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Charlie
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 3:04 pm
Post subject: Photographs & Pseudonyms
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Hello everyone.
I have a bit of a dilemma, and I was wondering if anyone has any strong views or experience that might help...
I have a number of existing affiliate web sites, but, due to a previous job, thus far I have not included a photo of myself or my real name. However, I know many of the "experts" suggest being as real as possible helps sales, and I am wondering about putting up a photo as a test.
A while ago, I read of a test Terry Dean did... For years he had a picture of himself wearing a suit, so he decided to test this against a picture of him in a "colourful" shirt, accompanied by his dog and also tried no picture at all. He said removing the suit picture had no noticeable effect, but changing it for the dog picture made a slight improvement. (His theory was that he felt more genuine not wearing the suit, and his visitors picked up on this.)
Anyway, my dilemma... As I don't own a dog, and I'm not particularly handsome whatever I'm wearing, I am considering the following options...
1. Include a picture of someone else. I would not state that it was me, but I would place it in such a way that that was the implication.
2. Include a picture of me working at the computer, taken from the side and slightly behind, so that my face would not be recognisable. I would clearly state that this was me.
3. Use a pseudonym. Remember the emphasis here is on my privacy / safety, rather than trying to deceive anyone for personal gain.
I know Allan and others profile themselves quite strongly, but I would be interested to hear anyone's view on the ethical aspects of using a false name and image. All other personal information and details of my experience would remain genuine, but just under disguise, if you like.
Do you think it makes much difference whether it's your own products or affiliate content sites?
Imagine you are a visitor who finds out about this later... Would you think this was acceptable? Or would you feel bad about it? Is this any different from a book author using a pseudonym, for example?
Has anyone done any scientific split testing with photos?
Thanks in advance for your help,
Charlie.
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Timothy Warnock
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 6:17 pm
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Hi Charlie,
I can't specifically answer your question, but I do have a funny story to tell.
A couple of months ago, I came across a site that had just launched a new product, and the "photo"of this product (you know, one of these fake ebook cover jobs), had a photo of a young man presenting this product.
The very bizarre part of this story is that the author of this product had the same name as a cousin of mine, and the photo on the product was identical to my cousin.
I was certain it was my cousin, so certain, that I wrote to this fellow as if he was my cousin (whom I hadn't heard from for years) - I thought it was real cool that my cousin had created such a product!
To my dismay, this fellow did not respond to my repeated emails. Then finally I wrote to him saying, "look, I'm not some crazy nut, you look exactly like my cousin, please respond even if you are not".
Well, he responded saying that he didn't know what the heck I was talking about, and that the photo on the product cover wasn't him anyway.
What a trip!
I then managed to contact my real cousin, and I showed him what I had found - he thought it was pretty funny knowing that he had a parallel cyber existence out there (the photo was someone who just looked like him), and the guy who created the product just happened to have the same name - and I happened to stumble across this and put the two together.
What are the odds of this happening again? I'm still laughing.
The weirdest things happen...
Tim
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Larry Chamberlain
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 7:40 pm
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Hi Charlie,
Blimey mate, what a fascinating post.
Yes many of the "Gurus" do say that putting your mug shot on your site inspires confidence. I think that in most cases they are right, however some blokes look dodgey no matter how they dress, or in the case of a photo how they pose, don't mean that they are anything less than upright and honest, they just look dodgey. But in most cases I think that it does help, and you don't have to be a hunk.
I was very nervous about putting my old boat race on my about page, it's a rather unclear small b/w photo so I suppose that helps. Would you believe that so far no women at all have contacted me wanting to ravish my body! I was also very concerned about publishing my address, but to get into certain directories it is a requirement, but no problems with that so far.
When you think about it Charlie, what are the odds of someone seeing your picture on your site and saying "that's the bloke that lives down the road" it is unlikely to happen IMHO.
| Quote: | | Include a picture of someone else. I would not state that it was me, but I would place it in such a way that that was the implication. |
Just my opinion but, no no no. Bad enough on an ebook cover, on your site definitely not.
| Quote: | | Include a picture of me working at the computer, taken from the side and slightly behind, so that my face would not be recognisable. I would clearly state that this was me. |
No mate, your bald spot would show!  But seriously, at the computer is always good I think but why hide?
| Quote: | | Use a pseudonym. Remember the emphasis here is on my privacy / safety, rather than trying to deceive anyone for personal gain. |
You must have reasons to be so concerned, but remember your name can be a valuable asset. Suppose that Allan had remained anonymous, would AssociatePrograms.com have grown like it has? What if Ken Evoy had left his name off MYSS, would he have been successful when he later tried to promote SBI saying "I'm the bloke who wrote MYSS, honest I am"?
You could be photographed wearing a zoro type mask, it could create quite a buzz! Who is the masked man behind this site. $10,000 to the first one to unmask him!
I hope my feeble attempts at humor about what for you is obviously a serious subject haven't offended.
Is Charlie your real name?
All the best,
Larry Chamberlain.
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Charlie
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 8:44 pm
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Hello Larry.
| Larry wrote: | | Blimey mate, what a fascinating post. |
Thanks. Glad you took the trouble to reply.
| Larry wrote: | | Quote: | | Include a picture of someone else. I would not state that it was me, but I would place it in such a way that that was the implication. |
Just my opinion but, no no no. Bad enough on an ebook cover, on your site definitely not. |
Does anyone else feel this strongly, or is it just Larry?
| Larry wrote: | | You must have reasons to be so concerned, but remember your name can be a valuable asset. Suppose that Allan had remained anonymous, would AssociatePrograms.com have grown like it has? What if Ken Evoy had left his name off MYSS, would he have been successful when he later tried to promote SBI saying "I'm the bloke who wrote MYSS, honest I am"? |
I agree on the importance of the name as the brand, but there's a big difference between remaining anonymous and using a pseudonym...
Consider what might have happened if Ken Evoy had used the alias Ken Evans when he wrote MYSS! Surely Ken Evans would now be just as famous, and SiteSell would be essentially the same company today. (By the way, I know of one very famous internet marketer who uses a consistent alias in this way, and I dare bet there are others.)
Is there any difference between a case such as this and a best-selling author of novels relying on their pseudonym to sell the sequels?
Or, put another way, if I told you Ken Evoy's name really was Ken Evans (and you belived me, even though I don't think it really is), would you feel any differently about Ken Evoy or SiteSell as a result?
| Larry wrote: | | I hope my feeble attempts at humor about what for you is obviously a serious subject haven't offended. |
No problem! 
You made some interesting points. I hope others will share their views, too.
Cheers,
Charlie.
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Timothy Warnock
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:42 pm
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Hi Charlie,
Seriously now, I have thought about what you are asking quite a lot. And although I don't have any solid testing proof to back me up, I do have some gut feelings.
First of all, transparency is a simple good thing. What exactly are you concerned about?
I also run an offline business, but I don't wear a mask, or give out business cards with a false name. What's the difference with an online business?
I know for a fact that I get most of my work because people have come to trust me, they know they can contact me, and I will be there to resolve their problems if needed. If anyone ever decided to do some investigating on my life, they won't find any strange lies or contradictions.
I personally feel better about everything being right up front.
I never make a post anonymously, and you can see by my posts that they are made to help, not harm - so I don't have enemies. But even if some nut wants to come after me, I guess it's my karma - and I'll just deal with it.
A very wise man once said, "You have to be more dangerous than danger itself." This is a mental attitude, not a physical way of being.
Regarding transparency and truth, these are divine qualities, and by expressing them we move that much closer to our real nature, this helps to inspire peace, spontaneity, and eventually joy and love.
What does this have to do with CR% on a web site? A LOT! When we can convey a feeling of being comfortable with ourselves, this demonstrates that we are also comfortable with others, and that there is nothing up our sleeves to hide. Trust inspires sales.
| Quote: |
A while ago, I read of a test Terry Dean did... For years he had a picture of himself wearing a suit, so he decided to test this against a picture of him in a "colourful" shirt, accompanied by his dog and also tried no picture at all. He said removing the suit picture had no noticeable effect, but changing it for the dog picture made a slight improvement. (His theory was that he felt more genuine not wearing the suit, and his visitors picked up on this.) |
You don't need a dog to convey this, you just need to be yourself.
I think if you aren't comfortable with posting a picture, don't force it, but I personally think that it would be a good idea to at least start using your real name on everything that you do.
Then post a picture when it feels right, not just because you hope to make more sales. In the end I think it should be a kind of statement that says,
"I stand behind everything that happens here. Here I am."
I hope this helps.
Tim
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Larry Chamberlain
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:07 pm
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I agree on the importance of the name as the brand, but there's a big difference between remaining anonymous and using a pseudonym...
Consider what might have happened if Ken Evoy had used the alias Ken Evans when he wrote MYSS! Surely Ken Evans would now be just as famous, and SiteSell would be essentially the same company today. (By the way, I know of one very famous internet marketer who uses a consistent alias in this way, and I dare bet there are others.)
Is there any difference between a case such as this and a best-selling author of novels relying on their pseudonym to sell the sequels?
Or, put another way, if I told you Ken Evoy's name really was Ken Evans (and you belived me, even though I don't think it really is), would you feel any differently about Ken Evoy or SiteSell as a result?
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Glad you weren't offended Charlie.
No, it wouldn't make any difference if Ken Evoy used the name Ken Evans, except it would stop me from consistently misspelling his name as Ken Envoy, I see a lot of others making that boob!
You are right of course, a non de plume used from the start would have no negative effect upon "branding". Hypothetically taking it a step further, if you were to use someone else's picture from the start I suppose the same argument holds. A sort of Cyreno de Bergerac (misspelled) thing. You could use a model with a "I'm scrupulously honest" face, and even update with fresh photos as he ages. A bit worrying in case he blew the gaff on you though, and even with the similarity between the two cases, I don't know why but I can't help thinking the second one ain't quite right.
Something connected, Neil Shearing uses a photo of himself, his charming wife and their newborn son Adam, on all his sites. Can't help thinking that baby Adam is now 16 and 6ft3ins!
All the best,
Larry Chamberlain.
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km
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Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2003 11:45 pm
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Hey Guys,
Very funny...got a good chuckle out of Tim and Larry?s posts...much needed this week!
Tossing in my 2 cents worth...if you?re not comfortable using a personal photo...don?t. What makes a difference is what you say and what you do. You will gain people?s trust by being honest and straightforward.
The idea that it is okay to hide ones identity simply because you operate online doesn?t make sense to me...unless, of course, you actually have something to hide. I?m always suspicious of anyone who feels the need to hide his or her identity. Why do that?
I agree completely with everything Tim Warnock posted on this subject. It is so important to be yourself, be honest, and stand behind everything you do. Despite the vastness of the Internet, one can become notorious in a heartbeat if it becomes known that they do anything less.
Bottom line...conducting business online should be no different from doing business offline. The same principles you follow in your personal life should apply to your business life, as well
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Charlie
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 1:20 am
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Hello again.
Thanks, Tim, Larry and Kerri for your posts. This is exactly the sort of meat I was hoping we'd get to, sooner rather than later...
| Kerri wrote: | | The idea that it is okay to hide ones identity simply because you operate online doesn’t make sense to me...unless, of course, you actually have something to hide. I’m always suspicious of anyone who feels the need to hide his or her identity. Why do that? |
Before I address some of the points you've all raised, let me just clarify something...
I have a very important reason for wanting to keep my identity secret, but one that I am not prepared to divulge. I can understand why that might make some people suspicious, but please believe me when I say my motives are entirely honourable and ethical. If you have trouble accepting this, please treat this scenario as a purely hypothetical one.
That said, I've got a few ideas to bounce back at you...
| Tim wrote: | | I also run an offline business, but I don't wear a mask, or give out business cards with a false name. What's the difference with an online business? |
| Kerri wrote: | | Bottom line...conducting business online should be no different from doing business offline. The same principles you follow in your personal life should apply to your business life, as well. |
If I were running an offline business where I was taking a public role, I would be handling the matter of my own identity with the same degree of caution. I am perfectly happy with my principles here.
| Tim wrote: | | I know for a fact that I get most of my work because people have come to trust me, they know they can contact me, and I will be there to resolve their problems if needed. |
Why should this be any different with someone using a pseudonym?
| Tim wrote: | | I never make a post anonymously, and you can see by my posts that they are made to help, not harm - so I don't have enemies. |
I'd like to think my posts are made to help people, too. Will the fact that I have now started this thread make you view my other posts in a different light? I truly hope not.
| Tim wrote: | | What does this have to do with CR% on a web site? A LOT! When we can convey a feeling of being comfortable with ourselves, this demonstrates that we are also comfortable with others, and that there is nothing up our sleeves to hide. Trust inspires sales. |
Who says a person can't be comfortable with themselves and still use a pseudonym? Would it be necessary for me to change my name by deed poll (a legal method here in the UK) to deserve trust, if I wasn't prepared to use my current "real" name?
| Larry wrote: | | No, it wouldn't make any difference if Ken Evoy used the name Ken Evans, except it would stop me from consistently misspelling his name as Ken Envoy, I see a lot of others making that boob! |
Yes indeed. Last time I checked Overture (a while ago), "Envoy" was actually more popular than the correct spelling.
| Larry wrote: | You could use a model with a "I'm scrupulously honest" face, and even update with fresh photos as he ages.
...
I can't help thinking [this] ain't quite right. |
No, I don't think that's the route to take, either.
I wasn't sure how strongly people would feel about this subject, but I think I'm starting to find out!
It's beginning to look as though it's the pseudonym rather than the photo that is the problem here. Here's three points I like to put to you...
1. If you don't know someone's reason for wanting to withhold their true identity, what makes you so sure it can be dismissed out of hand? Consider this hypothetical scenario...
I recently agreed to testify against some seriously dangerous criminals, in return for witness protection. However, now the police have decided not to stick to their side of the bargain, and I have decided to keep a low profile. However, I need to eat, so I turn to the net. Must I endanger my own public safety, just to avoid unreasonable suspicion from others?
This isn't me, but how would you know if it was?
If you found this to be true, would you change your view of my right to use a pseudonym?
2. Secondly, sorry to repeat myself, but...
| Quote: | | Or, put another way, if I told you Ken Evoy's name really was Ken Evans (and you belived me, even though I don't think it really is), would you feel any differently about Ken Evoy or SiteSell as a result? |
In other words, is it the finding out that matters, or the "deception" (not my word for it) itself? I put it to you, that you would be a bit more forgiving of "Mr Evans" than you seem to be of me, for even daring to raise the subject!
3. Lastly, if you really disapprove so strongly of the pseudonym concept, how do you regard someone who changes their name for good reason? What is the difference between learning to "be comfortable" with a new identity and writing under a pseudonym?
Some people might say "what's in a name". I think I'd rather deal with a reliable, honest ethical individual whatever name he chose to go under, than get a worse deal from someone who I thought should be "more comfortable being himself", if you see what I mean.
As I said, I appreciate your honest input. Rest assured, once I decide whether to take the photo and/or pseudonym route, I'll be re-reading this thread! 
All the best,
Charlie.
P.S. Sorry if that sounds a bit final... any more opinions gratefully accepted!
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AllanGardyne
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 2:47 am
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| Charlie wrote: | | I have a very important reason for wanting to keep my identity secret, but one that I am not prepared to divulge. |
I'm willing to accept that. Perhaps "Charlie" is really Jennifer, and you're being stalked by your ex. Or perhaps you work as an FBI agent and the FBI doesn't want your photo online.
Whatever, let's accept that you have a good reason.
I can't believe you're seriously considering publishing a photo of someone else implying that it's you, so I'm not going to waste time discussing that option.
Another option to consider is getting an artist to draw a cartoon character and make that your public image. You could have a lot of fun with that.
You could be a flaming redhead, a saucy blonde...
You could be whatever you want to be.
As it's already been pointed out, I doubt very much if AssociatePrograms.com would be as successful as it is if I'd stayed anonymous. Today we have an Alexa ranking of 1,993, which beats dozens of other affiliate directory competitors including a couple that have multi-million-dollar backing.
The picture I publish of me holding a snake - http://www.AssociatePrograms.com/search/us.shtml - has generated a lot interest and funny comments since I first published it online in 1996. It's just one small way of making people pause and think about me, and hopefully remember me and what I do.
Going public with your name and photo is also a wonderful way of making friends online. It's sort of hard to feel really friendly towards "Charlie" when you don't even know if that person is male or female. Giving me a cartoon chracter to focus on would help, I think.
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gana
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 3:05 am
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Very nice topics and interesting view points. I wanted to share mine too.
I don't think anyone would mind when they find out people using pseudonym, as long as it is consistent. That is why many authors use a consistant name.
Actually this helps in branding. People recognize names easily and they tend to remember it if they had some picture to associate with it. That is why photos seems to improve the trust factor. It conveys the meaning that the person behind the website is genuine. So in case you are not able to use your photo, don't use another to imply its you. In case you need to hide your identity, then as allan suggested, use some cartoon character to identify yourself. That would work out well too.
But i don't see any point in using others photo and not claiming its you. It serves no purpose. Using others photo to claim its you(even of you don't state it explicitly) would be a bit risky. If someone finds out it is not you, you may loose the trust. I can give an example on this.
I have seen some posts in many forums for a particular person. He was helpful too. But recently, i came across one of his websites and found that the address is phoney. Though the full address is given in the website, i am from the same city and i am sure no one can have that address. Now i suspect that person. But his posts have been helpful, so i am confused. Even then the suspicion factor has come up. Now i would think twice if he comes out with his product.
Anyway as pointed out, using photos with a name/consistant pseudonym will sure increase the trust factor. Just my thoughts.
To your success,
Gana.
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Charlie
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:00 pm
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Hello again.
Thanks Allan and Gana for your posts. I was beginning to think this thread was getting a bit too "idealistic" for comfort. Thanks for sharing something practical!
| Allan Gardyne wrote: | | Whatever, let's accept that you have a good reason. |
Couldn't have put it better myself!
| Allan Gardyne wrote: | | I can't believe you're seriously considering publishing a photo of someone else implying that it's you, so I'm not going to waste time discussing that option. |
How about those photo graphics that many of the "expert" direct marketers use to the left of their sales letters? They are putting a person on to reassure potential buyers, aren't they? When does using a graphic like this turn into "implying a photo is of themselves"?
| Allan Gardyne wrote: | | Another option to consider is getting an artist to draw a cartoon character and make that your public image. You could have a lot of fun with that. |
Yes, I certainly could have a lot of fun with that! Unfortunately, I sometimes think I have enough problems being taken seriously as it is, without turning my websites into comics!
Seriously, though, surely cartoons would not be appropriate for many markets. Incidentally, is it just me, or does anyone else find those cartoons in SiteSell's PDFs irritating and unnecessary? (I suppose you can't please everybody.)
| Allan Gardyne wrote: | | As it's already been pointed out, I doubt very much if AssociatePrograms.com would be as successful as it is if I'd stayed anonymous. |
I am not talking about being anonymous. I'm talking about living a fictional identity for honest reasons. Same goods, different coloured box, if you like. As long as the packaging remains consistent, what's the problem?
I don't know about you, but a part of me has always found the idea of schizophrenia very interesting. 
| Allan Gardyne wrote: | | Going public with your name and photo is also a wonderful way of making friends online. It's sort of hard to feel really friendly towards "Charlie" when you don't even know if that person is male or female. Giving me a cartoon chracter to focus on would help, I think. |
Let's face it, we all like to know "who" we're dealing with, but perhaps the thought that some people online are not who they seem is just a little too scary to contemplate. After all, the www, email and forums are regulated by trust too a large degree. Perhaps we just can't let ourselves start down this path, as without the reassurance that we are talking to who we think we are, the net as a communication medium would be too dangerous a place to go.
Anyway, that's enough armchair psychology from me - back to the practical...
| Gana wrote: | | I don't think anyone would mind when they find out people using pseudonym, as long as it is consistent. That is why many authors use a consistant name. |
That's what I would have said when I started this thread, but others seem to hold a very different view.
| Gana wrote: | | I have seen some posts in many forums for a particular person. He was helpful too. But recently, i came across one of his websites and found that the address is phoney. Though the full address is given in the website, i am from the same city and i am sure no one can have that address. Now i suspect that person. |
Yes, I see what you mean. He may have his reasons, but it doesn't look good. Let me puta question to you, though...
Now you know, do you wish you'd never found out?
Surely the point is that an identity is just an identity. Why turn down good advice, products, information (or whatever) as a result? If you'd never found out, would you still be happy?
Keep those opinions coming!
Thanks again,
Charlie.
P.S. Has anyone done any actual measured testing with photos?
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Debs
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:31 pm
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Charlie,
Instead of a comic, or false picture, how about a true caricature? It would be different enough not to reveal your identity, but actually of you so no false impressions are given.
You could use a recent picture, graduation picture, or some picture from the past ...
As far as your name ... what about using your middle name vs. first name? Or a variation on your last name ie last name Smith, use Smitty ... similar to a pseudonym but more real perhaps?
Just my 2 cents,
Debs
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Timothy Warnock
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:50 pm
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Great thread Charlie or is it Charlene? ,
| Quote: |
I have a very important reason for wanting to keep my identity secret, but one that I am not prepared to divulge. I can understand why that might make some people suspicious, but please believe me when I say my motives are entirely honourable and ethical. If you have trouble accepting this, please treat this scenario as a purely hypothetical one.
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I certainly don't want to say that there isn't the potential of ethical motives behind someone's choice to use a false name. Your point is clear.
I think though that the majority that do use a false name do it because they are ashamed of what they do, or feel that there is a risk to somehow hurt their "real" reputation. So, throw away personalities are created. This should be cause for serious introspection.
| Quote: |
Or, put another way, if I told you Ken Evoy's name really was Ken Evans (and you belived me, even though I don't think it really is), would you feel any differently about Ken Evoy or SiteSell as a result? |
I might. I would certainly become skeptical if I discovered his picture was false. It would make me wonder if he was hiding something that was less than ethical.
This is just an example folks, using Ken's name - don't start any rumors!
I know of very charismatic individuals (in religious/spiritual matters) that said all the right things in their discourses and writings, but led somewhat shady personal lives behind the scenes that were rather scandalous. They did everything in their power to keep these facts wrapped up. Since A LOT of people had put these individuals on pedestals, when the truth came out, it was like watching a very bad film, or being wrapped up in a very bad dream, and a lot of idealistic dreams were destroyed.
The true greatness of an individual is in the example of his/her life, not in the things he/she says. It's the little things that reveal the most about the true character of an individual, not the "great" things that he/she does.
In today's world, true transparency is indeed a rare thing.
Perhaps my idealism makes you uncomfortable Charlie, but except for very particular circumstances (that have been mentioned above), I see absolutely no need to use a false name. Individuals might have good things to say (even when hiding behind a facade), but the fact that they are hiding indicates some level of fear, and something that is not quite right.
My comments are directed to those that hide behind false names for insincere reasons - as if they are ashamed.
To turn the argument around 180 degrees, I could see an individual doing this sort of thing in a post, to purposefully let his/her words stand on their own merit, without the added baggage of a famous name, be it good or bad. But even here, there is still a level of falseness and lack of taking full responsibility for what is being said.
So few on this planet seem willing to take responsibility for their own actions, and this is leading all of us down a very dangerous road. The ONLY way to combat this tendency, is to DO our own little part to the best of our ability, and this means being very conscientious of all the little things that we do each and everyday.
I don't think it's necessary to spill our guts and tell all, but if at all possible, transparency is a powerful thing.
Nothing is black and white, and I do my best to refrain from judgement. I just wanted to make some points from where I see things. I will certainly continue to read and evaluate your posts Charlie, the fact that you brought this discussion out into the open already says quite a lot.
My best wishes,
Tim
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Timothy Warnock
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Charlie
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 1:56 pm
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Hello again.
| Debs wrote: | | Instead of a comic, or false picture, how about a true caricature? |
| Debs wrote: | | As far as your name ... what about using your middle name vs. first name? Or a variation on your last name ie last name Smith, use Smitty ... similar to a pseudonym but more real perhaps? |
Interesting ideas, Debs, but I'm afraid the markets I am interested interested in do not really lend themselves to the use of cartoons / caricatures or nicknames. Whether or not a photo is vital is one thing, but a full name I think is. The question is "who's"...
| Tim wrote: | | Perhaps my idealism makes you uncomfortable Charlie... |
Tim, I don't think it's the idealism I mind so much as the way the thread has sometimes focused on me and my decisions, challenging my value sytems rather than presenting other options.
I am not asking for some lind of psychotherapy or spiritual counselling. I am more than happy with my life and work ethics, and at the end of the day, I'll make my own decisions no matter what anyone says in this forum.
Maybe it's my own fault for wording the initial post the way I did, but from now on, can everyone please concentrate on expressing their own opinions. Try talking about your own experiences, rather than worrying about saving me from myself.
Thanks,
Charlie.
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gana
Joined:
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Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2003 3:49 pm
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Hi again,
| Timothy Warnock wrote: |
In today's world, true transparency is indeed a rare thing.
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Exactly why a photograph would increase trust. I have observed many sites and made notes and most of the successful ones(as far as i can tell) have a photo and a signature. Sure the signature is done by some graphics program and not a real one. But it is understandable. So i still think adding a photo will help increase trust.
| Charlie wrote: |
Now you know, do you wish you'd never found out?
Surely the point is that an identity is just an identity. Why turn down good advice, products, information (or whatever) as a result? If you'd never found out, would you still be happy?
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I do wish i had not found out. I am not turning down the advice, information etc.. But i still am not comfortable with the idea that the person would go as far to give out a false address. Sure, he/she may have his/her reasons. But after giving out full name by which people will recognize and his/her profession, i don't see any point in giving a false address. There is a phone number listed though. But i am not sure whether i should call up or not. It is none of my business and i don't want to invade his/her privacy. So probably i won't contact the person or reveal about it to anyone else. But still i have become somewhat uncomfortable. This is one of the reasons Allan stands out from the crowd. If you take a look at my website, i still have not put up any photos. But after this thread, i am having thoughts about it. But the firm i work for may object, so i need to clear it with them.
Another example would be a person called GoogleGuy who frequents some search engine forums. I have seen his posts and more times than not it is vague. It is supposed to be an employee of google. So we can understand the pseudonym. But in any case, any post from that person has my interest. I guess so it does for many others. The point is, though the person is hiding his/her identity, i have no problem accepting it.
In your case, if you are able to use your photograph, then its fine, else don't consider using others' implying its you. In case someone finds out and decides not to contact you and post it in a public forum instead, there would be a seed of doubt sown in many others mind thereby ruining the trust factor. I am sure you do have your reasons for this. But i guess you can use your name instead.
With modern softwares, you can 'touch up' your photograph too if you need to absolutely use a photograph AND hide your identity.
Just my 2 cents.
To your success,
Gana.
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