---
title: "Real name policies"
date: 2023-10-31T06:31:21-07:00
replyURI: "https://fosstodon.org/@drewdevault/111329549329662520"
replyTitle: "Send me your thoughts on “real name” policies in free software contributions"
replyType: "SocialMediaPosting"
replyAuthor: "Drew Devault"
replyAuthorURI: "https://drewdevault.com/"
#syndicatedCopies:
#    - title: 'The Fediverse'
#      url: ''
---

The primary, hopefully-unintended function of a "real-name policy" is to exclude people and make people *less* genuine. Many aren't at home with the name deemed by society to be "real".

There's plural systems. And trans users who haven't made a full break from their deadname(s) yet. And at-risk users who would be doxed by such a policy. And folks who simply feel more comfortable with online handles than meatspace names, for no special reason in particular.

What incredible benefits could be worth shafting all these people? Assuming you even manage to pull it off; see {{<mention-work itemtype="TechArticle">}}{{<cited-work name="Falsehoods Programmers Believe About Names" url="http://www.kalzumeus.com/2010/06/17/falsehoods-programmers-believe-about-names" extraName="headline">}} by {{<indieweb-person first-name="Patrick" last-name="McKenzie" url="https://www.kalzumeus.com/" itemprop="author">}}{{</mention-work>}}.