Duplicate handles phenomenon - Your opinion please

[sybaritic]

Hmmm

I disagree, as usual. I think many see multiple handles as a surrogate for bad behavior. Of course some percentage of time that will be the case, but I bet more often there is a less nefarious duplicity involved. If I don't log on to a forum often, or if I change browsers or computers or something, I will inevitably lose my handle, or password, or both. Sometimes it's just easier to register again than try to get the info back. Moreover, there are many legit reasons why someone wants to feign a different persona at times, to avoid revealing information about him/herself or others, or to eliminate biased responses. To me, multiple handles are not different than multiple email addresses (we all have those don't we?).

For the record, in early days here I did forget my original identity, and in a separate instance I once actually used a second identity when seeking information on a subject; in that instance, not using the second identity would have revealed information about my primary personna that I wished kept private from the public (though I am sure it would be accessible to someone with access to the server), but in no way would it be construed by anyone as "bad behavior" except in the sense of temporarily having a duplicate handle.

The real issue should be dealing with bad behavior, and I think handles are a poor surrogate for that. In cases where people are trying to escape detection of shilling or personal attacks or banishment by changing handles, then and only then, the consequences make sense. I definitely don't believe that someone who has used two or even more handles for non-offending reasons should be publicly revealed.

These are public forums; duplicate handles can never be eliminated completely. Someone who wants to cause trouble will get in, do the deed, and never care if they are banished. We all must read posts with our buyer beware antenna on.

 

[Bruce34]

Option 1

MOD 2,
I guess you guys deal with shillers and we don't see the phenomena? Perhaps that there are more happening now and you'd like our opinion?
The way I see it is that duplicate handles do happen when you need to hide your identity, much like creating an email to dupe your receiver and in this case, audience. For senior members, if you don't understand the principle behind how you are found how this simple detective work by now, that's because you are a junior (the case of Juliana, a junior who knows understand the consequence of duplicate postings).
I think that shillers don't stay long as it is inflammatory to them to post really bogus claims and are pointed out like an ugly duckling. So to me a 24-72 hours warning is good enough.
Bruce34

 

[Mod 2]

For the record, in early days here I did forget my original identity, and in a separate instance I once actually used a second identity when seeking information on a subject; in that instance, not using the second identity would have revealed information about my primary personna that I wished kept private from the public (though I am sure it would be accessible to someone with access to the server), but in no way would it be construed by anyone as "bad behavior" except in the sense of temporarily having a duplicate handle.

It's interesting to see how people's opinion can be driven by how guilty they are.

Yes, Sybaritic, you used another handle at the end of September, and we closed our eyes for this ONE occasion since, I agree with you, the subject you brought up was unique and non controversial. You still went against the ALREADY ESTABLISHED board rules, and you were already under scrutiny for a reoccurence of this violation.

By the way, you have my permission to log back in using this 2nd handle and go delete your thread. Any other future usage of this handle will lead to other actions being taken.

M2

 

[Techman]

If for whatever reason someone wants or needs to use a different handle they should pm the mods and explain their position before doing so. There have been cases where someone has changed their handle for valid reasons. I have nothing against someone changing their handle, but their original handle should be immediately de-activated. I think that most of us are familiar with a former poster who loves to change handle every month or so. If people start changing handles, or using multiple ones, the information on the board will become useless as we won't know which posts to trust. I voted for option 3, but I think that regular posters should be given a chance to explain themselves before being exposed.

 

[Mod 2]

MOD 2,
I guess you guys deal with shillers and we don't see the phenomena? Perhaps that there are more happening now and you'd like our opinion?
The way I see it is that duplicate handles do happen when you need to hide your identity, much like creating an email to dupe your receiver and in this case, audience.

So, if I understand you correctly, you don't mind people using two personnas on the board? Maybe I should keep a closer eye on you from now on?!

M2

 

[Mod 2]

If for whatever reason someone wants or needs to use a different handle they should pm the mods and explain their position before doing so.

This is already happening. On multiple occasions we have been asked to rename a handle, or deactivate an old one in favor of a new one. For example: FREEWILL. When this happen, we also deem the information (the previous handle in this case) as confidential.

M2

 

[eastender]

Value of Data

Eastender,
I beg to disagree. The frequence of the offense or whether it's going up or downward has nothing to do with this discussion. Whether it happens 10 times a week or once a month, the offense is the same. The question is how it should be handled.

Again, I don't see how other type boards have anything to do with us. And even the same type of board for that matter. I don't care AT ALL how this is handle on "the other board". My goal is to do it right, HERE.


Very noble goal.

Learning from the mistakes of others is less time consuming and less costly.

Frequency of the offense combined with upward and downward spikes are your greatest weapons if used and interpreted properly.This poll will give you an indication of what the members think.

The following weeks/months will provide raw data.If the number of "multiple
handles" go down and new ones surface less often,then you are on the right track and you have to make little changes as time goes on.On the other hand if the number of "multiple handles" increases and new ones surface with greater frequency then the issue may have to be looked at in a different light.

 

[Lion Heart]

I can't think of any reason for creating duplicate handles other than to deceive members. Even #1 doesn't seem strong enough, but the risk of having their primary handle "killed" may deter them from creating a secondary one.

I second that position 100%.

Lion Heart

 

[sybaritic]

With all due respect, Robin

I wouldn't have thought so either, until the situation actually arose. In that instance, I simply wouldn't have opened the thread under my primary identity. But it was entirely constructive and "non-controversial. It does happen for perfectly legitimate reasons, as Mod 2 recognized in his handling of my situation. There is a difference between "deceiving members" and maintaining privacy in an otherwise constructive discussion. It sounds to me as if the Mods are open to dealing with these situations on an individual basis. In the future I would simply discuss with them prior to doing.

I can't think of any reason for creating duplicate handles other than to deceive members. Even #1 doesn't seem strong enough, but the risk of having their primary handle "killed" may deter them from creating a secondary one.

 

[hornyanglo66]

Hunt 'em down and beat the piss out of them....

Option 1 for lack of being able to do the above.

 

[Special K]

I wonder how many people here with duplicate handles already have voted in this poll? Of course they're going to want the less severe punishment #1 where as having your old name posted to your new one could be grounds for slight humiliation which I believe to be completely appropriate!

My opinion...screw the poll and go with #3!

 

[EagerBeaver]

SK,

I totally agree and asked the Mod to change my vote for this reason.

One of the duplicate handle posters said he was going to start an FKS poll which would be the biggest bullshit poll in the history of MERB, because you have about 3 FKS bashers using about 7 handles each, so they register 21 votes and then say "see, look what everyone is saying!" What bullshit they are pulling on the Boards.

 

[Lawless]

I go for Number 3.....no reason to have multiple.....
If and only then...... special circumstances...contact the Mods!!!

 

[Techman]

speaking of which...

SK,

I totally agree and asked the Mod to change my vote for this reason.

One of the duplicate handle posters said he was going to start an FKS poll which would be the biggest bullshit poll in the history of MERB, because you have about 3 FKS bashers using about 7 handles each, so they register 21 votes and then say "see, look what everyone is saying!" What bullshit they are pulling on the Boards.

Hey EB...can you see the future? I need 6/49 winning numbers
See here: https://merb.cc/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=12507

 

[naughtylady]

1) Warn them in private, give them 24 hours, and ban their sorry ass if they don't reply. Ban the 2nd handle (or both) based on the answer (our current procedure).
2) Post about the duplicates, possibly in a separate thread, not the current shilling thread, without warning, and ban the second handle right away (assuming we are 100% sure).
3) Same as No 2 but also make a note on the 2nd handle's posts saying who the poster is (his/her main handle).

Post about the duplicates, in the same thread(s). Also in a thread dedicated to shilling (like the one we already have)

Warn them in private (so that they might recieve an email saying there is a pm waiting for them), give them 24 hours, and ban their sorry ass until they reply. Ban both of the handles permanently unless they give an adequate answer. Delete posts if appropriate.

...and that is my 2 cents worth.

Ronnie,
Naughtylady

 

[agentleman27]

Can somebody explain ...

Hi,

I am still puzzled Since we all seem to agree that legitimate usage of a duplicate ID is rare and since the mods stated then can accomodate these needs Why the 24 hours delay ? What I hate about the 24 hours delay is:

Illigitimate posts linger there for 24 hours, enough to do their damage

These posts are the result of an infringment of the rules we have to agree for the priviledge of posting. If we don't agree with the rules then the Internet is a free country and we can start a new board with our rules. If someone doesn't agree with the rules it doesn't give him the automatic right to infringe them. We have the right to discuss the rules but until these said rules change we have to obey them or shut up and go elsewhere.
​

I would rather see immediate action then wait 24 hours. We have to remember that mods have good tools to identify these posts. Not perfect but quite good. If someone has a legitimate need ti hide his ID then why not ask the mods first. Posting is hardly an emergency. We are not launching a nuclear attack ... If your post can't wait 24 hours we can wonder about its usefulness

A27

 

[Bruce34]

So, if I understand you correctly, you don't mind people using two personnas on the board? Maybe I should keep a closer eye on you from now on?!

Mod 2,
I was hoping to reincarnate as Yossarian but now that you monitor my IP?
What I do believe is that because we think that technology allows us to be anonymous does not mean that we are allowed to dupe people. In a board where honesty and integrity is important because you post a review and others will choose a service based on one's review, there should be no mind-games and shilling. And other members are not accepting indifference with shillers (4%). I do believe that MODs must intervene and sentence those who are breaking the rules! So I say 24 hours and answer to your act!
Bruce34

 

[EagerBeaver]

Mod 2,
And other members are not accepting indifference with shillers (4%). Bruce34

The 4% who voted for indifference are likely the shills themselves. The Mods should identify which handles voted for that option, and carefully monitor the activities of those posters.

 

[agentleman27]

Mod 2,
I was hoping to reincarnate as Yossarian but now that you monitor my IP?
Bruce34

Bruce34, in your Yossarian posts you pretended to be Bob Crane and later on it was found you were not. If you're not Bob Crane you have seriously, but really seriously affected your credibility.

I do believe that MODs must intervene and sentence those who are breaking the rules! So I say 24 hours and answer to your act!
Bruce34

I agree, maybe the mods should start by removing your Yossarian thread ?

A27

 

[sybaritic]

Not true in my case!

I'm one of them and explained my reasons above. Fundamentally, I deplore rules that are largely unenforceable and don't address what they are intended to. Really, this intolerance for rational differences of opinion is a bit much sometimes (this last comment is addressed to the many, not you as an individual responder).

However, believe me, I share your frustration with those, such as kneelongreen of many names, who abuse this trust for whatever agenda--especially when I'm annoyed by the agenda!

The 4% who voted for indifference are likely the shills themselves. The Mods should identify which handles voted for that option, and carefully monitor the activities of those posters.