This is very alarming. I’ve looked into the issue a little further and I don’t like what I found. Google is adopting a “we are the law, no-one can cross us” attitude and it can lead to something even more serious than a simple nickname vs. full name question.
Some other links worth looking into:
-what are nymwars:
http://pbmo.wordpress.com/2011/09/22/nymwars/
- pointing out questionable and unclear parts of verification process:
http://techcrunch.com/2011/08/20/google-rolls-out-verified-profiles-still-struggles-with-real-name-policy/
- an account that is going to be closed, because the owner has an unusual name:
https://plus.google.com/105822688186016123722/posts/LWySptwhW7g
- inside situation at Google:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/110295984969329522620/posts/ExKJZgBAYxM
- a very inspiring article for those, whose accounts may be closed (the discussion in comments is worth reading. They raised some very good questions).
https://plus.google.com/117903011098040166012/posts/AJE8LNpmDAo
- and a site for people who do not agree and don’t want to be forced to use their real name in their virtual life. There are also pointed out people who may suffer with policies like this.
http://my.nameis.me/
I can only hope that the “witch-hunt”, or should I say “nym-hunt”, is going to be stopped and people will be allowed to decide with who they are going to share their virtual life with.
