OK, Google's done foolin' around with you folks who don't want to use your real name on Google+. From here on out, if Google learns the name you're using is not your real name, you've got four days to make amends. After that — you're kicked off of Google+. That's how the hottest new social networking site rolls.
A not-very-happy looking Saurabh Sharma, product manager on the Google+ team, made the announcement late Thursday in a video shared on YouTube (above) and on Google+. He must have sensed how well this was going to go over with users.
It was presented as an "update to how we handle potential violations of our common name policy."
Quote :
One of the things we strive for on Google+ is to make connecting with people on the web more like connecting with people in the real world. So as part of this effort, we’ve asked that those signing up for the service use the name they commonly go by in the real world.
In the past, when we found a profile that was not in line with our Names Policy ... we used to suspend the profile and then let the user appeal.
No more appeals. Effective immediately, "if we find that your profile name does not adhere to our policy, we’ll give you a 4-day grace period to fix your profile name before we take further action." Taking action means your account gets dumped. But you will be allowed to "take all your content with you, even after your profile is suspended. Visit Google Takeout for more details."
Angry comments poured in in response o Sharma's posting and on YouTube (which Google also owns):
"I will be removing Google+ from my online activities. There are many reasons for the use of pseudonyms, including personal safety. For years, we have instructed children and others to not use their "real names" online for privacy and safety concerns. Now Google, in its INFINITE UNwisdom decrees that only "real names" will be used," said "gwyddonaid" on YouTube. "Goodbye, Google. So much for 'do no evil.' "
Emilio Osorio wrote: "What about the necessity of those involved in risky political environments and the use of Google+ as a reach out medium? How's google+ going to handle those real needs of the rest of us that are living in unsecure places (like Mexico)? Or google+ just needs to be considered as a "linkedin/facebook" thing with only rosy politically correct content?"
And said another: "No. I'll gladly give you my real name, you can keep it, give it to advertisers, I really don't care, that's OK with me, its part of the service and I understand that, but, I will not have my display name as my 'real' legal name, I just simply don't use that name with people, I don't use it on the web, its not me, I don't like it, I won't do it."
Subject: Re: Use your real name on Google+ or get minused fast Sun Aug 14, 2011 10:48 am
IDK how they expect to get away with that. While I am out on the Web under my real name, including my nudist activity, Shale has been my filter on forum boards and other places that are accessed by ANYONE IN THE FUCKING WORLD.
The comparison to IRL situations is total bullshit. Ppl who know me in real life, know where I live and my fone # and other real things about me keep it to themselves. When I talk to IRL friends not ANYONE IN THE FUCKING WORLD can hear what we're saying.
Shale doesn't show up on Google Search or any search engines. Rob Lastname does. Shale is where I can enjoy being a bit outrageous without wondering if my staid family or workplace acquaintances will see it. Also, there is a legal barrier if something Shale says that would embarrass an employer - who would associate that with Rob the employee?
Google will have a few fools using their real names - but not many Web savvy ppl. I wonder if they will follow thru with their threat - or will they just go down in flames like MySpace?
I thot Yahoo owned YouTube. My Yahoo account has been Shale82002 for years and that is what I opened my YouTube with a few years ago. I actually have made YouTubes for family & friends stating my real name and was a bit embarrased that they were opened with a Shale ID. But not any more.
Subject: Re: Use your real name on Google+ or get minused fast Sun Aug 14, 2011 10:50 am
I presume isn't holding a gun to anyones head to use this? If you don't like the rules, don't play the game.
Nystyle709 ...is a 20G Chamber DIETY.
Join date : 2010-03-16 Location : New York Posts : 27030 Rep : 339
Subject: Re: Use your real name on Google+ or get minused fast Sun Aug 14, 2011 11:30 am
I think it's a little silly. You shouldn't tell people what handle to use online. Too many people can get personal information from you online already. Then on the flip side, people don't have to use this Google+ site either. Looks like FB is going to be around a little bit longer.
Nhaiyel …is a Power Member.
Join date : 2010-02-02 Location : Jersey (West Orange) Posts : 3137 Rep : 123
Subject: Re: Use your real name on Google+ or get minused fast Sun Aug 14, 2011 7:01 pm
That's a bit intrusive. If someone wants to identify themselves on the internet by some sort of campy pseudonym, then they should be able to. Even if for security reasons. The only Internet related org that is should be privy to someone's real (or real-sounding) name is their ISP. I get the feeling that this is really about Google+ wanting to stand up to a more respected social network, like Facebook, where people seem more prone to using their real name.
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Subject: Re: Use your real name on Google+ or get minused fast