Since we are now dealing in absolutes, you should be aware that in many
aspects of life, people are not free to use their own names as they see fit.
Let's just go to the absolute, then.

If my name is Joseph Firestone, no, I cannot market tires under my own name
of Firestone. And if my name is Steven ****you, then no, I do not believe
that a reasonable online server that caters to families and children should
permit me to have a username matching that last name.

Similarly, if one is sensitive to racism and anti-semitism, then we will not
be seeing usernames such as HangaNiger or KillzJoo even if the author of the
first name has actually traveled the Niger river and hung a left at some
point, or the author of the second is a world-renowned afficionado of
obscure chess communications.

If a server permits such despite a lengthy self-promotion as a
family-friendly place to spend time, then perhaps its sensitivity is not as
great as one might hope.

"David Richerby" wrote in message
...
Israel Silverman wrote:
Finally, even if a user's actual intentions as as pure as freshly
fallen Vermont snow, if a reasonable interpretation of a handle is
bad, FICS should not permit it.

So, to quote again my earlier example, you believe that anybody whose
name is `Dickman' should not be allowed to use their own name as a
handle on FICS. Presumably, anyone who lives in Penistone can't use
their home town, either.


Dave.

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