OT: Why use non alphanumeric characters in your member name
 

I have noticed that many members use non alphanumeric characters in their name. Is there a reason for this? Just curious.

For example: @br@.ham Lin.coln or G3org3 W@$hing+on

I assume some do it for flair while others do it to prevent them from turning up in Google searches.

Röb

precisely!!

This is the main reason. I know I don't want my bored coworkers stumbling upon my personal life activities. Same reason my Facebook is blocked from searches.

I've been doing it since the old Net54 board. I felt weird posting scans of cards from my collection that anyone who searched my name could see. I also felt weird using an alias instead of my actual name. So I found that by just putting a period in the middle of my last name, it disrupted the google search.

-Al

100% because of Google searches for privacy.

I used to not put my complete name, but as I post more I feel it is good for trust. However, the little change helps keep my private life private.

I'm happily married, but after I saw this thread and post #19 (Link), I figured that if someone wanted to look me up, having my info so blatantly published might not be the smartest thing.