Someone else has brought this up recently just do not know why they dont, I have no really thought about it as my user name is just that a shorten version of my given name

When I signed up for WA, I had no idea the community that was included in my membership! A username is prompted, just as with every other place you need to create a username and password...so username it was for me.
I must have sensed a place of trust, however, as I did include my name in my profile :) And although I don't remember having changed my username, I must have...because you can only change it once and I cannot now change my username to my name :(
Emily

You are dead right John.
I flick back over pages of comments to get many peoples names ........as I hate not addressing people correctly.
Maybe I am a dinosaur - born in the wrong age.
Regards,
Tony

I also agree with you. I seem to remember when I joined and was looking at the set up your profile instructions, it did say to put your name and so I put mine.
It does make it easier to reply to followers if their name is in the profile if not, then I need to scroll all the way down to their welcome message to find the name.

Yes, I totally agree 'acejohn'. Some of then don't even include their own first names (Just their AW usernames) which is a pet hate of mine! After all, they are not giving away any secure information details are they?

Surely it can't hurt to be showing ourselves as human beings can it? Also much friendlier to give our first names I think.

Hi John, Great Blog, You make a very valid point here! Thanks for the heads up!
I welcome Newbies everyday and If I don't see a profile or it's vague, I politely send this along with my welcome. Being new sometimes members just don't get it. I get great feedback from my welcome. I think because so many people have been hurt, that they are reluctant to put their names in, not realizing this will slow them down a little in gaining the trust of their readers. So here it is John, for what it's worth:)

In my Welcome Message, Yep it's a little long, but 99.9% of the newbies appreciate the knowledge and this is first contact!
I include:
You may want to add something about your background and what your hopes and dreams are, why you came to WA? This helps your readers to get to know you and in doing so you will gain their trust. Also, a full frontal head shot of your smiling face says Welcome, because the readers relate to putting a face to a name! Once again, very important in gaining their trust. Readers tend to want that warm fuzzy feeling when dealing with people in cyberspace they have just met. Now, this is a Win, Win situation, makes sense, Yes?:)

I either get a Thank You or when I check back in a day or two, their profile is much better. Keep smiling. Sharon:)

Hi acejohn, as a programmer it is definitely possbile but it depends on certain factors though. I like carcol's comment and are actually practicing it. Anyway you have a good day and thanks for sharing....bye...

Often when someone follows me and there is only a nickname I message them to acknowledge the follow and reciprocate. Whilst doing so I ask them to let me know their name so I know who I'm talking with in future.

You are right John, when do you put yours up? Your nick does suspect your name is John, but it's not always the case with nicknames.

I agree with you. I would much prefer if everyone of us had our face in our profile picture too..I think I've seen too many puppies and kittens and sunsets Hahaha.