Who are you?

quote:

Originally posted by PIS:
Hi all. I had an interesting phone call from the father of a local ball player this morning. The father reads these posts regularly and his son's name is mentioned and spoken of (quite positively I must say) frequently.

He knows that I know a lot of people in our small baseball community and he was wondering if I knew who one of the posters is. I did not. But it got me thinking about something that has been on my mind.

Why does everyone on here hide behind screen names? Seems like if you are talking about other peoples children then you should at least use your real name. If you really are an "expert" in your field, then we would all benefit from knowing your real identity.

I use a screen name, but sign the bottom of every post. Feel free to join me in that practice.

Any thoughts?

Respectfully,

Rich Prado
www.playinschool.com

Ditto!

For the record, My name is Coach Milburn and I'm a baseball-holic!

Very interesting topic, Rich.

I'm not sure "hiding" is the right word to describe the use of screen names.

For the most part we use screen names because that is the cultural norm for establishing an identity in an Internet community without offering personally identifiable information that scammers and hucksters around the world could exploit. (And maybe we don't want to embarrass our kids who think we're a little bit too into their baseball careers!)

Most of us leave enough footprints to make it fairly easy for alert readers to figure out who we are. Many of us trade PM's and verify non-cyber identities, as you and I did when we talked on the phone last spring. And a lot of us have introduced ourselves to other members when our paths cross on ball fields, as I did last summer when my son played against Midlo Dad's Virginia Cardinals team (very nice guy, by the way). So for most of us, we're not hiding. We're just hanging a thin curtain that keeps out the prying eyes of the wide, wide world but can be moved aside by anyone in our community who really cares to know.

I also think your situation as a business owner is different from that of a travel coach or a parent. Different personal situations call for different levels of disclosure.

As far as mentioning names, each person has to figure his own rules. Some posters have scruples about mentioning any hs players' names. I personally believe it's okay to name players when reporting factual game information and when constructively discussing top players in a way that does not disparage other players, but I have also called out a poster for criticizing a player by name. I don't see a connection that would oblige me to publish my name before saying that so-and-so is an excellent pitcher for thus-and-such high school.

BTW, you can PM me with the name you guys didn't know. I sometimes have fun trying to figure out who is "hiding" behind the thicker, heavier curtains. I did that for someone a while back who was wondering who had mentioned his kid, and we figured out the guy's interest was harmless.

Hi my name is Rich, and I am also a "baseball-holic."

Thanks for chiming in Coach M. and "Swampboy".

The identity theft thing definitely came to mind. But I pity the fool that wants my identity!

- Rich

Rich,

Ill tell you the true answer to your question. I have heard many people started to change there real names to actual screen names on here once you started to be a member on this site so you didnt call there cell phones 10 times a week like you do mine! HAHAHHAH. Just playing with you buddy, keep up the good work. I put RBAWEST on there because that is my business and we have other owners too.

Chris Gerrity
RBAWEST

HAHAHAHA - That was funny!

Chris -

You are the one that has me as #1 on your speed dial. Always wanting me to see if I can make your guys look good! You and your guys utilize me so much half the town thinks I'm an RBA employee!


Rich Prado
Not RBA West, East, South, or North for that matter! Equal opportunity. Willing to work with any kid from any team from any sport since 2008!
www.playinschool.com

Couldn't agree more! List your name on your profile page.

Agreed.

I can see how some would worry about being hassled or called to the carpet over some of the opinions expressed but that is the risk you run when you choose to call someone out in a public forum.

quote:

PIS stated.....He knows that I know a lot of people in our small baseball community and he was wondering if I knew who one of the posters is. I did not. But it got me thinking about something that has been on my mind.

Feel free to PM me. Once I establish who you are, I may share personal information. Many know who I am. I’ve had hundreds of PMs, and some personal information has been exchanged. I’ve made some good “online friends” on this site. I share ideas and some personal information with them very frequently. Some of them, I’ll be meeting at some college games this year.

There is a certain online etiquette involved, as well as a right to privacy. Following this protocol ensures that everyone is protected, and feels comfortable. IMHO, this site is not a small community. It is a national community with a lot of posters, and even more lurkers. There will be some who will share, and others who don’t …that is their choice. If you feel there is something posted that is inappropriate, please escalate this to the site webmaster. I have done it numerous times mostly related to people selling things not necessarily derogatory statements.

Rich,
A few points (and yes, others have already stated similar) -
Better HS level players of any sport or especially arts & sciences activities are, these days (for good or ill) public figures. Even the Washington Post (hardly a local paper) will publish names, activities, locations, and reviews of performances of HS students, so I'm not sure why someone would be concerned @ comments made on a web forum...
As to usernames,locations, etc. - this is still the internet. If one were to make a habit of leaving one's wallet on the hood of one's car, most of the time - in most neighborhoods - the wallet would still be there. To expect it to stay untouched, though, would be wishful thinking.
Using "blind" usernames may indeed be no more than keeping said wallet on the front seat of that car - but that thin layer of security would keep the more casual thief honest.
FWIW, I've dealt w/personal identification/theft issues professionaly. I would be extremely reluctant to identify myself or another user regularly on any public (open)forum.

As a parent of a HS player, I think Fenway and Swampboy make excellent points. I think this site is a fantastic resource for helping my son achieve his goal of playing baseball beyond HS.

He happily works his tail off and I see my job in this process as providing resources for him and guidance as well as staying out of his way and letting him go for it.

As parents, we make mistakes in this process, at least I know I have and the last thing I want to do is say something stupid here that could potentially reflect poorly on my son. The anonymity provides some insulation from that but at the same time, it is our responsibility to not abuse that anonymity. I too have PM’ed several here and shared personal information when appropriate so there are regular posters who know who I am. Unfortunately, forums like these are one dimensional and sometimes posts can be taken the wrong way or we may not express exactly what we are trying to say so it can be a thin line to walk.

I will say that I think the only time HS players should be listed by name or referred to in a manner where it would be easy to identify who we are talking about should only be in a positive light. Kudos for something good they have done and a nice "at a boy". These young men have enough pressure on them already and the last thing they need is to see is their name on this board (any board for that matter) linked to a mistake they may have made on or off the field. Fortunately, it doesn't seem to happen very often.

Lots of good points. Very well said 1baseballdad.
To clarify, my use of the word "hide" in the original post might not have been the perfect word. I can see how that word makes it sound very negative.

Jess1 mentioned that these kids are public figures. I'll give you that. But in any publication like the Post, TD, or the local news, there is always a "by-line". You always know who wrote that story. Here in the internet we could be reading lots of very positive comments about the next coming of Domingo Ayala (google him - he will make your day!), but how do we know its not Mr. Ayala himself writing them? That was the very thing that started this post. Some post really do sound like they are writing about their own kid!

Keep it positive. Only a few more weeks until the college season!

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by PIS:
Here in the internet we could be reading lots of very positive comments about the next coming of Domingo Ayala (google him - he will make your day!), but how do we know its not Mr. Ayala himself writing them? That was the very thing that started this post. Some post really do sound like they are writing about their own kid!



Rich

Hey, don't be dissing Domingo's God given talent!

Rich, I appreciate what you're saying. However, I think the Virginia forum works pretty well as it is.

People are generally courteous--certainly more so than on some other forums.

Players are seldom criticized.

Players are seldom praised without concurrence from others, which I take to mean the praise is probably legit.

Many members whose kids are studs bend over backwards to avoid mentioning their own sons.

So I'm not sure what problem you're trying to solve.

I started out in 2006 and adopted a screen name because (a) seemed like everyone else had one, and (b) at that time I wanted to be able to weigh in on things and have my comments taken at face value without people trying to read something into them.

Actually PGStaff first "outed" me in a very friendly post (paying a compliment), though by that time quite a few folks had either guessed or had gotten me to "come out" in PM's.

At this point, I think most of the regulars (including PIS) know who I am. As for the casual interlopers, I'd just as soon not have everything I post here come up in response to someone Google searching my name.

I joined this when redbirdjr was 8. Just about everyone in this forum knows who I am. If anyone has a question, they can PM me.

Rex Thomas
Son - Tyler Thomas (2012) Woodbridge High School
Nothng to Hide Here !!!!!
Can't wait to get back on the field.
Good Luck to Everyone this Year !!
Play Ball !!!!

As a person who makes a living in the IT field, I can tell you it's not smart to use your real name on message boards in general. Way too easy without doing this, to use several different ways to search a name. Now most names are not so unique, but once you get a general idea and if you find message board posts, such as these, you can get location. After that it's way too easy to get personal info, and do what you will with it.

People are naturally way too lax with online security. It's just like your car. If someone wants to break in bad enough, they will..no matter what you do. You just don't want to make it easy for them.

I am a DAD of an 2012 Western Branch player and joined this site a couple yeasrs ago when my son started high school. Of course that is why I chose that username. I choose not to post much but enjoy reading the Virgina fourm. Everone of you guys and Gals have good information to share about your baseball experanice and the local/region talent. I, like 1baseballdad think this site is a great resourse for helping my son achieve his goal of playing ball at the next level. I have been able to pick up on who folks are even though I have not met or talked to some of you in person. Others of course through a PM. As Midlo Dad stated people do get "outed" if if read these fourms enough. So I agree with ctandc it is way to easy these days to get your personal information online and do what they will with it. Looking forward to the 2011 highschool\summer season. Also looking forward to your commemts about the season, the kids and their sucess and who will moving on to play at the next level. Feel free to PM me if you want to know who I am I have nothing to hide as well.

quote:

Originally posted by ctandc:
As a person who makes a living in the IT field, I can tell you it's not smart to use your real name on message boards in general. Way too easy without doing this, to use several different ways to search a name. Now most names are not so unique, but once you get a general idea and if you find message board posts, such as these, you can get location. After that it's way too easy to get personal info, and do what you will with it.

People are naturally way too lax with online security. It's just like your car. If someone wants to break in bad enough, they will..no matter what you do. You just don't want to make it easy for them.

Interesting, never thought about it that way.

Coach,

Let's have a contest to get you a new screen name!

It's for your own protection!

My name is Will Garlick and I cover Eastern Region baseball for Virginiapreps.Com website. The wgarlick screen name is the same one i use on Virginiapreps.

During the season I try to attend games in all four districts and I try to write about prospects I see. This year I hope to watch a few Private School games. Hope to see some of you at the games.

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
Coach,

Let's have a contest to get you a new screen name!

It's for your own protection!

I don't believe I can change it even if I wanted too?

OR

Can I?

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Milburn:

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
Coach,

Let's have a contest to get you a new screen name!

It's for your own protection!

I don't believe I can change it even if I wanted too?

OR

Can I?

I think you can change your screen name and that it will change the screen name for all of your prior posts retroactively. There were posts made by odubaseballfan in May 2010 railing at the Beach All District selections. Those exact posts now carry the screen name pilots81.

quote:

Originally posted by WB Reporter:

quote:

Originally posted by Coach Milburn:

quote:

Originally posted by Midlo Dad:
Coach,

Let's have a contest to get you a new screen name!

It's for your own protection!

I don't believe I can change it even if I wanted too?

OR

Can I?

I think you can change your screen name and that it will change the screen name for all of your prior posts retroactively. There were posts made by odubaseballfan in May 2010 railing at the Beach All District selections. Those exact posts now carry the screen name pilots81.

I changed it but it does not look like it worked for me.

My sign-in name is different BUT my display name remains the same.

Coach,
you can contact the administrator for help with your screen name if needed.

I think it's a matter of preference if someone wants others to know who they are, and shouldn't be challenged.

Of course if you have a business and an audience that would help you profit, it does make sense to let everyone know who you are.

JMO.

Looks like the change took.

Though I must say, I'm disappointed.

I was thinking something like SUHornets, or ValleyBaller, or some such.

I think most of the regulars know who I am, Zirkle Blakey, the Editor and Publisher of VirginiaPreps.com. We cover high school sports, mainly football and basketball, but always trying to increase our baseball coverage (the sport is a passion of mine!)

While VirginiaPreps.com is a 'pay site' we do have many FREE featues including our recent Class of 2011 "Cream of the Crop" top prospect listing, soon to be followed by similars lists for the Class of 2012, etc.

Jerry Smith
Son: Jordan Smith, Midlothian HS (2013)

Feel free to PM me for any reason. I try not to say to much unless I'm sure of the validity. I enjoy hearing about the latest and greatest of th elocal and not to far away talent and competition for my son. After all, as parents, coaches, professionals don't we all want to ensure the best enviroment, health and solid maturation of our youth.

Take care all and wishing you the best.

Jerry