an issue was recently raised about new users registering under names which are confusingly similar to already registered users and then spoofing them.

in the past we have tried to address that problem ad hoc basis with bannings of the spoofers and I just wanted to raise this up to a policy.

be advised if you register under a confusingly similar name you may get banned. I suggest all new users read the list of registered users and try to pick a good name that wont confuse people.

I wish to propose that a similar sock puppet will be tolerated if and only if the sock puppet only posts in the Nutzpah forum.

I wish to propose that a similar sock puppet will be tolerated if and only if the sock puppet only posts in the Nutzpah forum.Yeah. Sometimes they can be funny.

....I suggest all new users read the list of registered users and try to pick a good name that wont confuse people.
Perhaps a name like Auntie Edna would leave no one confused :D

This is a good idea. Admittedly some of the spoofters are amusing, especially if you dislike their parody victim. How many have you seen that had anything positive to offer the forum; other than brief comedy-relief? They most often become either boring or vicious.

I wish to propose that a similar sock puppet will be tolerated if and only if the sock puppet only posts in the Nutzpah forum.
Seconded.

Sock puppets can be funny, and I don't think they should be disallowed as long as they're being used for humor, and aren't actually intended to fool people into thinking that they're the same as the poster with the original name.

Inside their cage monkeys are funny, but if they get outside they turn vicious and have to be shot.

Hey, you all laughed at Legofag88, didn't you? He was funny, until he got nasty.

So let's accept those little pet monkeys if properly caged in the Nutzpah forum. Shoot them on sight, including their handler, if they wager outside.

I expect honesty in my correspondence. I consider using sock-puppets to be a dishonest and desperate ploy. When you have to create someone to agree with you...
I'm tempted to parody those who annoy me, but I don't succumb to the urge. It's obvious that the parodists and puppet wielders are forum regulars or long-term lurkers.

I expect honesty in my correspondence. I consider using sock-puppets to be a dishonest and desperate ploy. When you have to create someone to agree with you...

I've solved that problem by going out and fetching an inflatable doll. On policy issues, I deal with that other personality in my head

I wish I had have seen there was a "JoeSixPack" before I registered :( . Is there a way to change your name without re-registering?

Just get the attention of a Mod. Another thread here has a fast and easy way to do that.

I wish I had have seen there was a "JoeSixPack" before I registered :( . Is there a way to change your name without re-registering?
R.MacDonmald 14-88 does these changes

R.MacDonald 14-88 does these changes
Now he calls himself something else:
http://www.vnnforum.com/member.php?u=70