I never understood why the truckers needed "Handles" in the 1978 film "Convoy". I used and still use my real name on my C.B. Radio, why would I need to make up a "Handle" to use a computer?
LOL, so that there was no confusion as to which Tom Tierney it is? A good example of this is that there seems to be a lot of Steves who are active on the forum. In one thread there were so many Steve's posting that things got really confusing as to which one was saying
what and using "handles" was really the only way to distinguish them. They've even been given numbers (Steve 1, Steve 2, etc.) but that doesn't help as the numbers seem to fluctuate, lol. A "handle" (or username) is like having a nickname - it's distinguishable.
Another reason for "handles" on the net is because the net is so very public. "Handles" are a safety tool. Using a handle allows for a small amount of privacy or anonimity. With many search engines (google being the most popular) relying on word-matches for their searches just about ANYTHING that is posted ANYWHERE (including amazon!) can be found. It can protect your identity from the nut jobs out there. I've had an experience where one (ex)member here has "haunted" me using different names. I sure as hell don't want that person having any information (starting with my full name) that could be used in a more sinister way. (No worry's though, so far TT1 has stayed on top of this for me whenever this person has "reappeared"). The flipside, of course, is that a username is also something that a "nut" job can hide behind.
As far as trucker handles from the 70's - I think they still use them. Not sure why - probably for distinguishability. Nudetrucker - can you weigh in on that?
Jen
LOL! I LOVE women, they can turn a rhetorical question into a twenty minute monolog. HeHeHeHe (that's for Phil) As for which Tom Tierney it is. I'm never confused. I know which one I am. Well, sometimes I am surprised when I look into a mirrior and see an old man looking back. I think it is my father, but his name was Jim.
Thanks Tom, I have been trying to give them up, did you notice :)
I know what you mean about the guy in the mirror, Ive got one too,
but I figure there's no need to worry,
until he starts saying good morning to you!
That is, until you reply, good morning, nice day isn't it.
Then it's probably too late to worry!
You just reminded me of a lovely old man that had a workshop near here,
I used to stop by for a chat. He would often ring up the time,
and ALWAYS said, thank you very much miss!
Phil.