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Question about HTF Username Policy revision - Page 2

post #31 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Buzz,

If you are still out there....

Been trying to send you email but it keeps bouncing back.

Send me an email: repstein@hometheaterforum.com
Subject: To Ron, name change

Include the email address you registered with HTF, your real first
name, your current username and the name you want it changed to.

Will be happy to assist!
post #32 of 57

Re: Question about HTF USername Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Christou
At least people should include their real names, or at least what looks like a real name, under the alias.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Reuben
That's required. Please report any poster who is using only a nickname, using the usual "report this post" function.

M.
So, should we still be reporting people using only nicknames? Or has the name policy changed again? One could make a full-time job of reporting these, as the "nickname without real name" seems to be quite common now.

Scroll through any thread and there's a high percentage of people with nicknames only. Most of the secondary, "real" names seem to have disappeared.
post #33 of 57
Thread Starter 

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

That is an excellent question.

I have to agree with Malcolm that the nickname-only thing is picking up steam.
post #34 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Guys,


Here's the situation.....

Last week the file that contains member REAL NAMES
became corrupted and had to be deleted.

We believe we have a backup copy of that file and
Parker is going to attempt to restore that file by next
Tuesday.

The problem only concerns those new members who
registered to this forum in the past 6 months after we
changed our signup page. I am estimating only 5% of
the total members on this board have no first name listed.

We anticipate the REAL NAMES will be restored, but if
not, we will post an announcement asking for members to
resubmit their names.

We are sorry for any inconvenience the absence of
real names has caused you. Trust us -- it is not a
policy change. We will still request first names when
registering to this forum.
post #35 of 57

Re: Question about HTF USername Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Malcolm R
So, should we still be reporting people using only nicknames? Or has the name policy changed again? One could make a full-time job of reporting these, as the "nickname without real name" seems to be quite common now.

Scroll through any thread and there's a high percentage of people with nicknames only. Most of the secondary, "real" names seem to have disappeared.
There is a database problem we're currently working on that will restore the real names shortly.




Crawdaddy
post #36 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
The problem only concerns those new members who
registered to this forum in the past 6 months after we
changed our signup page. I am estimating only 5% of
the total members on this board have no first name listed.
I think it's bigger than that. There are a number of longterm members who are now identified only by a nickname. They'd seem to be far beyond the 6 month timeframe unless they're reset as "new" when they requested their nickname.
post #37 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Anyone who wishes to is welcome to send me an email
pointing out these names. YOUR name will be kept anonymous.

repstein@hometheaterforum.com
SUBJECT: HTF USERNAME VIOLATION

Realize, anyone who registered prior to 1999 is grandfathered
under our old signup policy that did not require a first name.
post #38 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Malcolm R
There are a number of longterm members who are now identified only by a nickname. They'd seem to be far beyond the 6 month timeframe unless they're reset as "new" when they requested their nickname.
That's because some long-term members requested a name change under the new format, and their "real name" information is stored in the same corrupted database as the new signups. Those names should be restored at the same time as the rest (assuming Parker's efforts are successful).

M.
post #39 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

I think I mentioned this before, but I don't like the nicknames. I love the 'personal' feeling with everyone using some kind of real name. I feel stupid saying: "ChunkyLover, great post!"

LOL
post #40 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

I would expect there is a large percentage of the 60,000 member list that could be purged as inactive, as well. That would provide some relief regarding use of real names.
post #41 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Malcolm,

We had no choice but to compromise our long standing
username policy.

Imagine the way it used to be.....

We mandated everyone signup with a real first name. After
a while, all the first names were taken. Then, all the first names
last initial were taken. Then, first names last two initials.

It become a cumbersome process for anyone to register here.

We were able to solve the problem by making NICKNAMES the
primary username, but mandating a real first name was
also provided.

So, when we get this all sorted out, all members will have a real
first name below their nickname. You will have no need to address
anyone by a nickname.
post #42 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

still not sorted out i guess.

in this
thread there are 2 strange names
post #43 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Yes, it's a pain.

But, believe me, Parker is working on it as hard as he can, and has even asked the help of a vBulletin database-code expert who unfortunately is on-and-off available.


Cees
post #44 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Hi,
I didn't really read this topic, but I would like to say something to administrators, if they'll see this.
When I first came here, I was asked to say my real name, beacuse allegedly everyone here use his/her real name. I thought that's strange, but I said - ok, I'll respect the rules. I gave you my real name: Mate Filipovic. And YOU created MY user name: FILIP.
Now, in my country, in my language there is name Mate and there is name Filip. But I am Mate, NOT Filip. My LAST NAME is Filipovic (yes, the same as Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic, famous K1/Pride champion from Croatia, my country).
So, I feel really stupid to have some other name as my user name. Please let me use some nick or my real name ("Mate" is equivalent to "Matt" in english). If that's not too much trouble for you.
Thank you!

p.s. edit: If you do consider my case, I would appreciate if you consult with me this time.
post #45 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Mate,

My name is Ron Epstein, and I am co-owner here. I am also
the person directly responsible for approving all usernames over
the past 6 years.

The reason we ask for a real name here is simple. We want people
to be able to communicate with each other on a real name basis.
Discussion is more personable on this forum than any other you have
been on simply because we address each other by a first name and
not by nicknames or otherwise.

As to how your username was changed to FILIP I am
uncertain, but I'll take the blame directly since that username had to
go through me. I *suspect* that someone else had the same name
as you and that I had to change it in order to approve it.

If this has caused you difficulty, please accept my apology.

What I have done is to go in and give you a new username. Since
Mate has already been taken, I gave you the username of
MateF. If that is not agreeable for you, let me know, and
I'll help you select another username.

In the meantime, we are very happy that you entrusted us to use
your real first name here. I think you'll find that it results in
conversation that is a step above what you might find elsewhere.

Regards!
post #46 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
If this has caused you difficulty, please accept my apology

I think you'll find that it results in
conversation that is a step above what you might find elsewhere
Mr. Epstein - or should I say Ronald - there's really no need for apologies.
I even feel a bit stupid to make a big deal out of this, it's just that I'm used to choose my cyber-names.
I'll tell you now what I think of this place since the day I discovered it:
this is by far the most intelligent, polite, informative and friendly forum I've seen.
(But I don't believe the name policy can contribute to that.)

Anyway - can I please have just initial of my first name - M - to match my profile picture?
Or just my name - because now I checked, and "Mate" is not taken.
If no, sorry for bothering you, MateF is ok.


(But it's just that here - We The Filmophiles & Audiophiles - are never satisfied with just "ok", we always want MORE. )
post #47 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Okay....

Let me get this straight....

You want just "M" as your username? I can do that.

Mate is taken. I tried changing it to that last night and
the system would not permit.

Please let me know if "M" is okay with you.

Happy to help!
post #48 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

YES I want "M"

Thank you!


(But I checked last night in Members List, and there was no "Mate". ??? Bug in system?)
post #49 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

The user may have selected to have his/her username not show up on the Member's List.
post #50 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Mate,

You are now known as M

Your real name appears beneath, per forum policy.

As Parker stated, the member that currently holds the
username of Mate has elected not to have his name
displayed. I tried a second time to give you that name, but
as long as someone else holds it, the system will not accept it.

In any event, I am happy to have assisted you in this matter.
post #51 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronald Epstein
Mate,

You are now known as M

Your real name appears beneath, per forum policy.
Super-cool!

Wow, BOTH owners answered to my questions... I feel like the Queen of England... or at least like the President of the United States.

Thanks.
post #52 of 57
Thread Starter 

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

I stumbled across a couple of violators today and e-mailed Ron with the names. It really does change the whole dynamic around here in a negative way.

I know Ron & Parker are doing their best. I figure the best way for us to help is by doing what Ron suggests. E-mail him whenever you see an offender.
post #53 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike Frezon
I stumbled across a couple of violators today and e-mailed Ron with the names. It really does change the whole dynamic around here in a negative way.

I know Ron & Parker are doing their best. I figure the best way for us to help is by doing what Ron suggests. E-mail him whenever you see an offender.
Mike,
I looked at both of those reported violaters and they had real names listed under their nickname as required per our forum guidelines. I don't think they added those names after it was reported, but I could be wrong?

3. All members are required to register to this forum with at least a real first name. This policy allows members to communicate with each other on a first-name basis. You may also select a nickname in addition to the use of a real name. The nickname can be anything you choose as long as it is not profane, your email address or a celebrity name other than your own. A member's nickname will be listed above his or her real name. If you are currently registered without a nickname, and would like to have one, please contact the administrator with the following information:
post #54 of 57
Thread Starter 

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Robert:

You and Ron have me scratching my head on this one...wondering if I was seeing things (or NOT seeing things, as the case may be!). Ron e-mailed me back saying the same thing.

I have just e-mailed Ron some screen captures which shows that on my end I am not seeing ANY real names posted under the nicknames. I am guessing that because you fellas are seeing real names posted under the nicknames that it must be a software glitch or something.
post #55 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Mike,

It is a software glitch on your end.

I just emailed you a screenshot proving that.

Perhaps you need to clear your browser's cache file.
post #56 of 57

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Mike:

Are you still not seeing them?
post #57 of 57
Thread Starter 

Re: Question about HTF Username Policy revision

Well, I don't know what's up (as is often the case) but, for some reason, I CAN NOW SEE the real names of those two members. [Mike hears the soft strains of the Twilight Zone Theme playing in the background.]

I really want you fellas to know that I'm sorry to be a bother. But, for the life of me, I did nothing to change things on my end. They just showed up tonight...on their own.

I'm glad at least that I did the screen captures and sent them to you so you at least know that I wasn't just "seeing things!"

BTW, Ron...for whatever reason...I did NOT receive an e-mail from you with your screen capture.
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