I sometimes feel like an outsider

[BAKERS DOZEN]

When reading the answers I've noticed that people regularly use first names as well as user names. Just interested in how everyone knows each other. My first name is the same as a prolific AB user so it could be very confusing. Isn't that what user names are for? Have never knowingly met an ABer so just curious.

[Jemisa]

A lot of ABers use Facebook and Twitter more is revealed there I think.(I don't)

jem

[karenmac60]

Sometimes people sign off from posts giving their real name (Buenchico/Chris for example) and once you've been around for a bit you tend to pick up on who seems comfortable with their real name being used. I think some are FB friends too but I don't think they use real names on here on that basis alone. There are also nicknames used (I don't think TTFN's real name is Ena - although it might be - but she uses an Ena Sharples Avatar often). Don't worry about feeling you don't fit in - we've all been/are still there :)

[Buenchico]

When I started posting on CB, I posted 17 answers (on 17 different threads) before anyone even acknowledged my presence (and then I got several people telling me that I should leave CB and stick to the 'serious' parts of this site). So 'feeling like an outsider' is something that many (most?) of us will have been through. (You simply need to keep plugging away!)

I generally 'sign' my posts with my real name in the serious sections but not on CB. (It's just a quirk of mine. It doesn't signify anything). However people who post in both areas tend to use my real name here in CB as well.

I'm surprised that you've seen many other first names because I don't know that many myself (and I've been around here for quite some time now!). With just one exception (an American user who I met up with to give him a guided tour of Paris) I've also never knowingly met any other user of this site but there are quite a few people here who either know each other 'face to face' or simply on Facebook.

[Mamyalynne]

I think people guess my name, do not know how but they do.

[Jan1957]

A lot of us use our real names and, as Karen says, are friends on FB.

[karenmac60]

Me too! They must be psychic ;)

[BAKERS DOZEN]

Probably ambiguous post of mine. Some people put their name in posts quite often rather than lots of people posting their names. (does that make sense?). Have never used Facebook even though my son and daughter keep telling me to. Don't fancy being "poked" by strangers at my age. Ha ha

[Mamyalynne]

A poke is not bad once you get used to it, I like a lot of your posts and don't see you as an outsider. I was over a year before venturing out of Q&P into CB.

[Mamyalynne]

It was pleasant to chat yes.

[Sir Alec]

I have been an occasional ABer for over 3 years. I don't get on here very often and can feel like an outsider myself at times. Don't worry, you soon realize who are the nice ones and who to avoid!

[Mamyalynne]

Nothing untoward was said, however this is not the right time or place to discuss it.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree SirA, you eventually find a time when you are more confident to posst across other topics and in the main people are very happy to help you in difficult times too, as I have found.

[Mamyalynne]

You must have had your reasons.

[Jan1957]

How could anyone de-friend you Lynne. You are way too kind. x

[Mamyalynne]

No worries Jan, I will handle this, hope you are well tonight

[Jan1957]

Yes thanks, much better. Still trying to sort out the walking boot issues but got an appointment at the hospital at 9 am for another fitting.