Re: This is an open forum - were you aware?
Although it was wrong of this person to respond as they did, I do think it might be an idea to emphasise that it's an open forum on the introductory pages.
I used my real name without realising I wouldn't get the opportunity to change it later except by asking the administrators to do it. I've kept using my real name because otherwise the responses to my posts wouldn't make sense, but I'd really like to change it now, after being reminded that the forum is open.
If my name was more common, I wouldn't mind so much, and I don't delude myself that I'm important enough for anyone to give a flying fig about me. All the same these are very personal issues and don't like even to entertain the 1% possibility that someone might be able to find out who I am.
I don't remember now why I used my real name - I think I was so desperate to post that I couldn't be bothered to think up a pseudonym.
__________________
Fear's a dangerous thing,
It will turn your heart black, you can trust.
It'll take your God-filled soul
And fill it with devils and dust.
- Bruce Springsteen