[Konversation-devel] [Bug 133293] Konvesation requires a Real Name in the Default Identity

[Eike Hein]

------- You are receiving this mail because: -------
You are the assignee for the bug, or are watching the assignee.
         
http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=133293         




------- Additional Comments From sho eikehein com  2006-08-30 23:02 -------
Well, let me explain a bit better, perhaps. 

First of, supplying a real name parameter during connect is a technical requirement of the IRC protocol. An IRC client needs to send a real name parameter with the USER message to the server. This data field is explicitly called "real name" by the IRC protocol and to be used accordingly.

Secondly, while users may certainly manually enter a string of characters that does not correspond to their real name if they wish to remain anonymous, it is considered good practice for an IRC client interface to be architected in a way that asks the user to explicitly make this decision rather than automatically fill in a pseudonym for them. In short, we agree with that assessment. A lot has been written on the usage of real names in internet mediums and how it contributes to creating at atmosphere of trust and accountability in these media, in a particular with regards to the Usenet. Let's not repeat the debate here.

While we usually don't comment on the competition, let me point out that BitchX does pride itself on a certain 'rebel' attitude, showcased for example in the provocative default quit messages supplied with the software. Let's say that the intended audience of Konversation is slightly different.