Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Rules for Naming--A gift you can give your children

zenda · 01-03-2011, 01:09 AM

Hi Kris.

Hmm ... interesting variant on the topic. Would be 'Rules for online naming -- a gift I can give myself'

If I choose an online name, it is hopefully the product of my well thought-out intent, I am probably in a position to take responsibility for its consequences and to give, if asked, an explanation which I am willing to 'stand by'. It can be as idiosynchratic or as common as I want. It can be transparent to all or to a targetted subsection. "N1ceguy" would be universal, though the touch of 1337speak would gently hint at a subculture-profile. "Sh4rpsword" would not be targetting orchid growers as much as it would target swashbuckle or game addicts. "Sk44rjm4$t3r" would slice the cake even thinner by being identifiable only by those who are familiar with Unreal Tournament, and by bonding with those for whom the merciless substitution of symbols for letters disinguishes the 1337 from the 14m3rz. Embedded peer-group-selection through incomprehensibility to outsiders.

OK if though choice, but the child, however, has no choice, and because, since his or her given name is the first 'handle of contact' with the 'outside world' ... let the name carry the lightest burden of explanation.

01-03-2011, 01:09 AM	#29 (permalink)
zenda Crazy Location: London, England	Hi Kris. Hmm ... interesting variant on the topic. Would be 'Rules for online naming -- a gift I can give myself' If I choose an online name, it is hopefully the product of my well thought-out intent, I am probably in a position to take responsibility for its consequences and to give, if asked, an explanation which I am willing to 'stand by'. It can be as idiosynchratic or as common as I want. It can be transparent to all or to a targetted subsection. "N1ceguy" would be universal, though the touch of 1337speak would gently hint at a subculture-profile. "Sh4rpsword" would not be targetting orchid growers as much as it would target swashbuckle or game addicts. "Sk44rjm4$t3r" would slice the cake even thinner by being identifiable only by those who are familiar with Unreal Tournament, and by bonding with those for whom the merciless substitution of symbols for letters disinguishes the 1337 from the 14m3rz. Embedded peer-group-selection through incomprehensibility to outsiders. OK if though choice, but the child, however, has no choice, and because, since his or her given name is the first 'handle of contact' with the 'outside world' ... let the name carry the lightest burden of explanation.