IDENTITY THIEF? Why do some users hide/shield their identities?

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 11:43:30 -0400

DEAR ANONYMOUS: What is the reasoning behind using a professional, social media platform, such as RallyPoint, and hiding/shielding who you are?

Whether you hide a profile picture, have a picture of someone else, or shield parts of your names, what's the benefit?

EVERYONE ELSE: How do you feel about this practice?

Personally, I find this unprofessional and have no interaction with these people (personal choice).

Would love to hear from both sides...maybe my (or someone else's) opinion can be swayed.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 30 at 2014 12:58 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 12:58:20 -0400

I agree with a lot of what you are saying SGM Matthew Quick. For all the members out there who are concerned about getting punished somehow IAW UCMJ (or some other reason) -- I would note out that we have some of the most senior service members (both enlisted and officer) from all the branches here on RallyPoint. For example, the seniormost enlisted leader in the ENTIRE US Army Reserve SGM Luther Thomas is on RallyPoint with his date of rank, photo, etc.

Having said all this, however, I do respect every member's right to choose which types of information/photos to include in their profile. For some people, being able to limit certain information may be a compelling value proposition for RallyPoint vs. another community, and I can respect that. Enabling this was a clear decision by the RallyPoint team upfront, which supports that point as well.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 1:12 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 13:12:10 -0400

What's the benefit? Voicing an opinion and not being disregarded because of arbitrary factors. People of relatively low ranks can have valuable input, but have the content of their message disregarded or marginalized simply because the person reading doesn't feel that someone with relatively little experience could possibly have something of import to say.

Simply put, it lets the anonymous users comments stand on its own merits.

Personally, I think anyone who ignores those who wish to remain anonymous is the problem, not the anonymous users themselves.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 3:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 15:12:53 -0400

I know a number of people who work in military intelligence who simply do not put themselves anywhere online. Nothing that can identify them. They say it's beneficial in maintaining top secret clearance.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 3:14 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 15:14:07 -0400

I don't see the big deal. Not everyone's comfortable with the overly-social aspects of social media. Not everyone wants people knowing every last detail about them. I share what I want to share, and for the rest, I'm fine with saying that it's "Noneya."

I don't see how it's unprofessional to choose what you want to show on social media. I do question the professionalism of criticizing people for what information they choose to share, as if we have some sort of RIGHT to it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 30 at 2014 3:20 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 15:20:34 -0400

RallyPoint respects each individuals right to put as much or as little detail in their profile as that person feels necessary and that is commendable. I posted a similar question a while back about interacting with "anonymous" members and the consensus seemed to sway towards wanting people to identify themselves here. IMHO, there is no need to hide for fear of judgment or retribution here as it's a discussion forum. Those that have stepped over the line and abused their privileges here have been dealt with accordingly. I think having a picture and a real name helps everyone to feel comfortable, as I'm sure those that met up at RPX can probably attest to when finally meeting face to face. I also feel it helps keep the site at the professional level it has been maintained at all this time.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Aug 30 at 2014 3:49 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 15:49:24 -0400

SGM Quick,
If you were a private who was disrespected and treated horribly by your unit daily, you would probably want to vent your frustration about the unit, the army, etc.. without fear of reprisal. That's why a couple people do it.

I am also sure there are some who disagree with the majority on certain topic's but will not disagree with their own name (to avoid being ostracized).

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 7:58 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 19:58:07 -0400

Until I was pushed into retirement, my electronic footprint was next to non existence due to my view of OPSEC, COMSEC, etc.
Once I needed to started looking for civilian employment I had to make myself visible to the world. Of course, I utilize various things (such as Lifelock) and other means to attempt to remain secure (which in our current state of technology is next to impossible). Once I decided to become a visible commodity to the world - I took the uncertain chance of not being a victim of the unscrupulous individuals on the web.
I hoped that here on RallyPoint that everyone was of an ethical and professional nature and mindset. I welcomed the chance to speak about issues with members of all ranks and the chance to get advice on various matters that someone might have more knowledge of.
In my opinion, this site has been a welcome addition to help military members with various issues and the promotion of goodwill. Plus, a lot of members are also on LinkedIn which helps with the transition process into the civilian realm.
I do understand the idea about repercussions of things said - there are still pockets of 'the good ole boy' mentality at various bases (which is sad). Until I was retired, I didn't feel able to make certain references to real life examples of leadership situations I had been exposed to or endured without the possibility of repercussions. Being retired, I no longer have that looming over my head - so I feel I can address issues or give examples (without using names of course).

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2014 10:05 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Aug 2014 22:05:24 -0400

Truthfully I'm more concerned with a member being validated. But I do understand some individuals feelings for anonymity. But that being said it is also nice to associate an individual to a face.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2014 12:07 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 00:07:53 -0400

SGM Matthew Quick I agree with that because many times it is just a way to annoy people like those keyboard commandos and those 300lb men pretending to be women or whatever. lol

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2014 1:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 01:20:32 -0400

Those who choose to be anonymous here on rally point fear reprisal and repercussions from their unit. Soldiers feel they can't go their leadership and express their feelings with what's wrong with their platoon/company/battalion. I remember sitting outside the SRP building here in Ft Hood and there was a private standing next to the rail minding his own business. He leans over the rail to spit and his PSG[SFC] sees him from a distance and commences to berate him horribly. I just remember watching the whole thing thinking to myself that was not called for by no means. But back to my point, if that happened to that kid, then what do you think if he's says something on RP, FB, twitter or any other website about his unit? That unit is going to throw the book along with the weight of the world down on this kid. Not saying that is right but soldiers need to release their stress but they can't because they feel they can't talk to their leadership about their issues.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 31 at 2014 1:45 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 01:45:40 -0400

Cowards always lurk in the shadows.

Response by SSgt Brycen Shumway made Aug 31 at 2014 6:02 AM

SSgt Brycen Shumway — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 06:02:08 -0400

I can think of a few reasons someone may want to stay anon, most have previously been pointed out. But there's one that hasn't been brought up.
Let's say I'm in a situation, or I feel something that happened is going to blow out of proportions and I think I am going to be facing some serious trouble; and I have no idea what to do. By allowing me to remain anon I can go looking for advice on what I should do, without making a potential situation worse.
I can either explain the exact situation, or try to use a separate example or broad terms to generalize it.

If I were not anon, and the situation required reporting it by anyone who found out about it due to regs... Bad Mojo Jojo starts to destroy poor little city of Townsville and he just ruins the lives and livelihood of everyone there.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2014 11:19 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 11:19:36 -0400

I'm a very handsome Soldier, so I prefer showing my face and credentials... LOL

Response by MSG Timothy Smith made Aug 31 at 2014 6:23 PM

MSG Timothy Smith — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 18:23:21 -0400

The only reason I don't have my picture up here is that I don't have a decent one. And since I am in a retired status now, I'm also getting rather lazy going about having one done.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Aug 31 at 2014 8:18 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 31 Aug 2014 20:18:54 -0400

Am I the only one who is confused by the title of this topic? "Identity thief" and then goes on to talk about people who hide/shield their identity. Isn't that how people protect themselves from Identity thieves? I'm just saying. ;-)
What I do know is the guy in that picture is wearing an unauthorized PT hat.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 12:28 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 12:28:03 -0500

At a time when major commands are strongly recommending that service members limit or their military footprint in social media because terrorists are using the information to cause harm, I do not think there is anything unprofessional about concealing certain information. I would instead call it being proactive.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2014 9:16 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 09:16:57 -0500

There is no such thing as secure information on the internet. If you don't want strangers reading your information Don't put it out there. Also, Rally Point is a prime example of misusing identification. They constantly use my information to send out invites to people I never met! I have repeatedly asked them to stop this practice and yet to date it is still going on!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2021 8:28 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 08:28:17 -0400

Personally, I think it's hypocritical of Rallypoint to allow that, yet get after those of us who go by our initials because of some dumb 'policy'. I go by my initials, and no one has to break a sweat to know who I am. If it is such an issue, take away the anonymous access first, then we can talk about me.