you accountable for your posts and reserve the right to either edit or remove, what's the big deal.

I'm just thankful that a band of misfits has put this site and organization together and if they see that tweeks here and there are needed then so be it. Its like demanding that all the trails need this that or the other.

If you have some frustration over something, go for a ride.

:cool:

[timmy]

How many people on Morc who use there full name have been turned down for a job or had some other negative affect by using there full name?

I really think the people whining about using there full name are making a big deal over nothing!

[stoneage]

turned down for a job or had some other negative affect
I know for a fact that I was overlooked as Secretary of Defense due to some of the comments I have made on this site.

[Ish]

How many people on Morc who use there full name have been turned down for a job or had some other negative affect by using there full name?


and how would someone know this? It's not like the potential employer is going to tell you this.

[Ish]

:D Stepping out of my board member position for a moment, I want each and every person to know just how hard these people are working to keep MORC moving forward. They deserve nothing less than our thanks and our respect for their efforts.


I don't think there is anyone on here that isn't recognizing this. However, the board was elected by the general membership of MORC and while they definately deserve our thanks and respect, it doesn't put them in a position where there decisions can't be questioned by the general membership of MORC. We understand these are volunteer positions and the folks aren't getting monetarily rewarded for their hard efforts, but I don't think folks like Shad should be saying "if you don't like it leave" (I am paraprasing here). The reason folks are "fighting" this vs. leaving is because they love mountibiking and they love MORC and they love being here. Now give me a hug.:D

[Tegra54]

one of my friends had an employer that looked up his name on yahoo and did not want him to be an employee and have his name on his blog (even though he thought it was funny).

i wouldnt link to the blog because the content (while funny) is no where near being family appropriate

[gopherhockey]

I know for a fact that I was overlooked as Secretary of Defense due to some of the comments I have made on this site.

My run for Grand Puba of the USA was smashed as well... ;)

[Matt W.]

Perhaps a compromise can be reached in light of the seemingly conflicting goals espoused by both “sides” of the debate.

On the one hand, people want accountability so that the forums don’t become a place where anonymity emboldens individuals to post inappropriate messages. This certainly seems to make sense to me and I would imagine most others.

On the other hand, people don’t want to be in a position where their posts come up when someone google’s their name, which also seems reasonable. I especially thought that the comment about consultants and those in certain other lines of work wishing to keep their public image free of any forum postings raised a good point.

One compromise might be to have people use their full names in registering for use on the site, but only allow the administrators access to it (or at least have that privacy option). That way people would be identifiable to those in charge of running the forum and as such would probably be less likely to post inappropriate material, but at the same time the search engines wouldn’t be able to pick up their posts (at least that’s the way I’m envisioning it).

Posting in the forums is different than speaking with someone face to face because when you speak with someone face to face the entire world does not receive a transcript of your conversation. But with google these forum discussions are not only open to the world, but also apparently searchable. If that’s true, then I’d say people have more reason to be concerned about their communications via the forums than in face to face communication.

The other thing is that sometimes anonymous speech can be helpful. Someone might be hesitant to write what could be very valuable information in one of the forums (i.e., a new treatment for poison ivy) because they are fearful of their employer or a potential client seeing their post (or maybe just that their idea won’t be well received). And whether you personally think the fear is rational or not is irrelevant to the substantive outcome, because if that person is in fact fearful enough to abstain from posting then you’ve just lost valuable information on account of it.

All I know is that I’m really glad these forums exist and I hope that if someone out there does find a cure for poison ivy that they aren’t dissuaded from sharing it in light of the new rule. Hope everyone is having a nice weekend and thanks for the intellectual exchange.

[bike>>rider]

Matt W,
You need to post more - seriously. I was nodding my head all the way through. Very well reasoned.

[Nickel]

Are you a pagan?

Indeed :)

[gopherhockey]

There is still a VERY small minority even bothered by this, and its dragging out issues that aren't even related to this one that should be discussed in separate threads. I appreciate everyone's opinions, but we can't let 5-6 people each posting a dozen times make it look like there is a major problem.

I think its time for the thread to die. Unless a few hundred more people contact us about this I doubt there needs to be much further activity. Lets talk about beer now.

[Wheels]

Hope I'm not reopening the thread - as the topic was steered towards a popular subject - Beer...

But, I know of a couple of members who post anonymously - one of them tells me he likes being anon so he can razz the SingleSpeedr's at will and that they don't know that he's a local long-time bike shop guy that they all know... I don't know what to make of that, and I don't support the intentional antagonism - it harmless, but if he were required to post his real name, it would never happen.

But ,the structure of our forums allow it, so I've never said anything to out him, as most of it's been pretty harmless (and SS'rs can be a bit sensitive :), right BigHit? )

Also, MCF went to the real name thing because they have some "Nancy fighters" who loved to Anon flame - one member would just create a new name every time he was banned (he had a dynamic IP) so it was tough to control the problem without going to real names. (now the Nancy fighters duke it out Anon on H-woods secret forum).

As far as mods deleting posts, I've never done it unless it was spam. I do know that threads have been moved or deleted when the conversation is detrimental to the health or image of MORC - which happened recently (and I believe Stoneage is referring too).

I support the real name requirement, and I've encouraged the MORC board to ensure that we have addressed any legal issues in our registration agreement.

[ApValWheels]

Lets talk about beer now.
Sam Adams uses a full name....but is it real or an alias? Coors is a real name, but not a full name. And who is that St. Pauli girl anyway? I wonder what Mike's lemonade is trying to hide by using a first name only?

[Pete Hamer]

Hopefully minors won't have to use their full real name. Don't want MORCMTB.ORG to be a "my space" for predators from Theo.

[noise_is_life]

But ,the structure of our forums allow it, so I've never said anything to out him, as most of it's been pretty harmless (and SS'rs can be a bit sensitive :), right BigHit? )


I'll out him, he's a freeriding jerk that doesn't know ANYTHING about singlespeeding! :D

I have trouble caring much about this topic, should I? ;)

[Mountain Jam]

Sam Adams uses a full name....but is it real or an alias? Coors is a real name, but not a full name. And who is that St. Pauli girl anyway? I wonder what Mike's lemonade is trying to hide by using a first name only?

I don't know who that St Pauli Girl is, maybe that hottie from last night... but I recently noticed that she's gotten a little bit more top heavy if ya know what I mean!:D

[jitterjepp]

The same thing can be accomplished with IP addresses. First off you don't know if my name really is Shawn Jeppesen. Have you ever seen my id? Maybe next we make people scan a passport or drivers license and prove who they are.

[bikeoutback]

I gotta say this

Who gives a rats behind if you don't like the rules. If someone saying that they want to hold you accountable for your posts and reserve the right to either edit or remove, what's the big deal.

I'm just thankful that a band of misfits has put this site and organization together and if they see that tweeks here and there are needed then so be it. Its like demanding that all the trails need this that or the other.

If you have some frustration over something, go for a ride.

:cool:

I actually agree with this and have since day 1 that I joined had my full name and do keep some remarks that I know I shouldn't say to myself. I just like playing devils advocate and "throw wrenches" into the arguements sometimes. I do think some have valid points and valid fears as to their own privacy, however they have the right to not participate due to those fears and points in my opinion. I do think friendly debate is enjoyable though and reading this thread every day is pretty interesting, thanks for about 15 minutes a day of something to read.

[gopherhockey]

I do think friendly debate is enjoyable though and reading this thread every day is pretty interesting, thanks for about 15 minutes a day of something to read.

It is definitely healthy to have debates like this. There have been some good points brought up that are both related and unrelated to the specific issue at hand.

Knowing where the general membership stands is important for the board to do its job, but understanding the boards workload and accomplishments would make it easier for people to make a more informed debate.

I would hope that personal issues between members could be worked out and not made out to be failures of the group or club as a whole. Lets remember that there are many guests out there that might read these debates - some quite possibly could be the next land manager wondering if they should trust MORC to partner in their next big project.

[ppgc]

As I was looking for the Privacy Policy to see what happens with the PII data that is collected I found that it is 404'd. http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/privacy.php

Link please?

I know there was a link on the main page, now I can't find it... Is there a privacy policy?

[flombe]

I know there was a link on the main page, now I can't find it... Is there a privacy policy?

I found the PP on the 'join' page on left hand side. Click here (http://www.morcmtb.org/morcpages/join.htm) to see it.

[gopherhockey]

We can certainly modify our privacy policy if anyone objects to anything in it (or not in it).

Basically we're not sharing anything with anyone, and I would think we would check with a lawyer before even granting information in any kind of legal action. Remember that we accept payment through paypal, so we also don't hold any financial data on file that I am aware of.

[RichZilla]

The 'google' concerned people could use their real names, but misspell them just enough that the 'google factor' wouldn't be an issue? Just my 2 cents. That's what I would do in this scenario...not that I did or anything.:D

[jamesmtbkr]

Some of the legitimate (in my opinion) concerns about real names on the forum are that users don't want to have their name attached to something that might be returned by a web search. I'm not sure if it's feasible with the forum software that MORC uses, but it is possible to block Google from searching/archiving your site.

Google has a bunch of info on how:
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/topic.py?topic=8459

[gopherhockey]

I'm resurrecting this thread briefly to remind everyone that we do want full real names in the forums. (read the thread if you want more info)

Recently people have been getting quite creative with the spelling of their names using strange characters. While we have no hard and fast rule against this (and I'd like not to have to implement one) I ask that you please PLEASE limit it to one or two characters. Thats all it will take to foil a search engine. There is no need to get crazy with it - especially to the point where your name is no longer legible (which defeats the purpose)

I am not doing this to bring people down, create unnecessary rules etc. Its just a friendly request to please tone it down.

Believe it or not there is an actual technical reason behind this - we do searches to find you names to add the MORC logo or manage your memberships, so if you have odd characters you make it difficult for us to do our jobs. That alone should be enough of a reason not to make this a huge issue or debate.

Using real names has worked for us for years. This is not to re-open the real full names debate.

[gopherhockey]

Bump!

Just a reminder that FULL REAL NAMES are required in the forums.

We have had a few registrations where users are then going back in and changing their names back to first only etc. Please DO NOT do this. If you have any questions on why we want real names do some searching around in the forums and you'll get the idea.

Make it easy on everyone and just leave your full real name and don't change it.

If you do use special characters, please keep it to only one - you don't need any more than one to fool search engines if that is your goal. We would rather you use no special characters at all. If you find yourself missing your MORC membership logo etc. it could be because we could not find your account when we do a real name search when updating memberships... we do use that field for more than display purposes.

Thanks for listening....