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In reply to the discussion: Just curious why so few people use their real names. [View all]applegrove
(118,615 posts)212. You did say “It seems odd to me“.... Which implies
a negative when in fact the anonymity of the DU allows for passion and honesty and really makes this site what it is... open to democrats to discuss authentically what they want in political leadership with no possible threat of retribution.
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Unfortunately, there are people whose idea of political discourse is to try and damage others
FrodosPet
Sep 2014
#4
They were very against sign language for deaf children. There's more to it though than that though.
deafskeptic
Sep 2014
#213
It's the Internet, there are crazy people who would be willing to try to ruin a career.
NYC_SKP
Sep 2014
#5
I have realized over time that it's probably better to have a gender-neutral screen name.
pnwmom
Sep 2014
#150
I don't post much on this site, but I spent quite a bit of time trying to spread the liberal word
Vinca
Sep 2014
#6
That's my main answer as well. (It's not paranoia if they really are out to get ya.)
Gidney N Cloyd
Sep 2014
#84
yep--DU is relatively civil on some other boards, you run into people you really don't want to know
yurbud
Sep 2014
#106
Because DU is full of sock puppets, party flacks, marketers, "ex" freepers, and the like.
Romulox
Sep 2014
#12
When I first joined in 2003 it didn't occur to me that I could use a handle instead
Tom Rinaldo
Sep 2014
#13
I think people just use "things" for usernames...Check this out, from our past:
ScreamingMeemie
Sep 2014
#30
It's not that I'm ashamed of my political beliefs. I just value my online privacy.
Tommy_Carcetti
Sep 2014
#54
Because people would make fun of me. I don't see what's funny about Cecilia Snottygrubble...
Violet_Crumble
Sep 2014
#56
I had my life threatened once on DU by DU Mail. Today, anyone, can be physically located.
RKP5637
Sep 2014
#83
i have wondered the same. i use at least my first name (ellen) and usually my state (fl).
ellenfl
Sep 2014
#99
I'm not ashamed of my political beliefs, and I thank you for the advance judgement.
arcane1
Sep 2014
#101
Yep! I thought it was a good question, marym625. I wish we could ALL be more open. What our
RKP5637
Sep 2014
#153
II like using a pen name for privacy reasons. And to confuse anyone who might want to find me--
Louisiana1976
Sep 2014
#102
My car was keyed in real life for having DU and John Kerry bumper stickers...
steve2470
Sep 2014
#104
Because there is always a small minority on any internet group who can be malicious and cause troubl
LeftishBrit
Sep 2014
#117
"Makes me think people are ashamed of their political beliefs." Oh, right. BRILLIANT deduction.
WinkyDink
Sep 2014
#124
I've had multiple dear friends driven off-line due to anti-feminist activism.
politicat
Sep 2014
#160
There are extremely creepy people at this website who like to research other posters
DisgustipatedinCA
Sep 2014
#168
I can't ever use my real name who would want a logon of jeffjohnson1317868358136
LiberalArkie
Sep 2014
#193