[Cazador]

I'll admit to using my super-hero moderator powers for no good. A long time ago, I didn't know that only moderators could see people's first name, and I used them freely (never last names, though). I soon realized that this type of disclosure had a positive effect on our sense of community, and nobody had ever brought up the issue of disclosing first names before. Perhaps I innocently started a trend, but I intentionally continued that trend after visiting the forum without logging on and learning that not everybody can see first names. Once or twice, I've even sent friendly PMs to people that haven't disclosed their first names, hoping to learn their first names. Yah, I'm rotten like that, but I also think that's the way friendships are born. I'm glad to have many friendships with people on this forum who I've never met, and that would be difficult to achieve if I didn't know their first name.

Now that Ermingtrude Doodlebah (oops... used her last name) has pointed it out... I have to make a decision. Ceasing to greet people by their first name won't atone for disclosing the names of those who've already been greeted. I fear it will only change the level of civility that we enjoy on this forum. If Ermingtrude, or anyone else, is truely bothered... not just joking around, then send me a PM, and I'll stop using first names to greet new members. Moreover, I'll GUARANTEE the confidentiality of your request!

Personally, I wouldn't want anything to change on this forum (except perhaps the line stating that names won't be shared), but I can't speak for anyone who might have been offended.

Sincerely,
Rick Looselips