Character name can't be hidden.

[Kraggy]

I read no where that the character linking was manditory.

We would like to announce a new function enabling players to link character data to their forum profiles. This feature will go live as part of the FINAL FANTASY XI Forum maintenance scheduled for June 29, 2011.

At present, players are required to use a Square Enix ID when logging into the forums. Characters on the PlayOnline ID associated with this Square Enix ID will now be displayed in forum profiles. Players with more than one character registered to their account may select which character to link.

After logging into the forums following the maintenance, players will be taken to the Profile Settings screen and asked to choose an active character. Forum posts cannot be made until a character has been selected.

Forum profiles will now display the following:
・Character name
・World name
・Up to three jobs and levels of a player's choosing
* The above information cannot be hidden.

Players will retain forum handles.

Highlighted the bit you obviously missed.

[Kraggy]

What is the reason for this? If it's to try to make people play nice by linking their Forum name to their character all that will happen is that people will select a level 1 mule.

^ This.

I'm not one of those nuts who prattle on about 'privacy' when systems like WOW's Armory or LoTRO'S MyLoTRO were introduced, however there are some good reasons why people may not want to identify their in-game selves on forums, forcing this is pointless, for the simple reason you note.

[BorkBorkBork]

I stand on this is silly side of the topic. At the very least you should have the option of keeping your info private. Most forums have an option of what kind of information you display to people not on your friends list. I believe the linkshell community has this option.

[Tsukino_Kaji]

Character info is not personal info. Perhaps people should take it upon themselves to be more acountable about what they say and/or how they act on the forum.

[Atomic_Skull]

Relevant:

http://www.thenoobcomic.com/index.php?pos=378

[Atomic_Skull]

Character info is not personal info. Perhaps people should take it upon themselves to be more acountable about what they say and/or how they act on the forum.

It is when it could possibly lead back to your IRL info. which it could if someone has a blog or webpage somwhere with their real name along with their character's name and server.

Thankfully many years on 4chan have taught me the importance of never ever EVER putting your IRL info on the internet. That's why I refuse to use social networking sites. It's just asking for trouble.

[GlobalVariable]

Already with the implications people not all for it are ashamed or have something to hide or want to not be accountable. Cute. I thought we might at least make it to a 3rd page 1st.

Accountability by linking two imaginary names together is laughable at best.

lolreputation. The biggest trolls are proud of what they already get away with here (and in game to) and most make no attempt to hide their in game name.

Edit:

It is when it could possibly lead back to your IRL info. which it could if someone has a blog or webpage somwhere with their real name along with their character's name and server.

Yeah this right here is why I completely understand not wanting to use this feature. Its nice for those of us who do, but it shouldn't be forced. Also why I don't use my RL name or in my game name *anywhere* that I don't have to.

Several years of being stalked taught me not to do that...

[Karbuncle]

My Game name is the same as my Forum name so yah, Doesn't effect me much. However, it is kind of silly.

At the same time, to me it just seems like this will stop some people from making an ass of themselves because now their anonymity is gone. (sure won't work on everyone because of mules etc as described here)

Unless you're embarrassed by your own posts or ashamed of yourself on these forums, I don't see a problem. I've never hid my in-game name, and i have yet to receive 1 single in-game negative tell since i began posting on forums. I have received a few positive ones though, So that shouldn't be an issue.

Most people are smart enough to not randomly send harassing tells to people in game what with harassment being again the ToS

[Tsukino_Kaji]

I for one welcome the inpending accountability if not for anything more then the entertainment value that will insue.

[Tagrineth]

Anyone opposed to this clearly has something to hide.