I have been using the internet since I purchased a TRS 80 in the 1970's.  The only service provider available was Prodigy.  I take a number of common sense precautions, but in all those years I have never been cyber stalked, cyber bullied or had my identity stolen.  I don't hide my real name. 

I agree with Kiwibarb (and so does the dictionary), "charming" is also an adjective meaning pleasant or attractive.

Regina 

There is a
huge protection reason (recommended emphatically by TC & EB) I only
use my "user name". If you were ever syber stalked & syber bullied I
would hope you would have learned your lesson. Anyone can say anything
about themselves. Charming is a verb, not an adjective. Predators are
charming you, grooming you, to entice you into their web of deceit. I
love The Hill and all in it, but I have learned my lesson. I have 2
choices I can keep myself safe by never
comming to nor participating socially, or I can take every precaution
(including TC & EB's recommendations) so I can enjoy The Hill
without constant pervasive fear; to not open myself up to the abuse of
the predators. Here's to a Happy & Healthy & Safe 2015 T P

I
am a visual person, I love the graphics even if there is no text. It
takes time to find just the right graphic. I appreciate the thought
process that went into that days choice. If there are a lot of people to
send a personal greeting to, it takes a lot of time to do so. My time
is so precious & mostly non-existant, that I so very appreciate I
was even thought of at all; never mind the effort it takes to stop
everything to demonstrate it physically. Thank you all for your comments
& graphics. Happy New 2015 T P

Lisa, I so agree with you; there are some here who think that it is safer to just use their username. Sigh! I have noted given names in my records when I have them, and try my best to use them in all private messages. I've also had to tell myself that whoever comes to my page and leaves a comment or message, that is perhaps all they know how to do it. I still wonder how comments or bulletins are meaningful with few or no words, and almost a dozen seemingly unrelated graphics. But ... even finding graphics will be an adventure to some who are discovering stuff they can do on the Internet beside read emails.

This is a learning social network for many. Life would be really boring if we were all the same and did the same things!  

Mona

When I posted this blog, I told myself that I would get at least one response from my friend, Kiwibarb. And I had a pretty good idea of what she would say ... but I did it anyway!!!!! 

However, the comment about my double posting that "shrieks of self-importance" may be true in some instances, but for me, it is a way of contacting friends and non-friends to pass on a something that I wish to share with the whole gang on my list of friends and bloggers (very few overlaps). I have limited computer time and/or NOTH time ... I do also have a busy life when my computer is turned off! Retirement has kept both Ed and I very busy! I have created a graphic with this message, as a signature, which, by the comments and messages sent to me asking me where I am, what I'm doing, am I sick, am I still your friend ... has been ignored!

Most of the stuff that I write in Blogs are my stories that most could do without, but occasionally I wish my friends would read it too. I have similar information on my page, hoping that my available time and interests are understood by those who still want to be on my list of friends. My goal is to contact every person on my list of friends with a private message, every 2-3 months. It's my way to stay in touch, even with those I never hear from, but it also tells me who is still active on The Hill. 

So, Barb, that's my story and I'm sticking to it, and you are still on my list of friends. If I duplicate postings, I'll try to remember to use the same title so that you can ignore at least one of them!  

Love you all!