Why have a hidden profile?
coinguy1
Posts: 13,484 ✭✭✭
To those of you who have hidden profiles on this board, I am curious as to your reasons for doing so.
Do you feel that your comments will be taken more objectively? That who you are is no one's business on this board? Do you prefer to be a bit mysterious? Do you simply prefer to particiapte in anonymity? Other reasons?
Please note, I am asking the question(s), not commenting on it, for now, at least.
Do you feel that your comments will be taken more objectively? That who you are is no one's business on this board? Do you prefer to be a bit mysterious? Do you simply prefer to particiapte in anonymity? Other reasons?
Please note, I am asking the question(s), not commenting on it, for now, at least.
0
Comments
Russ, NCNE
I don't think just because some don't have it on it should be
assumed there is a big reason for it. BTW I've checked a few profiles and it didn't really give any info.
Stman
peacockcoins
First Name: The
Last Name: Dog
Nickname: Dog97
City: L. A.
and my favorite site is a place that sales dog crap.
Is that why nobody takes me serious around here?
Stman
Privacy isn't a real reason. They can block their email address from showing, while having all other info showing.
Granted if your profile has false information then there is no concern but if you put your real name and location it's not very hard to find someones home address.
While some people do not care who knows they collect coins and where they live some do.
For some life lasts a short while, but the memories it holds last forever.
-Laura Swenson
In memory of BL, SM, and KG. 16 and forever young, rest in peace.
see? My Auctions "Got any 1800's gold?"
I don't think I have a hidden profile, but, there have been instances where I just didn't bother putting the info in there. I'm sure some people don't know about it OR are skeptical, and then there are those like some of the other comments posted.
I'm surprised at how many participants won't even list their info in the "member listing" at the bottom of the forum; it does, however, irk me that it doesn't carry over to the other PCGS forums, and for that reason alone, I am not listed on the B/S/T or Registry, etc.
It does bother me though when someone jumps into the fray with a "respect and acknowledge my superior knowledge attitude," and yet leaves their profile and/or member listing blank.
Bill
I wasn't even aware of the "member listing" at the bottom of the forum that Gilbert mentioned. I am now signed up there too, though I haven't exactly kept my identity a secret.
I agree with Gilbert's sentiments when he states :
<< <i> It does bother me though when someone jumps into the fray with a "respect and acknowledge my superior knowledge attitude," and yet leaves their profile and/or member listing blank >>
I feel that people who do that and/or attack others anonymously, are cowardly. In situations other than that, hidden profiles seem perfectly legitimate.
I feel this is assuming too much.
I did look at some more profiles and a lot are from dealers with the only info showing is their website and business email. Are they cowards also? For not giving their true name?
Again I'm not looking to debate you, just don't understand how it can be assumed someone is a coward just because they don't have a profile open.
Stman
CG
For the record, I am not assuming anyone is a coward just by virtue of their being anonymous. I realize that posters to this board might wish to remain anonymous for some of the perfectly legitimate reasons given and no doubt, for a number of others. I also realize that, as you pointed out, some members of this board might not even realize they are "hidden" and that some with profiles might not be giving the real picture.
I do believe, however, that some members are probably intentionally anonymous and use that shield to beat up on other board members while they hide behind that shield. That is what I object to.
Greg
honi soit qui mal y pense
gold - the barbarous relic!
Stman
I saw another message/thread some time ago about confusion regarding the rating system. I believe that 10 is the best but am hoping someone will correct me if I'm wrong.
I have two ratings, so far, a 1 and a 10. Either 1) someone likes me and someone doesn't!; 2) two liked me but one of them was confused about the ratings; 3) two disliked me but one was confused. Now, I'm confused.
al h.
The probable answer is that two guys liked you so much they combined to give you an 11. Which is one better than ten.
I see where your strong feelings were coming from - I apologize if I did not make myself clear initially.
If someone has knowledge, experience, ect or something to say which adds to any given topic or conversation, then whether or not his/her profile is hidden is pretty moot. JMO.
I guess that is your opinion, but, I don't necessarily NEED to know who so and so is, however, when a strong opinion, contradiction and most often when someone expresses and opinion that maybe contrary to published data, I (emphasis on I) would at least like to know who the person is, so I may assign appropriate weight to the opinion expressed.
I (again, emphasis on I) prefer NOT to take just anybody's opinion as gospel, NOR do I want to discount the opinion of someone who may have (for lack of a better term) the credentials to support what they have to offer.
Maybe you feel as though this is of no value. I do; particularly since many just use a screen name that may or may not be indicative of who they really are.
For example, I believe RIck Tomaska uses a name similar to "ultimatecameo" or something similar. When "ultimatecameo" makes a definitive statement regarding modern proof coins or Franklin half dollars, knowing that it is Rick behind the screen name lends credence to his opinion, particularly if it regards the PCGS cameo grading set or some policy regarding R&I coins. Now I am not saying that Rick does or doesn't block his profile - it came across to me as a real good example of the "positive benefit(s)" of this feature.
Another example: When I read your response I wonder "Who is this person who presumes that since he/she feels there is nothing to be gained by comparing someone's profile to there posted comments/opinions," well I click over to the profile to see if there is a clue why you might feel your opinion is more valid than mine.
Many members do this. They don't have a profile, they have turned off their PM, and they post under a meaningless user id. Pathetic sissys!
PCGS should require visible email addresses for all users.
It's nice that NGC removed the ability to be anonymous. Perhaps will take a step in that direction.
1. Its not hidden, its just lost.
2. For the same reason I never wash the license plates on my car.
3. Its still hanging on the board at the Post Office.
4. I'm still deciding who I want to be this week.
5. I haven't figured out how to cut and paste the one the FBI did on me last year.
6. I'm afraid you'll all laugh at what I pay for raw, overgraded eBay coins.
7. I don't want to be quoted in someone else's eBay listing.
8. I like my spam in a can instead of my inbox.
9. I'm too proud to admit that I can't figure out how to update my profile.
10. My parole officer reads this forum and I'm not supposed to consort with known felons like coin dealers.
So there is a goood reason for me not to reveal my email. besides through pm anybody can yell at me all they want. The main part I do agree with is if someone is slamming people through PM and then they don't have their PM activated then yes, this is hiding. Does that make sense?
stman
Some Members of this Forum are not able to defend their positions and opinions in a civilized conversation over an open Forum. Their vocabulary is so very limited they must resort to using a plethora of cuss words, personal attacks and name calling. They are too chicken to do so in an open Forum, such as this, so they hide in PM's and e-mail where the masses of Members cannot have the opportunity to judge their crass behavior.
You can read of their frustration in not having the opportunity to "attack" in a hidden, secret forum such as e-mail & PM's, in this very thread. They openly expose their frustration right here!
You see, they don't see a Member disagreeing with their opinion as just an opinion differing from their own. They see that as an "attack" on their own credibility and they become frustrated, defensive and abusive. They have no interest in sticking to the subject of the thread and defending their position. You see they make ridiculous statements that cannot be defended and their embarrassment begins to show. Their frustration over not being able to defend the indefensible takes over and they go on the personal attack. Some Members who choose to not join in such trash will keep their e-mail address private. Same can be said for PM's. If I wanted to hear such trash I could hang around 'hood rats. I choose not to.
These same Members take great pleasure and derive some sense of self-worth from holding Ebay buyers/sellers up for ridicule. These Ebay buyers/sellers are very easy targets, as in most instances they are not even aware of this Forum or the personal attacks.
1. I don't like filling out online forms, surveys, etc., so my habit is to always fill in the bare minimum. Also, my experience has been that online forms usually lead to increased junk mail, spam, telemarketers, etc.
2. I don't like too much info about me--no matter how trivial it may be-- freely available. Since somebody stole & ripped up my postal mail a couple times a few years ago, I've always tried to be cautious to protect myself & family from whackos & nut cases.
3. I like my participation in this forum limited to those times I come here & look. I'd rather not start having a whole panoply of pms, emails, etc. at other times of the day.
4. I'm not interested in the labels somebody chooses to attach to themselves in a profile. I don't look them up. I read posts on this forum because they're often interesting, but I try not to rely on them for facts. I stick to established reference books, etc. when I need hard info. For me, everything here is supplemental hobby reading, so to speak.
I blanked out my profile last week because I thought it was unimportant.
I prefer to read the quality of peoples responses not knowing some ones profile doesn't phase me. You know who the sharp people are by the quality of their response.
I also "lost" 3 packages in the mail. Yes they were insured but what a pain in the A$$. Numerous people stated on this forum that they don't let people know they collect coins so what's the difference.
I also have nothing to hide and I have done numerous deals with members on this forum so they know my name address etc., I don't feed the trolls and I don't flame people, life is too short.
If privacy wasn't an issue should I be RGore instead of keyrock. What's up with the alias's that we all have.
Who know's maybe I'm wrong, never really thought about it until now.
Regards, Rich
I did just notice that my PM and rating capability was turned off. I changed that. I have no problem receiving private messages.
Gibbie
Perhaps, as some have suggested, it is so that they can take potshots with no worry of retaliation. Maybe some people are more paranoid, and maybe they have a reason to be. I like to communicate with others. I welcome criticism, I think it helps a person grow. Sometimes I think comments that are not meant to be constructive in any way should be dealt with in kind. However, it is hard to tell when somebody is being mean or just trying to be funny. I recently found this out when a comment I made (in complete jest, I swear), prompted a PM from the person it was directed at. They thought it was a very cruel thing to say. I immediately apoloized and realized that not everyone on the forum knows me or my warped sense of humor. How did I end up on this subject. Turn on your profiles. mdwoods
We'll use our hands and hearts and if we must we'll use our heads.
My personal info is on a need to know basis. So far about 250 members here have needed to know what my real name, address, & telephone # is, a lot of you know my PayPal name and maybe you remember my drivers license # from my checks is so it's really no big secret.
But just call me The Dog. Nickname Dog97.
Maybe it's a bit naive of me, but it never occured to me to be anonymous. My family business is on the web, and it bears my name, my business address, directions, a phone#, and business hours. My ebay name is my email address, and my name here is my real name. I think it has to do with whether you perceive the web as a potential threat or instead see it as an extension of face to face interaction. I respect everyone's decision regarding their own privacy, but I just feel more comfortable being myself.
and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
<< <i>I do believe, however, that some members are probably intentionally anonymous and use that shield to beat up on other board members while they hide behind tat shield. That is what I object to.
Many members do this. They don't have a profile, they have turned off their PM, and they post under a meaningless user id. Pathetic sissys!
Hi Greg,Pathetic sissy here.Some good reasons above why one should remain anonymous.Why should I expose my e-mail account or a PM to what your talking about? Not to mention jeopardizing my family`s safety by leaving personal info on the web.
Anything I have to say I will post.I would never resort to name-calling(pathetic sissy),insults(even to one`s family,that`s REAL classy and rampant here),or profanity(Hi TJ).Unfortunatly,most don`t share my philosophy, hence the need to remain anonymous.
I once knew a dealer in OKC that would send bad guys to his customer's houses in the night. Some here probably remember when this happened. Kinda made a lot of folks think twice about all security issues.
a decent rule of thumb: if your post is something you wouldn't say in person, then don't post it.