Those of you using your real names

For those of you that use your real names, especially first and last, this question is for you:

If you Google, or use some other search engine, will these posts show up?

After my next appt at 12 weeks, I'm really wanting to use my real name here so it'll feel a little more personal with you gals. BUT, when I was going through  my WLS, and posting and reading on this site non-stop, I used my real first name and my town (which is about 1200 people). The next thing I know, my boss told me her 14 year old son saw me on the internet. Including picturs of me in my underwear!!! (before and after pics). I immediately took my site down and changed my profile name and took even  my profile pic off.

I just don't want to go through that again. I haven't told  a single person (other than my husband) that I'm pregnant. I sure don't want to advertise it online.

What do you think?

I think they could show up. My id is my daughter's nickname lol. You could always do your first name and last initial. Unless you have a REALLY unique first name, you should be in the clear.

I have a pretty unique first name...that's a good share of the problem.

Hi there,
Yes, you will come up in search engines. EVERYTHING you post on the internet is accessable to the public, and even password protected sites are accessable to someone who knows what they are doing. Think of it this way - Never ever post anything you wouldn't want on a billboard with your name and face attached. I have a public job, and prefer to keep myself private for that reason ... Hope that helps.

you can always just sign your posts with your name and not make it your screen name. I am sure that there are at least a few other people out there with your first name!

I say if you are worried about the net then just leave things as they are. Screen names don't bug me and I have lots of friends here with sn. I wouldn't use a last name for sure.

I know. It kind of makes me nervous to see the full names of some of the new babies along with their birthdates on here. (not that I don't love the good news alerts!!) But there are some real jerks in this world that would just love to misuse the information!!
Just my opinion...

My screen name is Thetexgal. I sign my posts with Traci (my first name). Only those I choose to give my full name too add me on facebook.

This is a forum. There is no need to share your full name with anyone. Again, I have friends on here that I know their full name and address but that is because we text, have personal email addresses for each other.

Traci

I'm w/some of the others...keep your screen name as is and just sign w/your first name.  Don't put your last name out there. 

Glad to see you around! I was thinking about you the other day.