Why Don't Members Put Their Name in Their Profile?
The question of why members don't put their name in their WA profile comes up pretty often.
I think I might know the answer!
When someone make the wise decision to join WA, they get a couple welcome messages. One is from the member who referred them and the other is from Kyle or Carson.
Those message refer to the member by their first name. They can do that because it is build into the automated messages that the system sends out.
It is probably only natural that when the new member goes to write their profile, they think everyone can see their name. So, they don't think about including it.
After we have been here a while, we know that isn't true. If we want to be polite and refer to the member by name, we have to search through old messages on their profile page looking for it.
So, please go to you profile page and tell us your first name or what you would like to be called. It only takes a minute and makes it easier for everyone.
Thank you,
Tom
Recent Comments
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I agree with your thought Tom, but what has puzzled me even more is the profile images that many use. I mean cuddly animals are cute, fast sports cars are cool, a close up photo from nature is fresh, and a thought provoking verse can be inspirational, but why not a personal photo? What are folks hiding from?
I used to think maybe they don't have a photo in digital form, but that's a weak answer with the great cameras included with all cell phones.
Just saying.
There are a lot of reasons why people don't write their names. As a teacher in technology, I always remind my students to stay cybersafe and be alert by not disclosing too much information about themselves to anyone they don't know.
Well, with the new feature we have, you don't have to spend so much time searching for a member's name. All you have to do is hover your curser on the profile pix and you will see the username as written in their account setting.
Now, I can leave a message to anyone by their names which I don't usually do when I can't find their names at one glance.
Yes there are reasons people are reluctant to give their name. A nickname will do fine though.
Tom
I understand your point about being cybersafe. It used to be Scam and Spam avoidence, but I guess cyber security is the real threat.
H Tom and I thought that names were there when you joined so I went to m page and my names are there twice actually a f I have never done anything
That is a great addition Loes but it still only give the user name right? It doesn't really tell us what the member wants to be called.
Tom
I must be missing something Loes. I don't see the real name - just the user name and first few lines of the profile.
The first line where you place your message says: Leave Thomas a message - or - Leave Jovo a message
I was in mountains Loes, no Internet. Yes you are right, there is real name. They did it nicely.
I still don't see why that would give a reason to not have your name on your profile. When other members want to respond to you it's far easier (and more personal,) if there is a name by your profile :)
Part of my post didn't come through Jude. I just fixed it.
I think new members assume the name shows even though we know it doesn't.
Tom
I agree - I have no problem with my name here.
I suppose for some people, their name is not their "brand" - and for others, it may be that they don't want their current employers or family to find out that they're trying to make money elsewhere, in case it is seen as a conflict for their employment, or in case they fail in the eyes of their family. Both of which are quite a shame.
For others, simply having an assumed name is just part of anonymity on the internet - which has its own many obvious plus points.
For me, I don't mind either way - I choose to use my name, and am happy to do so. I've no problem with others not using theirs though.
All the best, Mark
I still think there should be something their Mark. If someone doesn't want to be called by their name then they should tell us what they do want to be called.
Tom
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You've hit the nail with this post, Tom. I think, it's a courtesy; give our name.
I agree Rosa. WA is a community after all. It seems polite to introduce ourselves.
Tom