Using your real name

Wow, I missed the firestorm.

Just to add my two cents- I like the real name policy- I have it in my own membership site, for the same reasons- it creates more authenticity of connection.

However, I can totally empathize with Justin about the way it was handled... and we all make mistakes.

Glad it's working out. And glad people are willing to speak what's true for them. I don't know which would be worse: an uncivil society of flame wars, or a too-polite 'nicey-nice' society of nothingness.

I prefer this authentic middle ground we seem to be inhabiting. :)

Wow! I had missed this too. Having read through it all I have two thoughts to add.

Lara, Though I can understand the legalese reason for stating: "If we change this Service Agreement, then we will notify you of the change online through a post in Biz Talk. If you do not agree with the changed Service Agreement, then you must stop using the Service within two weeks of notification." would it be possible to say instead: If we change this Service Agreement, then we will notify you of the change online through a post in Biz Talk and an email sent to the address you have provided Biznik in your profile?

Or even if you leave the legalese the way you have it, could sending out a mass email at least be part of your "unofficial" policy?

My concern is that just as Mark and I missed this "fire storm" many people could miss a post on Biz Talk. When I am very busy I entirely ignore Biz Talk. It is a great place to communicate but also can be a huge time sink. In this wired age almost anyone will check email in a two week period but not everyone will check Biz Talk.

Thank you for the real name policy. Interestingly, when I saw "Chief Show Off" on the membership page (and knowing NOTHING about this discussion) I did not bother looking at it because I was turned off by not having a "real person" to check out.

It has been good to see how careful the people in this community have been to remain honest, respectful and wherever possible, positive in this thread.

Personally, I prefer real names, real pictures etc - in fact, anything that contributes to creating confidence in the person I'm talking with as a real person connected to a real business.

Consequently, people who use assumed names, mask their faces, act out alter egos or hide any aspect of their real selves are effectively de-selecting themselves from my network anyway.

As one of the "exceptions", I should explain why I use my stage name instead of my real name in my profile(and by the way, I did ask Dan for permission to use my stage name when I signed up for biznik, well before the new policy came about).

My real name is Mike Dobias. When I got into the magic business in the Seattle area, there was already a Magic Mike, and I didn't want any confusion from potential clients with him and me. Going by my real name would make it too easy for people to end up looking up his website instead of mine if all they remember is "Mike" and "Magic".

Because much of my business is a result of referrals or from a parent/child seeing me perform at another party or event, it is paramount that they remember "Xakary" and not just "that magician" or any other name. Most of my clients know me simply as "Xakary", and I make a point with the kids that my name is "Xakary with an X" (I make an X with my arms crossed when I say it, and many of the kids will do it with me). Plus, they all get free coloring sheets with my name and website, I have signage on my magic table, a 7 foot tall free-standing roller-shade banner for larger shows, etc.

For the adults that ask my last name or if Xakary is my real name, I'm very upfront with them about my real name. Thanks, Dan, and the biznik community, for allowing me to continue as simply "Xakary".

No offense, I expect people here are professional and sophisticated. That's one of the reasons I joined. I expect people using real name since Biznik is primary for business networking.

As someone who is clearly affected by this let me explain my reasoning.

First, I do internet marketing and SEO for a living and fully understand and appreciate its power. I have been working in this industry since 1997 and have NEVER used my real name anywhere online EVER even though I'm online 10-12 hours a day for over a decade. You will not find my name in any profile, facebook, myspace, forum, etc. All my 100's of domains use whois protection for the same reason. I am known however on all these places as simply "darnit". Its my internet persona. Why? It's simple. I draw a strong line between the internet and real life.

As a geek I know first hand how easy it is to find all kinds of information about people with just a name and location and trying to remove information from the internet is like trying to get piss out of a swimming pool. Once its out there it's never going to go away.

Not that I have anything to hide or am some uber hacker - I am however quite aware of the power of online information and I have made a personal decision since day one in this industry to draw a strong line between the internet and my personal life. Believe me if I wanted to be high in the SERP's for my name I could very easily make it happen. I instead have chosen to do exactly the opposite.

If we are going to do business I am happy to give you my business card, cell phone number, heck you can even come over to my house for a piece of pie. If we are not then I don't see any reason to divulge any personal information. All information in my profile is accurate, I have attended a biznik event, handed out business cards and yes that is my real picture. I know that Dan has a keen interest in SEO and does a very good job of it - specifically in profiles (recall the coolest guy in Seattle) however for me its a choice, I personally don't want to SEO my name, my business fine, but not me as an individual. In fact, I take great pride in the fact that you can't find anything in the SERP's with my real name.

This might seem counter intuitive to some as many small businesses rely strongly on the individual as the "face" of the business. However for me its simply a choice I have made and to be honest it hasn't affected my business one bit. I think most internet professionals understand my reasoning.

So if it comes down to protecting my identity online as a personal choice or not participating in Biznik then I wish you all well in your future endeavors and if you want to chat you are welcome to email me at darnit@gmail.com ;)

I know my husband feels very strongly about this issue as you can read earlier in this convo...and in our business, when I answer the phone I don't give my whole name..over the course of taking any orders and doing business with the person on the other end, I don't give my last name.

When I make contact with a customer, I only find out their first name and only get their last name when it comes to info re: their credit card and/or billing info. Otherwise, we're all on a first name basis here.

As far as Biznik...I hardly look at the last name and when I write to other members, I address them with their first name and sign off with my first name. I guess it really doesn't matter to me to know their last name unless I'm doing business with them over the phone or in person.

I like biznik for making contacts that would be beneficial to both parties and will remain using first names unless I take an order from you over the phone or take an order from you in person.

Thanks..Heather at Bizi Bee Floral and Gifts

I have to side with the people who are somewhat against this policy. It's not like on your business card you just put your name and contact information.. You put your title, and often other bits of information about your services.

In our low-attention span, hyperactive age, what good is it to just see somebody's name on a forum like this? During the course of using BizNik there must be 40 different ways that a person's name and profile picture gets eyeballed. I see a lot of names, and have no idea what these people do.

If at some moment I saw "Bob Dobbs Jr, SubGenius" pass by and I was in the need of a SubHenius, then I'd have a Eureka moment, click on that profile, and begin to do business with Bob. If I just see Bob Dobbs my mind wouldn't register anything.

If people are able to put the ridiculously meaningless alphabet soup of professional designations, it certainly gives them a competitive advantage for the eyeballs of our limited attention brains.

Hey Dave,

I once did the same thing... never used my real name etc... but that changed with starting a business. I think that one day you'll no longer care. ;]

-Andrey