I speak only for myself, but I would love it if people here were generally a little more forthcoming
about their real names, ages, locations, occupations, etc, in their profiles.
In my time on the internet, I have grown increasingly tired of the anonymous world of handles
and secret identities, which I think lends itself to distrust and hostility, and at times to outright
dishonesty.
Isn't it time we started presenting ourselves, and seeing others, as full-fledged persons, not as
names on a screen? Wouldn't a more complete picture of the community members be beneficial
to the community as a whole? Wouldn't we prefer RHP to be more like a social gathering in a
public space, and less like a shadowy digital netherworld?
Just speaking for myself, I know that I perceive and treat people differently when I think of them
as having real names, real faces, and real lives. Does that mean I need to know their innermost
secrets and emotions? No-- in fact, I'd rather not! But I would like to know enough to feel like I
am really interacting with actual people.
Accordingly, I have decided to include more information in my profile. I think it's great that some
players have put up pictures of themselves, and I intend to do so as well.
David Tebb's idea that players with real life ratings should make them known is a good one-- I
would extend that by saying that it would be interesting and useful to have a sense of the general
kind and quantity of chess experience of other players, and especially of the better players on the
site.
I realize that there may be people who prefer to remain anonymous, and that's fine. But for
those who wouldn't mind giving more information, I think it would be a good thing for the
atmosphere of this community, and the experience of the players.
What do you all think?
Jake Vaccaro
Dave,I coudn't resist,Becky knows more about me than Dave does.
Now guys,lets get this back to the top.
I'll start. With contrary view:
26,000 players here.
Only a relative handfull want to do anything more than play chess
moves.
Us (sad) handfull love the social side.
We are a few among the many.
Lyn.
The profiles are for better or worse somewhat like the ads for singles.
The idea is to be interesting and provocative. My experience is that
the dialogue in the game is a perfect place to reveal all those other
things, but I do understand that for some on the site it's down to
business once the game starts. So to all I say take the advice of my
friend in Chapel Hill, Jake, and get to know one another and check out
my pic, Jake. It's not me, but it is me. Kirk
I am against any sort of discrimination,and therefore I welcome this
topic.
People are given a bad deal everyday.
Are you old?
Are you Gay?
Are you The wrong creed?
The point of this post is often people can not come out and say:
What I call that they are special:
I am different.
I am not normal.
That is why we hide behind screen names.
I have had a tragic time with a friend who would not admit to anyone
that licour ruled her life.
But,if she came here,played like a drunk...etc.
But,if she had to say to everybody that she played chess 2 sheets to
the wind...you get the drift.
Lyn.
