Is it better to Identify here as your real name, nickname or screename?

Question

Is there a requirment for our name being used on WikiTree?

Can we use a Screen name, Fake name? Nickname? Real Name?

Donna

Comments

It’s not a requirement, bit I find it difficult to help someone with their genealogy if I don’t know who they are.  My personal opinion is that if you’d rather people don’t know who you are, you would probably be more comfortable just using a personal genealogy program, not a public one.  Wikitree has mechanisms to protect the personal information of living people if that’s what’s concerning you.

Answer 1

Here is the policy if you don't want to use your real name:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Anonymization

There once was a page that specifically said we shouldn't make up fake names, but I can't seem to put my finger on it now.  FWIW, I use my real name and have encountered no problems whatsoever.  From G2G comments, it's my impression that some members are turned off by the use of "anonymous" and are less eager to help out or answer questions from "Anon" for whatever reason.

Comments

I think the page you were trying to find is:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Help:Unlisted_Active_Members

which says "Do not use a fake name under any circumstances"

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Yes, I think that's it.

Answer 2

I use the name I was given at birth. (forename and LNAB)

Answer 3

You don't have to use your real name.  You don't even have to reveal your gender (though Donna is somewhat of a giveaway).  You can keep your profile entirely private so that no one will know who your ancestors are.  But if your goal is to meet relatives and work on your family tree, in my opinion, the more open, the better.

Answer 4

I've been on WikiTree for over 5 years, using my own name, and have had no problems. I will agree with those who say you are more likely to find cousins and get help from other members if you do not use Anonymous or something similar for your name.

Comments

Same. To Donna, I would look through all the privacy settings and options before deciding to be more anonymous.

Answer 5

If you prefer being called something other than your official name, you can put that in the preferred name field. That’s how I go from the official Deborah to the preferred Debi.