I run a strictly 'real names only' forum that requires at least one full first name and one last name to register - no handles, initials only, etc. It's been this way for 25 years and works really well for my community. I don't mind if people choose not use their actual names for privacy. If John Smith registers as James Smythe that's fine by me - as long as it is plausible.
I would reject names that were not plausible (Buzz Lightyear for example). But I am often left making a judgment a call on names that don't look right but aren't as obvious as Buzz Lightyear. For example someone registers as 'Dinka varzel'. Doesn't look like a real name in any language, and a google search finds nobody on the planet with that name.
I want to preserve my forum as a Real Names Only forum, with no doubt about that, so what do I do? reject them with no explanation? reject with a messagte that I do not find their name plausible? Allow them in, but monitor for spam or other bad behaviour?
I'd be interested to know what other moderators would do in these circumstances.
I would reject names that were not plausible (Buzz Lightyear for example). But I am often left making a judgment a call on names that don't look right but aren't as obvious as Buzz Lightyear. For example someone registers as 'Dinka varzel'. Doesn't look like a real name in any language, and a google search finds nobody on the planet with that name.
I want to preserve my forum as a Real Names Only forum, with no doubt about that, so what do I do? reject them with no explanation? reject with a messagte that I do not find their name plausible? Allow them in, but monitor for spam or other bad behaviour?
I'd be interested to know what other moderators would do in these circumstances.