Why to you accept usernames that are not the users callsigns?

If this website is for radio amateurs, then it should not have the feel of CB!

Non licensed users should use their name and BRS number. There is no need to be annonymous.

This website has the potential to be a very good source of information. It is important to get the image right.

73
Steve M5BXB

Hi Steve,

Welcome to the forums. I understand where you're coming from with regards to the callsign/username issue, and it is something I thought about when I first set the forums up.

I thought people might prefer to use their name, or a combination of callsign & name - and hence left the decision up to the user. I thought perhaps this would lead to a more relaxed environment and help build the sense of community.

However, on the other hand - I agree with you, we are radio amateurs and as such tend to identify each other with callsigns.

What do others think? Should we enforce callsigns for usernames? Or keep the current system whereby the decision is up to the individual? Any preference either way?

Regards,


Steve 2E0NSP

Hi Steve (the first one who started the topic),

I have to say that when I first read your post I thought that your approach was draconian and was going to say so in no uncertain terms.

However, after some reflection I can see where you're coming from. I would say, however, that I don't necessarily think that it would be a good idea to insist on callsigns or BRS numbers.

I hope that this site will appeal to everyone with an interest in radio as opposed to just Licensed Amateurs and I can well imagine that there are a vast number of scanner enthusiasts, for example, who wouldn't have a BRS number.

To this you would no doubt reply that these people could just sign in with their name. However, how do you police or validate such a system? How, for example, (other than by the fact that I sign all my posts with my first name and callsign) do you know that I am not in reality Theodore Duncan Lite? How do you know that a person who claims a call sign actually holds it, we are all aware of a minority of pirated callsigns on air, why not here?

By allowing individuals the freedom to choose, the desire to pirate an identity is effectively removed and the site is more inclusive. It also removes any responsibility to validate the identities given.

I personally feel that the quality of the posts is more important than what we call ourselves. Good debates, good advice and a warm welocome to newcomers will do much more to promote Amateur Radio than enforcing protocols. That said I am proud of my callsign and therefore display it in my signature.

I think you make a good point, but I think that the ramifications need to be fully considered. Thanks for your suggestion and welcome once again to the site.

Edited for clarity!

For me we should be free to choose whatever we like to call ourselves - my name speaks for itself.

What would be a really good idea if our profiles that are shown in each post has a section for our callsign to be entered, then it's the best of both worlds

Si
G7MVJ if anyones wondering

When I get a chance I'll see how easy it would be to do just that. That way, the callsign would always be displayed...


Steve

If it aint broke , dont fix it, why alter things when it all seems to be running smothly

Not every one without a call sign is a member of the RSGB so would not be able to give a BRS number

If you click on my user name it shows my call sign in my profile all lisensed members could show call signs here.

73,
Saronie [B][COLOR=red]G1EFU / GX1THF

I must say that I do not get the point of these odd little nicknames, but if people want to sport CB style handles, well, I've got nothing against CB, and as Brits we're entitled (or even obliged) to have our little eccentricities!

As for displaying our callsigns - I can't imagine anyone with a valid callsign not wanting it displayed. A callsign was earned, it's an intrinsic part of our identity. I have announced "This is G8ADD" so often into a mike that it has almost become part of my name, and I shall certainly want it on my gravestone!

73

G8ADD (Brian!)

callsigns should be optional as usernames - it alienates people - esp. newcomers to the hobby if they cannot get access to friendly and helpful info as provided by this site just cause they aint already licensed.#

a slot for callsign on the side profile next to users posts would be nice - i would also like to see peoples locations displayed - this alone can sometimes be a topic starter - for all i know you could all live on the same street as me (could check you out on qrz etc if you are listed!!!

take care

Chris
M0DTE - thats M0DTE incase you missed it!!!

Hi Steve, hope you are keeping well?

Please don't turn it into yet another elitist group, god knows there's enough around without making another.

There are plenty of people out there that probably read the forum who are not amateurs, we should welcome them, otherwise how are else are we able to recruit fresh blood into our hobby, oh yes, don't loose sight that this is a hobby not a profession, so our hobby is open to everyone at every level.

Paul G4LNA

Paul, Chris,

This was the point I was trying to make in my earlier post. I think you guys made it more succinctly than I did.

If people want to use their callsigns as their user name go to it. If they don't, then whatever rows your boat. I would much rather see a lively well attended board open to all that supports our mutual hobby than create a clique.

Best regards everyone

chill out folks radio is meant to b fun radio

Well, I signed up before gaining my licence, so only recently have a callsign.

However, I agree with the idea of having callsigns displayed if you have one.

But then, you could add your callsign as a sig if that's what you want?

Just my thoughts...


Steve [M6ZST]

Sorry if my username offends, 30 years in the commercial vehicle engineering industry specialising in fuel injection equipment is why I use this name. I use this name on many other forums from Karate to Boating, mainly because it helps me when I return to a forum and can't remember what sign in I use. M3VLT would be seen as just as confusing on some of the engineering forums I belong to.

I haven't touched a CB since 1980

Personally I don't think the usernames matter, it's the content of the post thats important.

But am easy either way, if the forum wants to go over to using callsigns then so be it, I do think it may be seen as a stumbling block for people joining who don't have a licence.


Anyway thats my two penneth

Paul
M3VLT

Hi all,
This username or nick-name thing has come about more from internet based messaging than any other. I bet I am not alone in having a number of interests and being an active forum member on sites catering for them, viz. classic motorcycles to name one. I use the same username for these other forums/ sites. By all means, use your callsign as your username if you wish. Those that are not current holders of a callsign may be put off if everyone elses username appears as a callsign. I bet few none callsign holders have a brs number. The only other ham radio sites I'm a member of, all yahoo ones, ie rig specific, msstv and ham radio deluxe all have usernames and callsigns as usernames in about equal measure.
This site may be quiet, not the biggest in terms of users etc, but it is by far the most polite, friendly and most importantly non discriminatory compared to some such as eham, where new callsigns, no code calls etc are often berated by some who should know better.
Cheers, Bill, G6BCC