I had a rather interesting experience yesterday that actually got me thinking about how much of ourselves we put in to this forum and how that some how encroaches on our privacy.

Believe it or not (and I know you only have my word for it) but I do not really resemble "old Greg" the image in my avatar. I so far have not attended any of the EF social events, so I can safely say that I can walk around this city safe in the knowledge no one at all would know me from Adam (or eve).

However, yesterday I walked past a well known face on EF. It was a rather surreal experience as I realised just how much about this person I knew, yet for them, I was no one. I felt like I was totally invading their privacy and had I been closer or in a position to, I would have introduced myself to redress the one sided situation.

I am on another forum that requires you to use a real, up to date photos so everyone is on a level playing field and because you know you could be recognised you do not post anything that you would not want people, strangers, to know about you or if you do disclose such details, well you know at least you would recognise the other person and have similar knowledge of them, which makes it much more acceptable.

I now see the benefit of this, when I see how odd it feels to walk past someone who you don't know and who does not know you, yet you know where they go to get their intimate bits waxed

Any one had similar experiences?

No you don't. You think you do. Assume nothing unless you want to appear a fool. I actually had someone come up to me in the street and express surprise that I was black.

As for the photo avatars, no one believed me when I was a chicken.

dave

Sounds like a celebrity sighting.

Kinda reminds me of how it felt like driving next to Arnold Schwarzenegger's Hummer. The second time is just a strange coincidence. The third time is, "Oh, it's him again".

Yes, that's true enough, they might have a thick bush as far as I know. Fundamental attributions aside, it is still a weird moment...

Did he mention he would be back?

The illusion of knowledge.

How do you know the picture is real and up to date?

Maybe we should ask Oded.

I actually find some comfort in knowing this.

You don't. Yet just the basis of a "might" be the real person, you are more cautious or aware of what you post.

Those guys are hilarious!!

Lob, gooner, gregv: why the **** can't you chaps turn it up a notch, huh?

Losers.

Reminds of when "Lewis Hamilton" put in an appearance on the forum (under various usernames obviously) when it was clear he was moving to Switzerland. A number of people seemed sufficiently convinced...

dave

As opposed to here where all posts are made by automated bots. I see.

aarrgghhh chicken

As opposed to here where all posts are made by automated bots. I see.

And you missed the part where they share their "I had my beard waxed by my girlfriend" experience.

Oh how we laughed !

Yeah Lob, gooner, Lou and other moderators (whom I can't remember as we haven't argued recently) , lighten up you miserable bunch of *******s !

luv
dave

You mean you DO actually have THOSE eyes... Blimey!!

Why do I now feel the urge to "come out" and tell the forum that I really do have a "mangina'?

Erleichda! Erleichda!

Either that or I look like an upside down bat.

He indeed does, and if I recall, they were the talk of Langstrasse. As were those of chemgoddess on the same night and are representative.

dave