I've never understood the signing of the name rule on this site. I'm sure some people have valid reasons for not wanting to sign there names. It seems to really bother some people if they don't know who somebody it.

Reasons why were communicated here:

http://www.horseshoes.com/forums/showthread.php?p=177628&highlight=anonymous#post177628

Personally speaking I'm indifferent about whether it's at the bottom of each and every post.

However I am of the view that if you're a pro giving advice or forthrightly challenging what another pro is doing or suggesting that you shouldn't be posting anonymously.

That can be covered off by ensuring that proper details are provided in User Profiles but I'm thinking that it may be an inconvenience for folks to have to keep looking there

For me it's a measure of the man (or woman) if they are proud to stand up strongly for what they know and what they believe and also if they're prepared to challenge others and particularly in this context when it comes to matters of professional integrity and such as standards of horsemanship and equine welfare. If it's being done anonymously it's no different to a Yorkshire Terrier yapping behind a closed door!

Too many forums have anonymous folks with silly user names arguing black is white and suggesting the mad, bad and positively dangerous and claiming they're some sort of expert with a gazillion satisfied paying customers.

This forum is different in that horse owners can be assured if they come here that they will get a bunch of folks who are pros and who proudly post their names and details.

I personally have recommended the site to numerous owners who are having problems with their horses farriery and for sure I always stress that it's REAL people with REAL names and REAL jobs.

That's something to be valued.

I'm not sure how signing a post makes you a professional.

I prefer to read what is written. I don't decide if information is good based on who wrote it.

Eric Russell in gray

I'm not sure how signing a post makes you a professional.

Signing a post means one has taken personal responsibility for what one has written and is not a gutless troll, bravely hiding under a cloak of anonymity.

I prefer to read what is written. I don't decide if information is good based on who wrote it.

It's not about the quality of information, it's about taking responsibility for what one writes.

Well that's an awful lot of editing I need to do to all my various usernames.

Yes, farriers and vets should identify themselves as a professional courtesy to others.

Horse owners seeking counsel should be allowed their anonymity.

Cheers,
Mark

Eric Russell wrote:
Eric Russell wrote:
For what it's worth, this rule wasn't needed or necessary for all the years this website was running until recently. For the most part, it was just a way of getting rid of Just Passin Through~
George

If I couldn't know who is writing these posts, I probably wouldn't bother reading them, just as I don't often bother reading the COTH. I have more important things to do than slog through a bunch of posts by 12 year olds pretending to be hoof care experts. It's tough enough reading through the posts by the BUA and other "true believers" we do sometimes encounter here, without having every wacko who has a keyboard and youtube access being able to post on here behind a cloak of anonymity.

Regards

I would hope that it would keep conversations more civil (or at least make folks less apt to make libelous or defamatory statements). I think it helps people to think before they type, and edit judiciously afterward. That's a good thing.

Eric Russell wrote:
I agree with this. Not to mention, I need a good laugh from from time to time.

boxnsafe wrote:
agreed.
it encourages professionalism and integrity and discourages most from harshly slamming others without great reason.

It sets this forum above others. People are people on this site not virtual keyboard warriors, Horse owners can google you if they wish to check your credentials or qualifications, I like the fact that there is a farrier specific section to the forum to.

Eric Russell wrote:
No one so much as suggested that just signing something made you professional.

It means you're standing up for what you say and taking responsibility for it.

Western Hill Forge wrote:

david a hall wrote:

i also agree, you should have your name on your post reading others opinions on topics helps everyone also how many people have met each other or helped another when they have needed a hand

JR Farrier Service wrote:Is that a fact?

Tell that to Smitty:rolleyes:
George