Are you really who you say?

[Protagonist]

This poll is obviously anonymous, so there's no reason not to answer truthfully, if you feel like answering it. Recent events (obviously) have engendered in me a certain curiosity about the manner in which individuals present themselves online, particularly on Mysticwicks.

As is true of almost all forums, one always has the distinct option to lie without much fear of reproach. I have found that the motivation for lying online varies greatly from person to person. Some do so for safety's sake, to prevent potential stalkers and harassers, while others get a perverse thrill from manipulating others. Still more feel that creating an online persona allows them to express themselves creatively. Lying online, of course, can range from harmless to heartwrenching.

Beyond that, circumstances are often such where, despite not intending to lie, one may appear to others online to be something quite different than what one actually is. As an example of this, I cite the case of Lil Suzie. There was obviously no intention to lie in that situation, however, communication was such that what most of us assumed about Lil Suzie was much different from the real situation.

This poll deals with one's presentation on MW. Please choose all poll options that you feel apply to you. This is totally anonymous, and no one will know how you voted; only how many people chose each option. Remember, you can pick more than one! Choose all that apply to you!

[sarabethv]

There was no poll.

My name is not sarabeth, but it is a name that I use for a lot of internet stuff for basic safety. I don't tell my exact name, address or phone number. However, everything else I post about myself is true. There is no reason not to be.

I actually tried to have another persona (it started as a joke on a friend - I was gonna talk to him on line and then go "Ha surprise it was me" - not malicious or anthing - just playing. However, it just didn't work - it was sooo much trouble trying to remember all the stuff that I gave it up after just a week or so. I told my friend and he got a laugh out of it.

[ravenmyst]

no poll yet, but I am %100 me, I have met folks from here that can vouch for that, although as most do I has a screen name. Tori

[EponaCapaill]

While my path is still not completely clear to me, I am who I say I am. My earliest posts may not entirely reflect what my posts do now, but that is because I am still learning

Ok, here is my answer again. :flowers:

[Dragonsheart]

Everything ture but the name, and that's Brian

[Protagonist]

Sorry, it posts the actual post before one finishes typing up the poll, which, as you can see, is very long.

[Lewen]

no poll yet, but I am %100 me, I have met folks from here that can vouch for that, although as most do I has a screen name. Tori


I did answer the poll, and what Ravenmyst says goes for me too. I have met Ravenmyst, actually spent a weekend at her house and she at mine, she is who she says she is.

As for me, I am the same online as I am offline and those that know me can vouch for that. Of course, for safety reasons I don't give out full names and personal info. like that on a public board, but my kids have nicknames I give them for online stuff and I'm really a divorced mom of five kids trying to get back on my feet.

I'm known as Lewen here and elsewhere on a few other boards, that's my ren-faire wench persona's name. But it's me. IRL my name is Deborah.

[LadyTrinity]

I tell everyone on MW everything. Thats why everyone knows my BS. Why do I need to hide who I am? Im just like everyone else. :awilly:

[Trithemius]

I'm completely truthful. There's no reason not to be.

[BrigidMoon]

I am who I am. I love myself so it's easy to be me :)

[spirit wind]

I am who I am. I think I am a bit more truthful here on MW as I feel at home here and quite comfortable.
There are a couple of people here on MW that can even vouch for me as I have met them at meet ups and they have even been to my kids birthday parties and such.

[Galaxia]

Ω

[Valkie]

yup, what you hear is what you get _wedgie_

[StarCraftLia]

Real as I can get with strangers.

[evilslinkycat]

I am me, what you see here is what you get in person. I don't know it just never occured to me to try and be someone I am not.
In other words, yes, i'm just as odd and geeky in real life, just ask the few people here that know me outside of MW. :nyah:

[QUEEN OF THE DAMNED]

I voted for the first one.
I am me,
me I am,
if I'm not me
then who would I be?

sorry, I'm in a Dr Seuss mood :smile:

edited to add that obviously I have a screen name. I tell some people on here my real name in personal messages or when I speak with them often.

[Shanti]

:bouncybobI'm me!

Of course I have a user name...not like I would give my actual name! What I post is what ya get...me.

[Hellenic_Witch]

I am myself and am open, but hesitate to share personal things like full name, address etc. This is not because I don't trust the general MW community
, but because I have extended family who use the net alot and are unaware about my spiritual path, and it's nonoe of their business, anyway. But, I'd hate for them to happen upon some of my threads here :)

Since you bring up the whole honesty issue, well, it has been a concern lately on MW...and I know I've been pretty vocal letting people know when I did not believe something, and it turned out that my concern was validated. But, that being said, I feel that the majority of MW memebrs are true and honest with each other. That's why this is such a great place.

[Penthesilea]

Everything I have said about myself and my family is true. Have I told you everything there is to tell? No. I live in a rural area where nuts of the unstable human variety could pass unnoticed and do serious, if not fatal, harm. I have a family and pets to protect. So, I'm Penthesilea, which is a name no one could connect to me. There is someone here who has spoken to me on the phone and we have a mutual friend, someone who has known me for most of her life. The personality I present on MW is my own, even if I am being "Just Silly."

[Flaire-FireStar]

If asked, I'll tell the truth although for privacy's sake I'll eliminate details every so often which sometimes doesn't make my stories ring as true. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve at MW, albeit I do it more here than I do in real life.

I am a very different person in real life than I am on MW. But the reasoning for that is that here, I'm still anonymous - I'm a username and a bunch of text. I don't feel that I have to hide behind my walls as much here compared to what I do in person.

(100% truthfully, people here know more about me than my 'friends' in real life do.)

[Happy Shrew]

Nah, no need to say anything other than the truth. If there's something I don't want to share, I don't talk about the topic.

If it weren't for the avatar and the icon under it, I could see some people thinking of me as male when reading non-obvious posts. After all, I like video games and rolling around in dirt. I also usually don't sound my age, but then again, I never have. But twenty is such a nice age - why should I change it for you guys?

[Jolixte]

I show the part of me that I allow to show online. It's me, but it's not the whole me. I also know that some of the things I say are perceived differently then how they really are because I'm just bad at explaining.

[Catiana]

Everything I have ever posted on MW is 100% the truth. Obviously I have a username but I think I have said my real name here before. I chose the first option, although I have no idea whatsoever what perception people have of me, so I don't know if their perception is accurate or not, but anyone who wants to know just has to ask.

[Yvonne Belisle]

As Popeye said I am who I am and that's all that I am.

[BrigidMoon]

I voted for the first one.
I am me,
me I am,
if I'm not me
then who would I be?

sorry, I'm in a Dr Seuss mood :smile:

edited to add that obviously I have a screen name. I tell some people on here my real name in personal messages or when I speak with them often.

LOL and we ALL love you for being you, sweetie! :hearteyes

[SilentDreams]

I am me. I am truthful. If I don't feel comfortable telling someone something about me I give a vague answer(if I can) or I just refuse to answer. I do feel that on MW I get to be the person I am and not hide the things I sometimes do IRL. Also a lot of people seem to get my gender wrong lol.

[evilslinkycat]

As Popeye said I am who I am and that's all that I am.

:smile: I was almost tempted to say the same thing *giggle*

[mol]

This is me. Take it or leave it. :)

[Rudas Starblaze]

i am i. just ask anyone who knows me. :smoke:

[Imbrium]

Well, I'd say that I'm mostly me. I still find it prudent to avoid mentioning things like my bank account number, my full name, and my underwear size to avoid criminals and wierdo's...I'm sure that MW doesn't have any of course, but it's just a precaution.:hmmmmm:

[Nighthawk]

I am me, name is Gordon.. y'all know a bunch of stuff about me..

[pawnman]

I tell the truth about everything I answer, although there are things that I am reluctant to answer in order to protect my privacy. But everything I've answered, I've been truthful.

And my persona in Political Pagan? Probably a little more sarcastic and abrasive than my offline persona, but the views I present are exactly the same.

[Jenne]

I'm completely 100% honest. There are people on here that I'm in business with, people I've written to and people I've bought from. I have things to hide, certainly, as do we all. But everything I've said here is verifyable through public record for the most part, lmao.

[Mindflayer]

I am honest. I have no reason to lie and nothing to hide.

If you want to know something about me, ask. You WILL get a truthful answer.

[Aestolia]

As is true of almost all forums, one always has the distinct option to lie without much fear of reproach. I have found that the motivation for lying online varies greatly from person to person. Some do so for safety's sake, to prevent potential stalkers and harassers, while others get a perverse thrill from manipulating others. Still more feel that creating an online persona allows them to express themselves creatively. Lying online, of course, can range from harmless to heartwrenching.

I have always found myself to be truthful online, as it is one of the few places where I can be myself, without having people question who I am. I am always myself, and people always believe and/or assume I'm a woman (which I am). I'm proud of who I am and don't have a problem saying I'm trans, should someone ask. This often gets negative reactions, such as "Why did you lie about being a girl?".

I often find that either:
I lie about who I am and people think I'm telling the truth.
Or
I tell the truth about who I am and people think I'm lieing.

All that really matters is that I am me, what you see in my posts, is who I am. (though I only wish that that was me in my avitar :awwman: )

[DixieWitch]

This is me. Actually, that's a lie. I am way more open here than I am in real life. I guess it's the not-talking-face-to-face that makes it easier for my. I am horribly shy when it comes to meeting new people and talking to them. But yes, I am 28. I am a girl. I do have an almost 3 yr old daughter and almost 12 year old son. On Aug 4, I will be married to Shawn for 5 years. We do live in Montgomery, Alabama. And my no one in my family knows I am a Pagan/Witch. Yes I do have 5 tattoos. Yes we are on the verge of being very poor and losing our electricity!! Yes I am a stay at home mom. Yes I am very confused when it comes to my path and I am still trying to find my way. Ok that's all I can think of for now!

[wolfos3d]

I'm normaly always truthful online. Once I get used to being on a forum I'm always truthful. There are only three places that I am though. Here is one of them.:)

[Happy Shrew]

All that really matters is that I am me, what you see in my posts, is who I am. (though I only wish that that was me in my avitar :awwman: )

Well, it is you in my mind, if that's any help.

People often forget that terms like sex and gender aren't 100% interchangeable, and that leads to some strange situations. So, in the case of the transgendered, I say put down whatever you feel. I wasn't planning on pulling your pants down to confirm, anyway.

[MerryBe]

I am who I say I am. There are things that I would prefer to keep private, such as my full name, address and personal things of that nature because we never know what lunatics are out there lurking. But I guess you can say that is for the purpose of protection.

One thing I wanted to comment on. Although I did partake in the poll, I really don't understand the point of it?

If someone is going to lie or be something else than what they say they are, why would a poll make a difference?

Guess I am just confused.

Blessings,
MerryBe

[Tabby]

I'm just me... whether online or in person. I have met several people from MW so I guess one could ask them what I am like and if I am the same *smiles*

Angelus? Mags? Isil? Whatcha guys think?

[WokeUpDead]

I'm honest for the most part.

[Aestolia]

Well, it is you in my mind, if that's any help.

People often forget that terms like sex and gender aren't 100% interchangeable, and that leads to some strange situations. So, in the case of the transgendered, I say put down whatever you feel. I wasn't planning on pulling your pants down to confirm, anyway.
LOL *hugs* thank you for that... and that's exactly what I did... As far as I'm concerned, i'm just a girl with a birth defect! ^.^

[Loopaleigh]

Are you really who you say?

Well, if I'm making it all up, then I'm not very good at it.

Somehow, I think my alter-ego would choose something a great deal cooler than a rubber ducky for her avatar. Like maybe a dodo bird.

[Brónach Druid]

I tell the truth on MW, I feel comfortable enough here to just be myself. Although I would probably have to say I am friendlier and a bit nicer on MW then I am in RL. I am not a very social person in RL.
As far as if people feel they really know me or as to how they perceive me, my age or anything else, well I cannot speak for other people, I have no idea! I would guess any of the Long Thread regulars would say they know me pretty well.

[Haruka2077]

I'm me, totally. At this point in my life "me" is too hard-won not to be! I don't lie about things for privacy- if I don't feel comfortable sharing something, I will say so, as politely as possible.
I feel that MW does bring out the best of me usually, mostly because I have the oppourtunity to decide if I REALLY want to post something! I don't, unfortunately, always think that much about the things I say. 8O
I think trying to pretend to be someone else would feel very lonely for me. The friendships I form are few and valuable, and I want them to be real ones.

[Pandoras]

I tell the truth, but there are things I don't share and I often hold my tongue. I'm much more open and blunt offline.

[IndigoMoon]

I am exactly who I say I am. Everything I have said is true. I really really like who I am. I'm proud of myself, my life and my family. I have no desire to lie about anything.

[Akhkharu Asgard]

I'm as idiotic as I am in the "real world." I may exaggerate sometimes, but I sure do that offline too. What's life without a little exaggeration? Not interesting, that's what I say! Well, a little less interesting at least. I'm not a very open person and am even less open to strangers offline. The anonymity of the internet makes me a little more socialble.

[Cielamara]

I'm more open and less likely to avoid things online.
I don't allow my awkwardness and shyness to come through as much as when you're dealing with me in person.
But otherwise, I'm me.

[Agaliha]

I am who I say I am, I'm honest about my experiences and myself...I don't make stuff up. I chose "only I lie for safety reasons" only because I don't give out or use my real first name-- it is extreamly uncommon (there are only about 4 of us tops in America and maybe the world). My name is a Sanskrit word, not a name and therefore it would be REALLY easy to track me down or steal my identity (I don't think anyone here would, but everyone can read these forums) so I'm just not comfortable giving it out. So I go by my middle name Lynn...which is not exactly lying, but still. If I don't saying certian things it's only for safety reasons.

I forgot to add, I tell people things on MW that I don't feel comfortable telling my family and such-- in that case I am more honest and myself here than in in real life.

[gwendar]

I always tell the truth about myself.
I really am a 20-year-old female from Newfoundland who is a student at MUN studying English.
My real (first) name is Danielle. "Gwendar" is the name of a character in a story I haven't gotten around to writing. :)

[arctic splash]

I can't think of any reason to lie or make up an identity, or to be anything other than truthful about myself. Some people have told me I seem older than I am, and some people have gotten my gender wrong (but now my pic is right there in my avatar for all to see.)

[Strega Del Vento]

100% Truthful. I am who I say I am, take it or leave it. I also don't have tolerance for liars and cut them out of my life completely.

[RowanMegaera]

I am definitely much more open here than I am in real life. My husband and my family and friends know who I am and my chosen path in life, but for career preservation reasons (for my husband) I choose not to be overly outspoken about my spiritual preferences. I don't hide anything, if someone asks me I am happy to tell them anything they want to know, but you have to know the right question.

Rowan is the name I chose for myself when I dedicated many years ago, it is what my friends call me. My birth name is Wendy and I've always hated it (red hair, green eyes and freckles... no, my dad's name is NOT Dave Thomas).

[indebted]

Seeing the comments regarding some of the recent onslaught of dishonesty relating to health (I am talking about those who have lied about dying - themselves or members of their family), I have to say I am concerned about the safety of forums where people are not required to confirm their identity with the administration of the site.

As for lying about gender or age or location or name...I can see that as a means of self-protection....especially in light of some of the posts I have read (in the archives) where apparently there have been stalking incidents or threats against other members.

I did read a post by someone who recently suffered a loss of a loved one who commented that the dishonesty of these things, though, can damage programs such as HaM. I agree.

So, what do we do about it? I think having everyone required to verify their identity to the administration of this board (and held in privacy) would help sidestep some of the shennanigans and make the site a bit safer.

Thoughts?

[ravynbynorthwynd]

i have been completely honest.

that picure to the left really is me (though, with extra spiffy photo effects right now). my name really is Lenore. i really did use to be in a band. i really do have a coffin and an urn in my bedroom, and i am really almost 18. i'm really going to be starting college, and i really am bisexual.

beyond that, whatever perceptions you have of me are up to you.

[Agaliha]

As for lying about gender or age or location or name...I can see that as a means of self-protection....especially in light of some of the posts I have read (in the archives) where apparently there have been stalking incidents or threats against other members.


Stalkers? Wow, scary!
That's the stuff I'm worried about if I were to give out my full/first name.

[Jolixte]

So, what do we do about it? I think having everyone required to verify their identity to the administration of this board (and held in privacy) would help sidestep some of the shennanigans and make the site a bit safer.

Thoughts?
How would one verify themselves?

[Lilith Morgaine]

I meant what I said,
And I said what I meant,
An elephant's faithful one-hundred percent.

[Philbo]

I'm me. My avatar is me. People everywhere call me Philbo.

[DocBruce]

If anything, I'm a bit toned down here. Ask any MW'ers who have talked to me on the phone. I cuss like a drunken sailor and I'm louder in real life, but I've never lied here, I see no reason to. I don't post personal information publicly because frankly, I think it's dangerous ( I'm referring to any lurkers, etc. NOT other members ).
I think I put this in my intro, but just to be sure.....no, I'm not a real doc, and no Bruce is not my real name...it's my ren fest handle/character. But damned if it didn't stick and turn into a nickname ( and I think Bruce is the coolest name in the universe).
And yes, DragonMom is really my wife, and, yes Mog is really our daughter ( she's not old enough to be an MW'er yet ).
There are things in my real life that I keep to myself because, to be honest, it's nobody's business but mine.I don't consider that lying.

[Gracecat]

Well, as with the rest of the HAM recipients, the admins can completely 100% verify my general statistics ;)

For the rest.... Friend of mine said it best, I don't have secrets but I do have things I generally do not share with others unless they're in my personal private life.... and this forum I don't consider part of my private affairs. So I'm not particularly well known by the details but I've been told my personality shines through by those that meet me. :)

[Moriganna]

Yup, i'm just me. Plain ole boring me. Like it or leave it is how I look at it. If I can't be honest online, then what's the point in trying to make friends on forums such as this? I've met alot of people in person that I first knew on the internet and probably will in the future, so no need to lie about it. Right?

[Agaliha]

Oh one more thing I wanted to clarify--
I used to be Serpentine_beauty on here. I had no idea Admins could go in and change the names :wah2:, so after some time away (where I was doing some seriously thinking) I came back and made a new name. I found and changed my path, found my pantheon, Patrons and place-- things I never had before. Everything I said as Serpentine was true (from my experience with Wadjet to wanting a snake--which I couldn't get:( , to joining the House of Netjer's beginner's class (I'm still in it)-- those were things I felt and things that were happening at the moment for me. I didn't make WhispersofSaraswati for another "persona" or anything. I'm still the same person-- but changed (religiously). Sorry for any confusion or anything. I didn't want people thinking bad of me for changing it so I just thought I'd mention it and come "clean", lol.
_inabox_

[argento_occhi]

I've been honest, but being kinda shy myself (you'd never have guessed, right?) I suppose I'm always cuatious about what information I give out, and there are aspects of myself that I don't let come out here (because it's not appropriate on a family forum like this), but that doesn't mean I'm being untrue as to who I am. That being said, it's hard to know how people perceive me unless I ask them. I don't lie about anything, so the persona I present is truthful. How everyone else perceives me is up to you. That sounded a bit weird, didn't it?

Argent

[~Anamorata~]

I am who I say I am...I don't see the point in hiding behind something else, unless it's for protective reasons..I was born Nefertari(Nefre)...and I will die being Nefertari. :bat:

[RubyRose]

Everything I've written on Mystic Wicks, has been the truth. I don't know what perceptions people have of me, other than the fact that people always think I'm younger than I am. Yes, I am 21, almost 22 years old. If by chance you happen to think I am younger well, that's just me. It happens in real life too.

I think that just about covers it. Oh I'm also rather shy in real life. I can be in a room full of people and not say a word unless somebody directs a question to me. That's the one thing I love about the net. I can talk to people a hell of a lot easier than I can in real life.

Bendithion,
RubyRose

[Pure Ahimsa]

I dont think most people see my age accurately, or my gender. I can be quite feminine sometimes, and sometimes immature/to mature. But yes, my physical self, I do have male sex organs and I have been in this body for fifteen years now.

Sometimes I think I seem like the poor misunderstood goth kid... but Im not really. People fear me for other reasons... not only by the way I dress, I have a shaky past, but I have changed, and I am who I am.

[bbnflpn]

i dont have a reason to lie, but, i have been accused of it before (not here mind you) because i guess my real life is so unbeliveable that there is no way that it can be true. i was also told that i was lieing about my pic on line as well (some one stole my pic and was saying she was me i got on the web cam and proved it was me)

[*Cerridwen*]

I am me, have never lied about anything about me, no point really

[Calen]

I am (to the very, very best of my knowlege) totally honest when I give information about myself on MysticWicks, and there is little information that I won't freely give, like my phone number. And of course, it's lying about information that's dishonest, not publicly withholding it :)

[Brenda]

I'm always honest, but sometimes I think people have the wrong idea about me.
But actually, I'm more honest online than IRL :ggrief:

[CoolJ]

I withhold any information that doesn't affect conversation..
my age, my sex life, my income, my height/weight/other dimensions.... and if conversation involves those, I sit out ....

Because what the hell does it matter, I could say I never lie but that's damn easy. I could just as easily say I'm 12 or 50 or 150... it doesn't matter, it's all in attitude and quality of conversation as far as I'm concerned...

The truth is that I'm a gun-nut, and love guitar... that's about it really

[Sionnach le Fey]

I've found that I'm more honest on MW than anywhere else online. Infact, I'm more honest on here than in real life sometimes.

[mucgwyrt]

Seeing the comments regarding some of the recent onslaught of dishonesty relating to health (I am talking about those who have lied about dying - themselves or members of their family), I have to say I am concerned about the safety of forums where people are not required to confirm their identity with the administration of the site.

As for lying about gender or age or location or name...I can see that as a means of self-protection....especially in light of some of the posts I have read (in the archives) where apparently there have been stalking incidents or threats against other members.

I did read a post by someone who recently suffered a loss of a loved one who commented that the dishonesty of these things, though, can damage programs such as HaM. I agree.

So, what do we do about it? I think having everyone required to verify their identity to the administration of this board (and held in privacy) would help sidestep some of the shennanigans and make the site a bit safer.

Thoughts?
Who lied about dying?!

I'm pretty truthful. I generally wont state where I live apart from my greater-area (akin to a US 'state') although my fellow Gingerwitches have my address :smile: generally I think I'm probably more truthful about my spiritual side on MW than anywhere else, either offline or online.

Generally I feel sad for people who are so dissatisfied with themselves that they feel the need to hide behind some imaginary alter-ego online :fphone

[Xentor]

I'm a liar, and that's the truth.

My actions are sincere, whether they totally adhere to my real-life persona or not. I will hold back information when I don't feel like sharing, and I rarely make stuff up. I can be wrong at times, trying to explain something based on too little information.

I try to be diplomatic in my choice of words, which caused Kaylara to like me even better when I'm drunk (since it seems alcohol breaks down my self-chosen inhibition). I won't always say what's on my mind, but what I do say mostly is honest. I will lie when I deem it necessary.

[Scarlettvixen]

I am who i am
though you probably only see one side of me
and online u get a chance to think over what u r saying before u post it lol
rather than in real life where u blurt it out!

[Sun_and_Saturn]

While everything that I tell people is truthful, there are a lot of things that I don't tell people-obviously for safety reasons. I don't give out my child's name, I don't give out my name. I don't give out my exact location. If someone asks me where I live, which they did recently in a PM, I say "near (city)"
I am on about 3 other forums and I have seen a lot of people's information used to their disadvantage.

One person was being harassed and receiving threatening emails because her mixed baby won a photo contest. Yep, you read that correctly. Some racist was threatening this woman's life because she entered her biracial baby in one of the baby photo contests and that baby received the most votes. The person threatening her knew where she lived, knew her full name, daughter's full name, what street she and her mother lived on, etc. etc. The thing about internet forums is that you never know who is going to "overhear" you.

[Faery-Wings]

WYSIWYG

Can't lie to save my life. I will evade if necessary.... but lying gets me nowhere.
I have met/talked/done business with a few other members- so they can vouch who I am.

[Dextra]

What you see is what you get, folks. I've always been truthful about who I am. Anything I don't want known, I don't post. Of course, I wouldn't ever post my full name, address, phone number or any other similar personal information on the board because the internet is full of weirdos.

[Contra Mundum]

i have been 100 %truthfull about what i have said.
but somehow people always get me wrong ,don't know why.
i must confess that i'm way more open and social on mw that i am in real life.
and there is alot you don't know about me.
lately i have come to the conclusion that alot of people on the internet can't be trusted and sometimes it seems like i'm the only one who cares.
to wrap it all up i am NOT FAKE!!!!!

[LacyRoze]

I am me, 100%. I see no need for lies because the truth always comes out eventually. I feel no need to pretend to be anyone I'm not. People either accept for who I am or they don't...

[IvyWitch]

I have never misrepresented myself here, there really isn't any reason to. If someone wants to you really personal information like my full name or something of that sensitive nature I wouldn't lie, I'd simply say "no". However I don't lie about my age or gender or any of those simple things.
I'm here to have intelligent discussions with other Pagans. If I lie about my beliefs or experiences then I am getting nothing out of being here.

[Angelus_Errare]

I'm just me... whether online or in person. I have met several people from MW so I guess one could ask them what I am like and if I am the same *smiles*

Angelus? Mags? Isil? Whatcha guys think?
Are you speaking to me? :p

Yes I've met Tabby in real life. Last winter actually, freezing cold here as usual in MN :lol: And yes from what I've seen of her online, and offline I would say she is basically who she says she is online. *smiles* She's a great lady, and I am honored to be friends with her.

[Angelus_Errare]

And as for myself, I am myself. I've got nothing to hide. Look at my profile on here, all the info is correct as it can be. It's what I know about myself so it better be :p I mainly hang out in the Longest Thread on MW, in the Best of Just Silly forum these days, though I read other places, they all know me there, and I have no reason to lie. *smiles*

You can ask Tabby, or Mags if ya want, or you can ask Lost_Sole after I see him on Aug 20th thru Sept 7th :D He and I met on here, and we are meeting each other in person finally then, I'm absolutely thrilled, for I really love him so much. The Army keeps him away from home most of the year, but that doesn't matter a whole lot to me, I'm fine and happy with waiting for my guy :D

[Dragonladyofwater]

I'm obnoxious! rofl

I am who I am online, offline, at a formal gathering and at home with my kids. All I truly have is me, why hide me? I revel in me. :boing:

[Windigo]

I feel that this thread is a marvelous way to further the distrust people are feeling towards other members and further degrade the community atmosphere. If this was your intention - great job...:shaker:

[Athena-Nadine]

I am me. *...shrugs...* My name on here is my given name. My avatar is a picture of me and my husband.

I don't have the time or the patience to make up a different persona.

[Zoritsa_Nepenthe]

Everything true but the name, and that's Brian
Ditto here....cept the name's Brenda.

I'm not a good liar anyways.In real life,on the internet,or anywhere else.I'm also not a very good story teller...except in my own head maybe.Though I will say,telling the truth and being open on the internet sometimes makes my husband nervous.He's always telling me that anyone can read what I write and who knows what they'd do with that info.~shrug~My life consists of a family of four...me staying home to raise the kids,and some pets....not very interesting to an outsider in my opinion.

[Arinya]

I feel that this thread is a marvelous way to further the distrust people are feeling towards other members and further degrade the community atmosphere. If this was your intention - great job...:shaker:

I disagree. I think if anything this should strengthen MW's trust of each other! I mean, if you look at the poll an overwhelming majority are honest. No matter where you go there will be those who feel, for whatever reason, the need to not be who they truely are.
I think this thread shows just how many people here are willing to open themselves up truthfully and having chosen MW as a place to do that, and I think that's fantastic!

To answer the original question, I am who I am to the best of my abilities online. I open up a lot more here though then I do in real life, especially if you visit mwad. :tongueout I'm rather shy in real life, but here I can be myself fully!

[DianaStormDancer]

If anything I'm honest to a fault! I see no reason to misrepresent ones self or decieve others.

[Old Witch]

I'm me......Some people here know my real name and my full address and I've met a couple of people...Just me...

[Élistariel]

Yep, I'm me. :nyah:
I don't put my location for privacy reasons. I have no problem telling you all I'm from North Carolina. I do live near a place called Brandywine. I found a location with the same name as some Hobbit town to be more interesting than NC.
I am who I am. Although I may not be the same person I was when I first joined. That's called growth. My views and opinions on certain things have changed since I joined a couple years ago, or whenever it was I joined.
In part, Mystic Wicks has helped shape who I am.
eta: about the privacy / telling you I'm from NC. It's one thing for me to have my location scattered through out random threads, and another for it to be plastered under my avatar for nearly all to see.
Also, my regular life is interesting and complicated enough. I don't need to BS some story to make my life seem interesting. If anything I am far more open on here than in real life.

[Æon Flux]

I am who I am. Always and everywhere. Sometimes people look at me as though I am somebody else, but I'm just me. 100%

[Élistariel]

Also.
We can, to a certain extent, control who we are and how we present ourselves. What we cannot control is how that presented self is interpreted by others.

[AutumnRain]

Online, I am who I am in real life. I come online to learn and to make friends. I don't see how I can do that if I lie about who I am! What you see is what you get! :)

BB
Autumn

[Sequoia]

I am, for the most part, who I say I am. :)

There are a few very little things that I am not necessarily lying about, but rather simply neglecting to mention. :eyebrow: This is only due to the fact that it may make me sound a tad hypocritical, without oh... three years or so of explaining to make it all make sense, and fortunately I have the sanity to realize that you simply can't accomplish that on a message board. :crazylaug

My personal beliefs have changed and grown over the years... if you read my posts from when MW was young, you'd see a fairly different person. But I'm still me. Just growing. I did, after all, start here at 16 or so. Wow! Was I ever such a naieve young fluffy bunny? :awilly: _happydanc

[Vetteman]

I am who I am, as those who came to our deck party can probably attest to.

[Haruka2077]

I'm me. My avatar is me. People everywhere call me Philbo.

And do you really not wear pants? :heybaby:

[Sowelu]

I am who I say I am!_travolta_

My real name is Sherri:cool:

[DragonsChest]

As Popeye would say: I yam what I yam!

I use a screenname, but most folks know my real name, and if they don't, they could follow my link in the siggy to find out.

I like who I am, so I see no reason to portray myself as anything other than, well, me! You get the whole enchilada here, just like you would if we met in person. :cheers:

[BlueMoon13]

For better or worse I'm 100% honest out here, as I am in real life. I had to change my user name and avatar because I believe someone I know IRL was reporting everytime I posted a rant about something that was eating me.
A few here have seen mine pic and know who I am, but since I'm in a very public spot in the pagan community, I like the anonymity MW affords me. :clapping:

[Flar's Freyja]

I may "alter" some details like my children's or friends names if they are not members here.

I am more cautious about revealing info on other boards. I know mol and Semele an other members personally - yes, I even know where they live! so I feel more safe here.

So, if anyone wants to know

My 'real' name is Joanne or Jo
My pen name is Parthena Black - I've been published and am the Dreams editor at BellaOnline
I am female
I am a widow
I live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
I am a social worker
I have three grown children, one grandchild and another on the way
I am 49 years old

[Tzhebee]

I am who I say I am!_travolta_

My real name is Sherri:cool:
Stop it. Just....stop. It's time we came clean!

Sowelu is not really Sherri....he's not even a girl, yet. And...and I'm not a girl either! Sowelu is actually my gay lover who's been fighting the system and going through a "back alley" sex change. The first one....well...there were problems. But it's OK baby, I still love you!!!! I'll continue to be here for you! I promise.

and, like I said, I'm not a girl either. I'm a guy...and no, my penis didn't just pop out one day, I've had it for as long as I can remember! Neither of us are married or have kids, we just made it all up and found random pics of friends and family to post as our own.

*sob* And we don't even live on the west coast....we live....*sniff* in....Bombay. Yeah, bombay. we hope you find it in your hearts to forgive us. :sadeyes:



(and if you believe this...I have some prime ocean front property in AZ for you too.)

[Nighthawk]

Jeez Tzhe...

[Rua]

yup yup im just me and nobody else

[McDarvin]

What you see if what you get with me.

REal name : adrienne boyd
dob: 10/15/81
Raised and born in Little rock, AR..live in Los Angeles, CA now.

And if anyone want's to know anything about me..just ask :D

[AutumnWitchie]

I'm actually more honest here on MW than in RL. Thats because I live in a small town with a church on every corner(OK, at least on every other corner) which means I'm not very open about being pagan in RL.

I'm careful about giving out personal information on-line.

My name is Ruth, however, Autumn is my pagan name so thats all I use here.

[Philbo]

Stop it. Just....stop. It's time we came clean!

Sowelu is not really Sherri....he's not even a girl, yet. And...and I'm not a girl either! Sowelu is actually my gay lover who's been fighting the system and going through a "back alley" sex change. The first one....well...there were problems. But it's OK baby, I still love you!!!! I'll continue to be here for you! I promise.

and, like I said, I'm not a girl either. I'm a guy...and no, my penis didn't just pop out one day, I've had it for as long as I can remember! Neither of us are married or have kids, we just made it all up and found random pics of friends and family to post as our own.

*sob* And we don't even live on the west coast....we live....*sniff* in....Bombay. Yeah, bombay. we hope you find it in your hearts to forgive us. :sadeyes:



(and if you believe this...I have some prime ocean front property in AZ for you too.)
But those pics in the Sexy Women thread... just random women from the streets? _tomatoe_

[ravenmyst]

LOL Tze... and I have talked to "her" gasp!!

[Boogins]

Just me. Although, yeah, I know some people who think I'm putting on. Alas for them, I'm not.

[Jackiedanielz]

If you want to see the 'real me' & my true personality you need to send mol $2. _whistle_

[Kyan's Daddy]

Actually, I'm me... Only taller.

[pawnman]

If you want to see the 'real me' & my true personality you need to send mol $2. _whistle_

It's well worth it, folks!

[Jackiedanielz]

It's well worth it, folks!

:bigredblu


:shhhh:


:hahugh:

[SphinYote]

Only put a different location. Other than that I'm myself, more so than I am in offline life, perhaps too much myself sometimes. I like to remain who I am in relative anonymity in a sense. I know of a few offline aquaintances who frequent the board, but I don't know their usernames, and in at least one instance I doubt I want that person to know mine. We argue enough offline, I don't know f we've crossed paths here or not, but if the individual knew who I was they'd be trying to pick apart my posts and debate them both here and offline. In some instances it would be interesting, and I appreciete that person's feedback, but they tend to run it into the ground so much, all I can think is "enough already..." Then again, I do the same thing to them, so what can I say?

I like it here, though, and like to hear everyone's opinion, I just get tired of having everthing I say psychoanalyzed just b/c that one person would know who I am in RL, I do that enough to myself...hence a minor deception...perhaps I'd be better off leaving it blank, that might be more honest than putting an alternative location....oh well...

[misschief]

:bigredblu


:shhhh:


:hahugh:nope, i'm a middle aged, obese, balding man... and i drool :lol:

[Jackiedanielz]

nope, i'm a middle aged, obese, balding man... and i drool :lol:
such a bad habit to have too, Tom!

[semi]

I'm a little more reserved in real life sometimes because I find that when I truly open up and be myself people are often intimidated and/or confused. So I subdue myself a bit in real life when I feel it's warranted, like when it will keep me out of jail. But usually I don't care and I'm just me. Online I'm just me, no pretense or false identities. I apologize.

[Bethra]

This is ME! Don't like what you see move along and find someone who'll pamper to your whims. If I was a product I'd have a simple name and the words "Does what is says on the tin" written under it. I don't dress things up to make them apear better. I'm not here for the popularity contest I'm just here to speek my mind and share a learning experiance. I'm probably even less subtale here than I am in real life since I really couldn't give a damd if people like me or not. Take me as you find me or bugger off and stop waisting my time. ;) :kooky:

[MoonKnight]

To quote Popeye, "I yam what I yam!"

[merlo]

I'm me, plus the voices. I'm prolly the wierdest normal person I know, and I'm alot more open about who I am here, than most people ever get a chance to see. I REALLY wanted to create an alternate screen personna to cut up, but that's not so nice, and I DO try to play nice here. I'm thinking I outta put my pic up, but I'm kinda skeered to. Not sure why. Michael

[Boogins]

To quote Popeye, "I yam what I yam!"
So you're a sweet potato too?

[MoonKnight]

So you're a sweet potato too?
;)

[Tyrion_Lannister]

The true me may be scary to those who don't know me to well......but so be it. :bangyourh


I must say my sig says it all truly......

[PoisonIvy]

I think I'm me!? :whatgives I'm a "real" as I can be and I tell the truth to a fault! It gets me into trouble a lot! :gagged: I suppose that if ya wanna know if I'm real you could always ask,Rudas Starblaze,Rowan Moonstone,Shatril,DragonLadyOfAir,DragonLadyOfWater,or MysticSoul. I have met them all and I'm sure that they could tell ya if I'm genuine or not.
I am pretty funny though! :smoochypo

[Rudas Starblaze]

I think I'm me!? :whatgives I'm a "real" as I can be and I tell the truth to a fault! It gets me into trouble a lot! :gagged: I suppose that if ya wanna know if I'm real you could always ask,Rudas Starblaze,Rowan Moonstone,Shatril,DragonLadyOfAir,DragonLadyOfWater,or MysticSoul. I have met them all and I'm sure that they could tell ya if I'm genuine or not.
I am pretty funny though! :smoochypo


yeppers, my sis is exactly who she says she is, but prolly even more crazy and funny in person! :crazyman:

[Pure Ahimsa]

I've found that I'm more honest on MW than anywhere else online. Infact, I'm more honest on here than in real life sometimes.

Same.

[Threase]

I am as truthful here as I am in real life... I try not to lie online for many reasons, one of them being that there is undeniable evidence staring you in the face if anyone calls you on it ;)

But honestly, I'm not so much worried about whether people are lying to me than I am worried about telling everyone who I am on the inside. I see the skeptism and cynical attitudes of some of the people here, and I don't think I would be able to handle being completely honest here about who and what I am without being seen as someone "who just wants attention" or sympathy... you know? There's only one person on MW that knows me inside and out, and I thank every diety that listens for sending me my friend and mentor. So I am as honest as I can be, to a community that I love, just as I am honest to everyone that I love in the real world.

[Iris]

I really wouldn't have the energy to make stuff up...it takes a LOT to keep up with lies, they get outta control and before you know it you screw it up and then you get in trouble...

I've probably confused people somewhat because things about me keep changing, like where I live and what I do and stuff...but it's all true. It's just confusing because my LIFE has been confusing over the last few years! :lol:

I don't really see the point in lying...

[indebted]

nope, i'm a middle aged, obese, balding man... and i drool :lol:
Hey...I resemble that remark...well all but the man part... _whistle_

[indebted]

I feel that this thread is a marvelous way to further the distrust people are feeling towards other members and further degrade the community atmosphere. If this was your intention - great job...:shaker:

Err, no, don't see it that way.

I mean, if you have been dishonest about who you are or events in your life, then I guess you could, but since I have not...then, uh, I disagree.

I think it has been cathartic in allowing those who have been deceived to clarify themselves as being authentic and/or genuine

To those who are not...well...perhaps counseling would help

[AuroraSilvermist]

Interesting poll. The results are fascinating, too.

I'm just me online, no matter where I go. But because being online filters out such things as physical appearance, conversational style, fashion sense and what have you...I'd say that I'm a more distilled version of myself here.

I've met people that I've known online in real life, and they've all said that I come across online very much as I am. I guess that just about sums it up.

[Sowelu]

Stop it. Just....stop. It's time we came clean!

Sowelu is not really Sherri....he's not even a girl, yet. And...and I'm not a girl either! Sowelu is actually my gay lover who's been fighting the system and going through a "back alley" sex change. The first one....well...there were problems. But it's OK baby, I still love you!!!! I'll continue to be here for you! I promise.

and, like I said, I'm not a girl either. I'm a guy...and no, my penis didn't just pop out one day, I've had it for as long as I can remember! Neither of us are married or have kids, we just made it all up and found random pics of friends and family to post as our own.

*sob* And we don't even live on the west coast....we live....*sniff* in....Bombay. Yeah, bombay. we hope you find it in your hearts to forgive us. :sadeyes:



(and if you believe this...I have some prime ocean front property in AZ for you too.)



TZHEBEE!!!!!!!!!!:fishsmack

SO I'm NOT JUST Male....or JUST Female!!!! AND SO WHAT if I have 1 and a half penises....THREE testicles and a little finger that points in all DIRECTIONS (don't ask)!!!!!!!!!
DOES that MAKE ME a MONSTER???????:fpatricks
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!


It makes me VERY MULTI-TALENTED!!!!!:hehehehe:

TZHEBEE!!!! GO TO YOUR ROOM!!! **points lil' finger**

[indebted]

How would one verify themselves?
The same way you would with auction sites...

Copies of Picture ID and a Credit Card number...for admin storage only...not to be used for any other purpose

[Agaliha]

Copies of Picture ID and a Credit Card number...for admin storage only...not to be used for any other purpose

Wow, that seems a little over the top to me.
I mean, I'm not comfortable giving my first name, there's NO WAY I'm giving a copy of my ID or credit card #!
Me and my whole family rip up our mail (anything with our names on it) and burn it, all it takes is a name and some info and Bam: ID thief. I'm paranoid about it, especially because I have a unique name. Even tho it would just be for Admins-- what if it gets broken into? If the FBI website can be broken into and places like Bank of America, then MW would be an easy tagret. Having names, DOBs, addresses and credit card #s right there is asking for trouble for everyone.
If that was the case and I would have to produce those to the Admins, I'd leave MW...and that's not something I'd want to do.
I hope it doesn't come to that

The only time I was willing to give all that personal info was for the House of Netjer's beginner's class. And even they don't require copies of ID and credit cards. Churches don't even requite that.

I understand the need for that at an auction site, but here? This is a message board..like life there will be some bad apples...

[Djinn]

I keep some of my information anonymous...real name, address, ID numbers...mostly because I have this fear of dangerous wackos. I know a lot of dangerous wackos in my off-line life, and I don't feel that I need to meet any more over the internet.

Otherwise, I'm basically honest. What you read is what there is. I guess I could lie, but what would be the point?

[indebted]

It is just a suggestion....I am sure mol and Semele could come up with some other means.

I just think the rash of dishonesty online makes it a bit uncomfortable at times. Knowing that the other people on the site are really who they claim to be - at least in the beginning - would help somewhat. But that is just a suggestion, as I said.

If someone is going to be dishonest, then they will dishonest whether online or offline with impunity from those they affect online. For that matter, anyone who is going to be dishonest would be so in this thread, as well...stating that they are who they are, but really being someone else...

Now how is that for conspiritorial thinking?

[Agaliha]

Its not like MW has perverts, sexual offenders propositioning under aged kids, lurkers, ID thievers, and "devients" coming out of the wood work. From what I seen this is a safe place-- safer than many message boards I'm a part of.
I don't see the big deal if a small select few on MW exaggerate, lie, or say whatever to get attention or boast their ego or whatever they are doing it for. I can't understand why someone would feel the need to make things up about their religious path or beliefs, but to me it's only doing a them a disadvantage. I understand no one likes getting lied to, but like life, it happens.
I just think you can check IDs all you want and verify, but that still doesn't guarentee the truthfulness of what comes out in their posts and mouth.
I am more worried about the unknown guests that can just come in, get info, and no one knows. They don't have to be members to see the forums, to see profiles, to lurk. Who knows what kind of person they are or what their motives are.
On The Poet Sancutary (Here: The link to see (http://poetsanctuary.proboards47.com/) , a writing/poetry message board I help moderate, only registered memebers can see the board and read the forums. It helps keep the bad seeds out, and the Admins ban the ones that get in.
I don't know... :eyebrow:

[Tsuchimaru]

I'm simply me. Ask me anything about myself, and I'll never lie.

[Protagonist]

I feel that this thread is a marvelous way to further the distrust people are feeling towards other members and further degrade the community atmosphere.
I think the dishonesty itself is what degrades the community atmosphere. Talking about ithe extent of it likely does further distrust, but only if the dishonesty is truly widespread, in which case said distrust is not unfounded.
]

[Xander67]

My Given name, is not Xander, but people I have met through here call me xander, so it stuck as a nick name...

I dont lie for safety reasons, nor do I hold anything against anyone who does...
I do have a problem with people who say they are younger or older than they are to decieve people.. and then commit a crime..

if your SN is for Role play, then please indicate so... Is that too much to ask>?

[ravenmyst]

TZHEBEE!!!!!!!!!!:fishsmack

SO I'm NOT JUST Male....or JUST Female!!!! AND SO WHAT if I have 1 and a half penises....THREE testicles and a little finger that points in all DIRECTIONS (don't ask)!!!!!!!!!
DOES that MAKE ME a MONSTER???????:fpatricks
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!


It makes me VERY MULTI-TALENTED!!!!!:hehehehe:

TZHEBEE!!!! GO TO YOUR ROOM!!! **points lil' finger**
Dayum, so does that make you my bro/sis???? ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so confused :whatgives ;)

[Sowelu]

Dayum, so does that make you my bro/sis???? ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so confused :whatgives ;)

LOL...I'm still your SiS!:hugz:

[Aestolia]

Dayum, so does that make you my bro/sis???? ahhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so confused :whatgives ;)

:braindrai I hate to be a kill joy and throw in my two cents, but for somereason it's just gotten to me. (it normally doesn't)

The physical body doesn't dictate weather a person is your bro or your sis... the person inside does.

I'm not saying don't make light or jokes of the situation. just to be mindful also of those that there are those who could / would not take such comments well. Anyhow, I'm done now, sorry for the interjection. :excuseme: :vanish:

Please don't think me to serious, I'm not normally like this, just in an odd mood today.

[WitchJezebel]

I'm completely truthful. There's no reason not to be.

Yuppers. I am me, and that's what you get. Any experiences I put on MW have happened, I don't like lying and I won't lie to make myself appear different or better than who I am. The only thing that isn't 'real' is the name Jezebel, my real first name is Monique; Jezebel is a nickname my 2 best girls gave me.

[Aconite]

Nope, i'm me. 13(14 in 9 days) year old female, pagan, confused, whos best friend is Tiffany.

Thats me..

Oh adn my real name isn't Aconite, although i'd like that... Its REALLY Alexandra, but i hate that, so everyone calls me Lexie:D

[Karma Chameleon]

I voted for the first option. I am who I say I am. I don't see any reason to lie, if I don't want someone to know something about me I just won't say it to begin with. However it has taken me awhile to learn this, I used to (on other forums) concoct stuff because I thought I had to. (For example if someone asked me what my real name was I'd make one up instead of just telling them that I didn't want to tell them.)

[Folklore]

I am generally truthful to everyone anywhere,not just on MW,
but if someone asks "what's your email address" I will lie and say,I don't have one"
But i am definitly folklore,I am definitly 11 and i definitly live in north wales :spinnysmi

[amberwolf]

I find this thread quite interesting and quite eye opening as well and i also think its quite sad that there is a thread to try and sort out the lairs from the truth tellers but in light of some of the recent revelations and threads here I dont blame someone for actually posting this topic..

I have never lied on here i just dont see the point but I have and will keep myself safe if im not comfortable with giving an answer then I politly refrain from doing so but I wont make up a lie to satisfy someoness curiosity...dont mean to offend anyone just my feelings on the subject :)

[ravenmyst]

:braindrai I hate to be a kill joy and throw in my two cents, but for somereason it's just gotten to me. (it normally doesn't)

The physical body doesn't dictate weather a person is your bro or your sis... the person inside does.

I'm not saying don't make light or jokes of the situation. just to be mindful also of those that there are those who could / would not take such comments well. Anyhow, I'm done now, sorry for the interjection. :excuseme: :vanish:

Please don't think me to serious, I'm not normally like this, just in an odd mood today.
sorry to offend, was just messing around with my sis, I would assume you dont fit any of her description as is was quite inhuman so therefore I didnt feel anyone could be offended, again sorry it did

[Aestolia]

sorry to offend, was just messing around with my sis, I would assume you dont fit any of her description as is was quite inhuman so therefore I didnt feel anyone could be offended, again sorry it did
No no, please don't worry about it. I wouldn't say I was offended, as I rarely am (unless someone is being blatent with an attempt to offend). It was more of my brain taking over, which has been happening a lot latley.

Sorry if I gave off that impression.

[HorseCrow]

Well, my real name is not HorseCrow, but other than that, I only tell the truth and leave out personal info, like real name, adress etc, for safety reasons.

[Avalonia]

I use an online name (Tael Gryphon/Nightengale), not my real name, even though on a few boards, I'm known by my first name, but there isn't many people who know me by my real name.

I don't lie about who I am, but I leave out some personal information for safety reasons.

[jimgriff]

I have nothing to hide from anyone, but you require a valid need-to-know access for the juicy bits.

[Earthy]

I have no reason to lie online, obviously my real name isn't Earthy but i have no problem with people knowing my real name either. I do prefer Earthy though :)

[Bethra]

Oh bugger my covers been blown I guess I have to tell you I'm really a midget called Bob :lol: ;)

[Tabby]

And as for myself, I am myself. I've got nothing to hide. Look at my profile on here, all the info is correct as it can be. It's what I know about myself so it better be :p I mainly hang out in the Longest Thread on MW, in the Best of Just Silly forum these days, though I read other places, they all know me there, and I have no reason to lie. *smiles*

You can ask Tabby, or Mags if ya want, or you can ask Lost_Sole after I see him on Aug 20th thru Sept 7th :D He and I met on here, and we are meeting each other in person finally then, I'm absolutely thrilled, for I really love him so much. The Army keeps him away from home most of the year, but that doesn't matter a whole lot to me, I'm fine and happy with waiting for my guy :D


Angelus is exactly the same person she is online, wonderfully caring, sweet and has a great sense of humor. Oh, I don't want to forget a hottie too *smiles sweetly* She is a very good friend of mine and I love her very much. Lost Sole is one lucky guy!

( I get to go back to MN this year for an entire month - YAY)

[Sage Rainsong]

I very rarely lie about myself....Im far too lazy to keep lies going so Im pretty much the same person online as I am offf. Whether or not thats a good thing is a matter of perspective.

[SwordsFlameSong]

The more I think about this question the more I wonder if it really matters. If you aren't a stalker or a pediophile etc planning to harm others and break the law does it matter. I am like Sage above I am pretty much honest about myself. What if someone thinks I am not though? That is their opinion or perception. In any situation, perception/opinion, is not necessarily indicitive of the other party's intent.

That's why the respect rule is here right? When it comes down to it. I try to take people at face value. But if they don't tell the whole truth about their private life or do not wish to share aspects of their life with me it is their decision to make. I don't share everything. That does not mean I am portraying myself as someone I am not. Nor would I automatically think that of someone else. We see some of what people are here but not all. That is part of the attraction of the net.

Unless we know someone in real life how are we even to know?

Need more coffee :fpraise: Hail the gods of the blessed coffee bean.

[Valnorran]

I chose option #1. My user name isn't my real name, but otherwise I'm truthful here. I went with a user name purely for the fun of it. It's sort of like going to a costume party. If I don't want people to know something I'll give my reasons why and won't discuss it any further.

[LyraDragonStar]

I'm pretty truthful here and everywhere. Though, occasionally, I won't tell my real name or specifics cuz of safety. Nothing wrong with that. But I'm also more myself on here and in other groups than I am in real life. I find it easier to express yourself and say what you really wanna say.

[Deranged Hermit]

In my case, what you see is what you get, so to speak. Man, if I made up any of the stuff I write about, I'd hope it would be a little more interesting or exciting! :smileroll
(and I apologize for not reading the entire thread).

[Bodicia]

What you see is what you get and that is just all of my thoughts given as who I am. My name is Ali :)

[farm girl]

I am honest on MW and other places online. Sometimes, maybe too much so? I should probably be more careful. Anywho, I reveal most things here except my name. Though I am happy to share that with people I get to know better via email/IM.

[soilsigh aingeal]

I'm the same all the time.

[TaysatWesir]

I present myself here truthfully but keep my full name, telephone and address private. If anything I get mistaken for being younger. I look roughly 17 but actually am 27 (turned last Friday). Granted it is good to look young but hard buying beer even though your twenty-seven. BTW lots of people don’t know much about me but I try to keep them informed as best as I can read missing mysticwicks (http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=105321&page=3&pp=10) for example.

[Bethra]

That blue girl over there on the left that's me :D
<-------------------------- :achug:

[LadyOak]

I am who and what I say I am. No reason for me to be untruthful. I think I am more truthful here than in 'real life'. I know very few, 2 or 3 people off-line I can let know the real me.

[Rayzer]

I chose option #1. My user name isn't my real name, but otherwise I'm truthful here. I went with a user name purely for the fun of it. It's sort of like going to a costume party. If I don't want people to know something I'll give my reasons why and won't discuss it any further.
That describes me perfectly

[Infinite Grey]

I am me all the time, I see no reason to lie about myself. I've led a fairly interesting life up until recently, and still do on occasions. There may be little more than three or four people online that know more about me than I present to the general public. The paradox is, despite my strutting peacock ways as Cielly puts it; I'm an extremely private person. I rarely feel the need to present my personal life to the open public. But I will strut around, and do all the fun stuff without anyone really knowing me, it's fun as all hell



http://forum.xibase.com/images/smilies/buttrock.gifhttp://forum.xibase.com/images/smilies/rocket-man.gif

[WynterWynd]

Other than the user name:p I y'am what I y'am!:)

[mcc]

So... I am afraid I cannot keep this in any longer. There is something I must say.

I am not, as I have lead many of you to believe, an 11 year old girl.

I am, in fact, a 37-year-old FBI cybercrime enforcement agent who pretends to be an 11 year old girl on the internet in order to perform sting operations on pedophiles.

I am sorry I have deceived you all. I hope you can be supportive as I now proceed to engage in two to four weeks of constant drama; then quietly disappear from the site, and anonymously return a week later with a new account.

[WynterWynd]

I don't believe youhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/VroomBroom/Smilies/gy2.gifbut its a good story!

[mcc]

I don't believe youhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/VroomBroom/Smilies/gy2.gifbut its a good story!
OH WHY DOES NO ONE TRUST ME ::sobs, goes to post nasty comments in everyone's livejournals::

[WynterWynd]

well, for the 37 year old, I offer a drinkhttp://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0304/ernaehrung/food-smiley-015.gifand the 11 year old gets a http://www.emotipad.com/newemoticons/Lollipop.gif


Are ya both happy now>

[Estsanatlehi]

The internet is a scary place, but MW is one of the places that I settle down and just be myself. It is great, I am kinda embarrassed sometimes though because I hope that I am not being stupid in posts.

[WickedBttrfly]

Well my name isn't wickedbttrfly, it's Bonnie. lol And I've even posted it before, so it's not exactly a secret.

[Ninjakitten]

I tend to be honest in everything I say on here, and in some cases I'm even more honest... well, more open is more like it, than offline. I feel more free to be myself here, except don't expect me to give you my real legal personal info (at least no more than I already do in my profile). Even my username is fairly honest. I've studied ninjitsu, and I not only love cats but tend to act like one... and I like anime and Ninjakitten kind of sounds like an anime name.

[Eowyn]

There are only two things I lie about and they are pretty minor but other than that I say 100% truths. I dont wanna lie about them but my mother makes me - otherwise there will be no internet for me like never - ever.

[SylverStar]

I'm pretty much exactly how I am online as I am off. I don't lie or make up persona's or any of that. It's just easier to be myself. I usually don't tell a lot about my personal self though online...I usually just hang around for information or out of boredom...not for friendship or anything like that. I would say that very few people online actually know anything about me.

[misschief]

i already told you guys... i'm a fat, bald man. :D. lol.:uhhuhuh:

[«§øü£Çûttër»]

and I am a short midget woman with a flat head.

[Sapphire_tigress]

I haven't posted much, other than random blurbs and questions...but I don't feel the need to lie or anything either :D

My real name is Alyssa, although i go by Alyy, live in WA, 'm 18...LOVE cats...going to college...
Thats about it :D

Oh, and i'm a lot "quieter" on MW than i am in real life. I guess its because i haven't really had time to get to know anyone yet...in real life i'm kinda bipolar :P

[Madame De La Mort]

I have no reason to lie to anyone here about myself. All that I have told is true but of course my name is not Madame De La Mort its Areal. But please call me either Madame,Fallen or Gummybear. What ever you like to call me I am okay with well just don't call me Little Mermaid. If you do that we might have a problem.

[instinct]

i am infact..... *drumroll*.... me.

d'oh.

i'm truthful. i'm myself. and there're a couple people here and there who would tell you the same about me :smile:

[gurlygurl2004]

I always tell the truth anywhere on the net, but I try to not be too personal. For example I never really give out my name (I never do on message boards), I don't post pics of myself, and I never say the town I live in, I might give the region or county, but hardly ever the town.

[Pesha]

I tell the truth about who I am. Why lie. What you see here is me.

BB
DS.

[Anyanka]

Truth be told, I can't be bothered lying about who I am. I say what I feel and think what I want. :D

[random hugs]

I dont lie about who I am although sometimes on the "net" I dont give out my real name or anything like that, but I dont lie about the person that I am, I am me on MW/online and offline. so basically im a crazy, stupid ranting idiot, who pulls pranks and says stuff out the blue and makes jokes...oh and is nice to those who need help. To those who derserve it. I dont waste my time on people who I dont think will be nice or anything, or to people who have no value to me, I know it sounds harsh, but if you are distant to those who can cause you pain, you wont have to feel their power and pain over you.
Basically thats me :D :hahugh:

[SSanf]

LOL! If I say I tell the truth, how would you know that isn't a lie? If I say I lie, how would you know that isn't the truth?

[Veritas]

i lie all the time......._pino_ :yikess:

[Kalandriel]

I'm the same me here, as I am IRL. Except of course my name isn't Kalandriel... might be cool if it was though. In fact, it's... Maudie. I know I know... it's a pretty weird, offbeat one, but I like it!

[LostSheep]

I think this forum, being concerned with often quite personal, spiritual matters, is one where people can reveal more about themselves than they normally would - I certainly feel like that, there's things I've talked about even in the short time I've been here that I wouldn't in 'real' life - things I've opened up about myself, probably becuase i feel that there's (mainly) like minded people here who won't laugh at you. So if anything, I think I'm more 'me' here than i am in that mythical realm known as 'real life' .

[Memnoch McKiln]

I like who I am, and I am who I want to be, so here as in elsewhere (Excluding wrestling sites, where I must portray my character...) I am myself

[misty]

I am who I seem to be. What you see is what you get with me.

[Pol]

I am a liar, I tell only the truth. ;)

I see no reason to not tell the truth. I tend to not talk a lot about my own personal life, more for the privacy of the others involved therein. I realised recently that I take for granted people do not know me, because I spend so much time getting to know others. Plus, I read people very easily, and expect they can do the same with me, when I suppose really they can't because very few people really know anything at all about me, even in real life. Not that I hide things, I'm just not very vocal about them.

Either way, I've never lied here (as far as I know).

I have to say, those few posts about people lying about their gender and being fake personas created for fun and creativity have me very suspicious now. :imout:
I'll never trust anyone again! My life is ruined! Or something like that. :fpartyman

[Pol]

Oh, and because I have no fear for my own life, two of my instant messenger screennames are my first and last name, backwards. I have a shotgun and rifle in the closet and I live on a military installation. I'm not bothered. ;)
They can both be found in my profile here, so I guess I don't really hide any important information on here. I wouldn't give out secret stuff like PIN numbers and whatnot, but I would probably give out my phone number and address should I ever feel the need.

[Cyzarine]

I do...most people online know the real me. Unless they're psycho...then I don't tell them anything about me.

[Pol]

WhAt's ur name huny? u r pritty gurl! :apirate: :apirate: :apirate: :boing: :boing: :boing: :apirate: :apirate: :apirate:

(lol..is that psycho enough?)

[Astara Seague]

my name is my practicing name, everything else is true :heyalove:

[kissesree]

I try to be completly honest. I cant lie here on account of knowing some members in person. my tag here is the same one I use for everything, and it was a nick name when I was little.

[Gypsy flower]

My name is Briar not gypsy flower thats just a nickname I do not give out any personal info like address etc... on line for safty reasons, my opinons etc.. that I post are my true feelings

[Eventide]

ummm...who else am I supposed to be? If I lied, honestly, I'd probably get caught-- I'd forget about that lie and get caught. Just the thought of someone praising me for who I am not, is depressing.

[fairielove]

I am totally honest on MW. I live in a very small town and only a choosen few know my practices. Ones I would trust with my life. Some of my family don't even know who I am really. So, I am glad that I have MW so I can just be me.
BB,

[abrakus]

Abrakus isnt my real name obviously, I do rpg's. Dont know if that count as lying but my opinions are my own

[Philosophia]

My opinions are my own, as are my interests and practices. My name isn't mine (it's just something I made up) and I haven't said anything about where I come from. Sometimes I lie because of safety reasons, but it's generally nothing important (for example, my sexuality...my family has no idea and my brother uses this computer as well).

[Guinivere]

I am truly me when I am here. The posts I write are based on my opinions. I don't pretend to be anybody but myself. I share my thoughts and feelings, and can be very blunt. I was raised to be honest and tell things like they are whether it hurts the person to hear it or not.

[yavanna]

I'm as true here as I am IRL. I try not to lie as a matter of principle. The only thing different here is my name. My real name is Jessica.

[Raven Reed]

I am a little nicer online, because I have time to think before I type. But other than that, it's all me. I don't lie, my memory is too poor. I could never keep things straight.

[pheonix_soul11]

i dont see the point in lieing, i am who i am and that is me online, all my aliases are all variations of pheonix so you can usually recognise me lol especially by the "misspelling" lol,
of course if someone was to lie online, then they dont like themselves, living a lie is a fake life that isnt real, how can you live the unreal!!!! ( i think lol)
obvious safety issues though eg age, name address, etc etc etc etc etc.
oh btw my spelling and grammar is terrible lol as you may have noticed hee hee :bigredgri

[wolf]

It really takes far to much effort and energy to pretend to be someone online that I am not in Real Life™. When I post, I post from my own experience. If I'm bringing in information from other sources, I make that clear as well.

I intentionally leave out some details, however. I don't name my employer, and don't usually get any more specific than about a 50 mile radius of my location.

I like you guys and all, but hey, this is the internet after all, and I'm not in need of any unexpected guests.

[Cynyr]

What you see if what you get with me.

REal name : adrienne boyd
dob: 10/15/81
Raised and born in Little rock, AR..live in Los Angeles, CA now.

And if anyone want's to know anything about me..just ask :D

Happy Birthday!! :boquet:

[Cynyr]

This is ME! Don't like what you see move along and find someone who'll pamper to your whims. If I was a product I'd have a simple name and the words "Does what is says on the tin" written under it. I don't dress things up to make them apear better. I'm not here for the popularity contest I'm just here to speek my mind and share a learning experiance. I'm probably even less subtale here than I am in real life since I really couldn't give a damd if people like me or not. Take me as you find me or bugger off and stop waisting my time. ;) :kooky:

I like you!!
:crazy:

[Cynyr]

Oh bugger my covers been blown I guess I have to tell you I'm really a midget called Bob :lol: ;)

My illusion of you is shattered. I'm going to go stand in the middle of the expressway now. :holycow:

[Guinivere]

My illusion of you is shattered. I'm going to go stand in the middle of the expressway now. :holycow:

Don't do it! You have the rest of your life ahead of you. :rubhead: :heartbrea :heyalove: :dancy: :)

[Mother Goose]

I don't pretend to be anyone else. I'm always sincere in what I tell people online, but I don't normally put my real name on the boards or tell people exactly where I live. For safety reasons I don't even use my immediate family's names when I talk about them. And I don't post pictures of them for everyone to see.

[SammieAnn]

I am me Im truthful in what I say online, I just don't give out my real full name or address unless I am buying something and its not on the forums though I will say my first name is Samantha

[forbidden_vengence]

I am totally honest on MW, and I would hope that all the people that I chat with are honest with me, the people I dislike the most are the people that lie about who they really are, I said people usually get my age wrong, I'm 16, if anybody thought differently.

[Bethra]

My illusion of you is shattered. I'm going to go stand in the middle of the expressway now. :holycow:
:collapse: no no you mustn't
<------ this is me REALY I'm just a little short at 5 foot 6 :D

[Lilith Morgaine]

:bumpsmili

[The Lady]

Great bump Lilith!!!

This is an excellent thread.

I am what I am. No lies here!:hahugh:

[Jolixte]

Generally speaking, I am who I say. I may withhold/slightly alter some minor details just to be safe, but other than that.. I am me.

[HeavensHope]

Yup, what you see is what you get. :) 100% me.

Except that in person I'm not nearly as friendly, open or social.
I tend to keep to myself, I'm busy all the time so I havent made new friends since high school. I'm only open in real life with people I'm close to, only they've seen my personality.
For the most part I think people in real life tend to think I'm anti social and they're probably right, or they think i'm a bitch...which isnt always wrong. :) hehe I can be. I'm just not the type of person to spill my guts with complete strangers (in real life that is) and I'm really bad with small talk. I'm also very honest and people get offended sometimes.
Not nearly as perky as I am on here.
I'm just a very focus and driven person in real life I have no time to have fun, I know what I need to get done to get where I need to be and I focus on that. So yeah, I come off as being serious all the time.

[WiccanGoddess]

I am Emily. I am 18. I am a Green Pagan. I have brown hair with red-hilites, I'm about 5 foot 7, and I am going into College this fall.

The only thing I don't reveal is my location for saftey reasons. That's it.

[Psycmoe]

Interesting.

I am honest, as I've no reason to lie; simple as that.

About where I live... who's going to find me in Boston? This place is huge! And all but two people I've spoken with on the internet have no idea where Humboldt is anyway. Even if someone, somehow, knew where I lived there, they'd have a very difficult time finding me if I didn't want to be found. Even my friends do.

I feel that my life has been intersting enough, considering my age, that many people simply don't believe me anyway. I don't mind; the difference between the truth and a lie is that no one is required to believe the truth. Even my legal first name is not believed. It's Diamond, by the way... people ask to see my ID card IRL before they'll beleive my name. And half of those think I've legally changed it. Pretty sad, considering I don't see it as so unusual... mostly because it's mine.

Anywho, if someone wanted to stalk me, they've have to deal with a 6-foot-4, massivly muscled Irish/Scottish opera singer. In the least.

I like to tell stories about my life past... I've fairly unique experiences for someone my age, and that's grown into a fairly unique life outlook. Ever lived without electricity by choice, my peers? Do you know how to chop wood? Do you know the difference between the burning of mahogony, oak, pine, juniper, and cedar? Have you ever eaten rabbit? Or bear? Or raw wild meat? Do you know the difference between schitzophrenia and dissasociative personality disorder? Have you been an alcoholic? Seen a goddess in the mirror, when you were least expecting it? Understood that community = family?

I could go on... but you get the point. I'm proud of my experiences, because they make me the person I am now. Even the negative ones... without them I would not have learned to be who I am.

/rave. :lookwhats

[Acid09]

It wouldn't be very fun if I wasn't myself. I do believe I am only me... unless of course aliens have snatched my body and I just don't realize my true identity yet...

[CoolJ]

I never lie about anything I say, although some may make inferences from what I withhold

[WokeUpDead]

I hold back details.

[Little Billy]

I tend to be a little more upbeat here than I am in real life.

[merlo]

If I'm not what I say I am, but am honest about it, would that be an accurate description of... who I am?

[Philosophia]

I'm not so open and friendly. I'm very shy and I don't like talking. I'm also very sarcastic.
Edited to add:
My real name is Dianne. I come from Australia. I'm 24 years old with brown hair, blue/green eyes, and pale skin. I love books, writing, art, "interneting" ;), etc.. I'm very shy and rarely talk because I'm an introvert. I go by many other names, including Scheherazade, Silent Trigger and DarkSilentMuse.

[soulforged]

I am honest on here, however, I use a different screen name than what I employ elsewhere. This is my more 'covert' screen name, if you will. I prefer that the views that I express here be kept separate from my other online persona. I don't even like considering it that it is a different online persona, because it isn't. I'm not quick-witted enough to have two. It's more that the topics discussed here are far different, usually, than the topics I participate in elsewhere.

I may be a bit more guarded here about various details of my identity, but it isn't for any mistrust of this community, it's again a privacy issue should someone want to go snooping around about me. I'm more likely to share deeper thoughts and more private things here as I feel that I am far less likely to have it 'used against me' in some way than other places.

I like it here because I can be me and not worry and I get a chance to read about and discuss things here that I don't get elsewhere, so I show my appreciation in being open and honest. Does that even make any sense? LOL!

[zede]

i am myself here and every where but i will say that mostly you get the best of me because i don't get that angry at anyone here because of the rules everyone is respectful and my gods how i hate ignorance! i do have a very bad temper but i don't lie about it. my real name is bernadette, zede is my cat scherazede's nic name. i read this whole thread and i can't beleive how paranoid some of the posts earlier on were. it was all before i came here. i wonder what was going on then that everyone was feeling that way and i am very glad the energy has changed!

[Boogins]

:wave: Hi, Bernadette. :) I'm Kass.

[Lunacie]

I'm Lunacie. Always Lunacie. Only Lunacie.
It's the only screen name I use on the internet (beliefnet, ebay, addforum).
Anything else would be a lie and a rotten stinking lousy thing to do.

If I catch anyone else lying and using more than one screen name
I report them and let the admins sort them out.

[Philosophia]

If I catch anyone else lying and using more than one screen name I report them and let the admins sort them out.

Is that for MW only or for the internet itself?

MM, who uses more than one username (not here, but elsewhere)

[Lunacie]

I meant more than one name per forum. It can get pretty confusing to have different names on different forums, but generally you're not trying to fool people 'cause you don't see the same ones on different forums all that often. And when I do, they generally say howdy and tell me who they are on the other forum.

I save all the different names and personas for RPGs (role playing games).

[Philosophia]

I meant more than one name per forum. It can get pretty confusing to have different names on different forums, but generally you're not trying to fool people 'cause you don't see the same ones on different forums all that often. And when I do, they generally say howdy and tell me who they are on the other forum.
I save all the different names and personas for RPGs (role playing games).

*phew* Oh, thats okay...
I'm only Minerva Mind here. On gaming forums, I'm "Silent Trigger", and when I'm on writing and reading boards, its "Scheherazade". "DarkSilentMuse" is something I use for livejournal and my blog.
But I agree that it is lying if you have more than one username in the same forum. :hugz:

[Lunacie]

The timing of this thread getting bumped was wacky... another thread got bumped this evening and as I was reading the responses I saw the duplicate name of one of the members here, and thought she had posted with her secret identity again - until I saw the date on the post was from last year. She had been using two screen names for quite some time, giving herself karma points, backing herself up when she's on the losing end of a debate. That's even worse than lying. That's pathetic. :geez:

[Philosophia]

The timing of this thread getting bumped was wacky... another thread got bumped this evening and as I was reading the responses I saw the duplicate name of one of the members here, and thought she had posted with her secret identity again - until I saw the date on the post was from last year. She had been using two screen names for quite some time, giving herself karma points, backing herself up when she's on the losing end of a debate. That's even worse than lying. That's pathetic. :geez:

Geesh, you're right. That is pathetic. I wonder they do that...

[mandalamama]

that's a very well-thought-out poll! great one.

i'm always just me. it's easier to remember who i am :smile:

[Amythyst]

Yep.

I am who I am. I say what's on my mind. Some people may like that and others may not.

[Cain]

Nope, I'm not who I say I am. I'm really from the NSA team assigned to monitor this site. The guys and gals at the FBI say hi too.
:wave:

[Tanya]

What in the world is the point of not being yourself?

I seek to do and be what I believe in in all things. Honest representation of self is a requirement for me.

My name is Tanya Rucosky Noakes,google away, I work for a community environmental organization, and I write and farm and raise kid for fun... That is my picture, taken about a month ago. I yam what I say I yam.

[beachj]

I try to be who I say I am. But Im not socially skilled enough in RL or on MW to really have alot of people know who I really am. I dont intentionally misrepsent myself, however it takes a while for people to really get to know me. This causes problems in my RL life, lately has stirred up issues at work :nuhuh: But ill hav eot work on that. I dont think people on here know me much beucase most of my posts are in forums like, ask a stupid question, or the song game LOL
I am who I am! :)
-Jonathan

[Mistletoe]

with me, what you see/hear is what you get :)

[serenarian]

I'm pretty much who I am offline or online. The only thing I don't divulge on here is my real name.

[Shadow Dreamer]

It's kinda funny....almost no one knows my real name, except those on here who paid attention and read it when I posted it...my given name is Thomas, but that isn't who I am, it's the name I have to use for the government. On here? I am actually more honest about who I am than in the "real" world, but that is only for protection...I work with quite a few "god fearing christians" and the area where I live is rather heavily populated with them as well....I don't really need the persecution, if you know what I mean. Here I feel like I can relax and be me.

~SD

[jinx1_2]

I am completely and 100% how I portray myself here and everything I have said is the truth. The only difference is the name.