David,

I just gave examples of why developers could decide to help or not help another fellow developer.

There are more reasons than I can think of.

I just thought that an alias could help in some ways because you don't have those informations that in the end don't add a thing to the basic nature of the UT. The UT is not a dating service ;-)


>Denis,
>
>>Make this place a peaceful environment where developers can share ideas, help or be helped by others with respect.
>
>A very good suggestion. Respectful discussion of differing views is easier said than done, but it is a worthy target which we should all try harder to hit.
>
>>This should'nt be that hard. But why isn't it that way?
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>I believe that in a few cases, the problems may come from cultural differences or the perceived "tone" of messages (see Hank Fay's comments in the "Open Letter to Elites" thread).
>
>I remember a situation once during schooling where my family was living in the same apartment with a family from another part of the world. When we didn't put the dishes in the drainer the same way they did, a few snappy remarks led to a major misunderstanding. After much discussion over several days we discovered that the other person's tendency to speak bluntly and plainly was more a cultural thing than an attempt to disrespect us, and the problem was solved easily.
>
>I think Hank has a good point about misinterpreting the tone of messages that might seem too blunt or direct.
>
>>Example: I, being from Canada, ask a question. Some USA developers are still p*ssed off because Canada did'nt go to war to Irak so they'll think "Scr*w him".
>
>I honestly don't think anyone from the US on this forum would do that to you just because they might not agree with your government's decisions. However, some might if they have heard you personally attacking their government (I don't know if you have or not -- just making a hypothetical comment here).
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>My opinion is that we all need to choose our words carefully and not be too quick to take offense at percieved disrespect, which may not be that at all.
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>>Or because of my bashing on the non-VFP marketing I make some developers angry.
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>I don't know about this one. I have not followed or analyzed all of your posts, but I have observed that sometimes people who complain a lot (especially in a very direct manner that might involve questioning motives) can end up being categorized by others here as a "trouble-maker". We have seen it with many people here in the past.
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>>Perhaps we should have to choice to log with an alias. And when this is the case there is no information about our real identity. No country, no picture. Just the alias.
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>I think that would be the wrong approach, because the moment you allow people to hide their identity, you lose the public accountability that comes with putting your name on comments in a community. However, I see that it might allow someone who has been "labeled" -- either fairly or unfairly -- to have a fresh start. But, I think it might lead to more abuse in the long run.
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>>And if someone misbehave while using his alias the authorities would have the right to disclose the identity of the offender.
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>I'm sure the forum owner would have to consult the lawyers on this one to be sure he couldn't be hit with lawsuits for revealing someone's identity...