Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The Admiral · 08-31-2005, 04:39 PM

So here we are, a group of faceless nonentities, so overcome with paronoia that we don't identify ourselves even to each other. Is it any wonder that we have no impact on society at large? I have on at least one previous occassion published my full address. One respondent complimented me on my courage but predicted dire results. None such occurred. I have had numerous letters printed in the local paper from the skeptical viewpoint. But I'm here. So once more, with feeling, I present the data. My gut feeling is that no one gives a big rat's ass.

David L.(The Admiral)Nelson
3944 Chicory Rd.
Racine, Wi. 53403
dnelson26@wi.rr.com
262 554 8092

Chris Weimer · 08-31-2005, 04:57 PM

Really, who cares? Many here use their real names, such as Peter or I, and I get the feeling that no one really cares enough for me to print my address... If someone wanted it, sure I'll give it to them (uhm, with proper reasoning, of course). Heck, if you just did a little research, you'll find out that I even list where I go to school at.

EverLastingGodStopper · 08-31-2005, 07:00 PM

Many IIDB users go by their real names instead of internet monikers. Like many of my fellow IIDB posters, I go by both; most people know that my real name is Janice Rael and my profile information is accurate.

For me, choosing this internet nickname caused me to become involved in what can be described as "atheist activism" (and currently, "church-state separation" or "secular activism"). I gained more credibility as an activist when I shed my anonymity and started using my real name in addition to my net name.

I've gotten some hang-up phone calls, some bibles in the mail, and some Christian-oriented literature, since I "came out" as an atheist and entered the spotlight as an activist. This is nothing in comparison to the backlash against my volunteer work as an abortion clinic escort in the 1990s, when anti-abortion activists would come to my apartment and leave red-paint-covered baby dolls at my doorstep, and pictures of aborted fetuses taped to my front door.

It's a big internet and most people who choose to use their real names do not suffer any problems as a result. But to demand that everyone do as I do would be improper, because people have valid reasons for maintaining anonymity online.

Finally, David, there is an old saying that goes "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." Your post (about atheists coming out online) is passionate, but it is hardly an inspiration to those who fear exposing their true identities online. You may wish to reconsider your approach if you're trying to get people to follow your lead.

Toto · 08-31-2005, 07:03 PM

moving this to PA&SA

Mace · 08-31-2005, 07:45 PM

I've even thought of changing my screen name to Mason B.

philian · 09-03-2005, 06:48 AM

Just wanted to chime in on my screen name. I use it for everything, every forum I join etc. There are a number of people I know that know me by this name, and I've even been refered to as 'philian' in the real world by some of my close friends. So I don't really think I'm hiding.

Just my $0.02.

Alonzo Fyfe · 09-03-2005, 11:23 AM

I agree with the sentiment in the original post.

In most bulletin boards, I think it really does not matter whether one uses a "handle" or a real name. However, when you belong to a group that is being targeted with by hate speech and blamed for everything from 9-11 to Katina, I think it is important to stand up and be recognized.

Thus, my user name and profile.

SEM · 09-03-2005, 09:06 PM

Oh, goodie. Another one of these.

So, unlike the rest of us cowards here, you have posted your name and address. Now what "impact on society at large" has it had, I wonder?

Queen of Swords · 09-03-2005, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Admiral

...a group of faceless

Hardly. My picture is on the photo gallery thread.

Quote:

nonentities

I'm not that either.

Quote:

so overcome with paronoia...

Wrong for the third time.

Quote:

My gut feeling is that no one gives a big rat's ass.

Not if you start out with so many incorrect assumptions, anyway.

WNCAtheists · 09-03-2005, 09:28 PM

I agree with the need to be more visible and open.

I also agree that while discrimination takes place, it doesn't seem to be as bad as many make it out to be. It's not an absolute, or even a majority experience.

Check-out the frequesncy tables from theSurvey of Non-believers. About 1/6th of the way down you'll find the table for the question on openess. @51% claim highly(4-5 on response scale) that they are open to everyone about their non-belief.
@ 8% claim highly to hide from everyone, @28% are open to those they think won't be offended, and @17% specifically hide from those they think will be offended. @19% don't consider it much. Thosw numbers don't add to 100%, however each question was not exclusive.

Scroll down a bit to the info on discrimination:

Frequency of being fired or denied a job - @4% (may adjust up to 6-8% when allowing for the percentage of individuals of school age or still in college)

Ostracised by immediate family member - @ 21%

By former friends - @30%.

Work and family (two of the most frequently cited reasons for hiding) aren't as big a problem as those considered friends.

Darrell

08-31-2005, 04:39 PM	#1
The Admiral Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Racine, Wi. USA Posts: 768	Your Choice So here we are, a group of faceless nonentities, so overcome with paronoia that we don't identify ourselves even to each other. Is it any wonder that we have no impact on society at large? I have on at least one previous occassion published my full address. One respondent complimented me on my courage but predicted dire results. None such occurred. I have had numerous letters printed in the local paper from the skeptical viewpoint. But I'm here. So once more, with feeling, I present the data. My gut feeling is that no one gives a big rat's ass. David L.(The Admiral)Nelson 3944 Chicory Rd. Racine, Wi. 53403 dnelson26@wi.rr.com 262 554 8092

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08-31-2005, 04:57 PM	#2
Chris Weimer Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: none Posts: 9,879	Really, who cares? Many here use their real names, such as Peter or I, and I get the feeling that no one really cares enough for me to print my address... If someone wanted it, sure I'll give it to them (uhm, with proper reasoning, of course). Heck, if you just did a little research, you'll find out that I even list where I go to school at.

08-31-2005, 07:00 PM	#3
EverLastingGodStopper Banned Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 16,665	Many IIDB users go by their real names instead of internet monikers. Like many of my fellow IIDB posters, I go by both; most people know that my real name is Janice Rael and my profile information is accurate. For me, choosing this internet nickname caused me to become involved in what can be described as "atheist activism" (and currently, "church-state separation" or "secular activism"). I gained more credibility as an activist when I shed my anonymity and started using my real name in addition to my net name. I've gotten some hang-up phone calls, some bibles in the mail, and some Christian-oriented literature, since I "came out" as an atheist and entered the spotlight as an activist. This is nothing in comparison to the backlash against my volunteer work as an abortion clinic escort in the 1990s, when anti-abortion activists would come to my apartment and leave red-paint-covered baby dolls at my doorstep, and pictures of aborted fetuses taped to my front door. It's a big internet and most people who choose to use their real names do not suffer any problems as a result. But to demand that everyone do as I do would be improper, because people have valid reasons for maintaining anonymity online. Finally, David, there is an old saying that goes "you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar." Your post (about atheists coming out online) is passionate, but it is hardly an inspiration to those who fear exposing their true identities online. You may wish to reconsider your approach if you're trying to get people to follow your lead.

08-31-2005, 07:03 PM	#4
Toto Contributor Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles area Posts: 40,549	moving this to PA&SA

08-31-2005, 07:45 PM	#5
Mace Banned Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Blah. Posts: 6,559	I've even thought of changing my screen name to Mason B.

09-03-2005, 06:48 AM	#6
philian Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Spokane Posts: 576	Just wanted to chime in on my screen name. I use it for everything, every forum I join etc. There are a number of people I know that know me by this name, and I've even been refered to as 'philian' in the real world by some of my close friends. So I don't really think I'm hiding. Just my $0.02.

09-03-2005, 11:23 AM	#7
Alonzo Fyfe Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: 920B Milo Circle Lafayette, CO Posts: 3,515	I agree with the sentiment in the original post. In most bulletin boards, I think it really does not matter whether one uses a "handle" or a real name. However, when you belong to a group that is being targeted with by hate speech and blamed for everything from 9-11 to Katina, I think it is important to stand up and be recognized. Thus, my user name and profile.

09-03-2005, 09:06 PM	#8
SEM Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 152	Oh, goodie. Another one of these. So, unlike the rest of us cowards here, you have posted your name and address. Now what "impact on society at large" has it had, I wonder?

09-03-2005, 09:28 PM	#10
WNCAtheists Regular Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: WNC, Franklin Posts: 326	I agree with the need to be more visible and open. I also agree that while discrimination takes place, it doesn't seem to be as bad as many make it out to be. It's not an absolute, or even a majority experience. Check-out the frequesncy tables from theSurvey of Non-believers. About 1/6th of the way down you'll find the table for the question on openess. @51% claim highly(4-5 on response scale) that they are open to everyone about their non-belief. @ 8% claim highly to hide from everyone, @28% are open to those they think won't be offended, and @17% specifically hide from those they think will be offended. @19% don't consider it much. Thosw numbers don't add to 100%, however each question was not exclusive. Scroll down a bit to the info on discrimination: Frequency of being fired or denied a job - @4% (may adjust up to 6-8% when allowing for the percentage of individuals of school age or still in college) Ostracised by immediate family member - @ 21% By former friends - @30%. Work and family (two of the most frequently cited reasons for hiding) aren't as big a problem as those considered friends. Darrell

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